Week 34
Your baby is the size of a cantaloupe
What's happening this week
Your baby is about 18 inches from head to toe and weighs approximately 4.75 pounds. Six weeks until your due date, and your baby is looking more and more like the newborn you'll soon meet.
A small but charming milestone this week: your baby's fingernails have grown to the tips of the fingers. Some babies are even born with nails long enough to need trimming — one of those tiny details that surprises new parents. Toenails are catching up and will reach the tips of the toes in the coming weeks.
The vernix caseosa — the waxy coating that has been protecting your baby's skin — is getting thicker. It will continue to build up until birth, when it serves as both a protective layer and a natural lubricant during delivery. Some vernix is usually visible on a newborn, especially in skin folds.
Lung development is progressing well. The lungs are producing adequate surfactant, and the air sacs (alveoli) are maturing. A baby born at 34 weeks would likely be able to breathe with minimal assistance, though some may still need temporary support. Every additional day in the womb strengthens the lungs.
The central nervous system is continuing to mature. Your baby's sleep cycles are becoming more defined, with clear periods of active sleep, quiet sleep, and wakefulness. Brain development will continue well after birth — in fact, the brain won't reach full maturity until your child's mid-twenties.
Your baby is adding about half a pound of fat per week, and it shows. The skin is smooth and plump, the cheeks are rounding out, and the limbs look chubby. Your baby is starting to look exactly like they will on birth day.
Your body this week
Six weeks to go. Your body is in full preparation mode — everything from hormone production to pelvic alignment is gearing up for delivery, whether that's weeks or days away.
You may notice increased pelvic pressure as your baby descends deeper into the pelvis. This can cause a distinctive waddling gait, sharp twinges in your pubic area (called symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD), and the feeling that your baby might just fall out when you walk (they won't). These sensations are all caused by the baby's weight pressing on your pelvic floor and the hormone relaxin loosening your pelvic joints.
Braxton Hicks contractions may become more intense and more frequent. Some people describe them as feeling like their belly turns into a hard ball for 30-60 seconds. They're still practice contractions — irregular and not progressively painful — but they can feel more 'real' at this stage.
Fatigue is likely profound. Your body is supporting a nearly full-term baby while dealing with disrupted sleep, physical discomfort, and the emotional weight of impending parenthood. Rest whenever you can. Nap without guilt. Go to bed early. Accept that your to-do list will not be completed, and that's okay.
Your GBS test will happen this week or next (typically between 35-37 weeks). It's a quick vaginal and rectal swab — painless and over in seconds. Results are usually back within a few days.
If you're planning to breastfeed, consider scheduling a consultation with a lactation consultant before delivery. Having one identified and booked means faster access to support if you need it in the first days after birth.
For dads
Six weeks. The end is close enough to feel tangible but far enough away that it still requires patience. Your partner is likely in the most physically uncomfortable stretch of the entire pregnancy. She may be emotional, exhausted, and anxious about labor in equal measure. The most helpful thing you can be right now: calm, present, and proactive. Double-check the hospital bag: hers, yours, and the baby's. Make sure the car seat is installed — and ideally inspected by a professional (many fire stations offer this for free). Know the hospital route and have a backup. Put the pediatrician's number in your phone. These small acts of preparation add up to a lot of peace of mind when labor starts.
Have a conversation with your partner about postpartum expectations. What does she envision the first week looking like? How does she feel about visitors? What kind of help does she want — and from whom? Many couples don't have this conversation until they're in the thick of postpartum recovery, and by then, emotions are running high and everyone is sleep-deprived. Also: discuss how you'll communicate your needs to each other after the baby arrives. You'll both be running on empty, and small miscommunications can feel enormous when you're exhausted. Agreeing now on a way to flag when you need help — without defensiveness or resentment — sets you up for a healthier first few weeks as parents.
Common concerns
Is it normal to feel lightning crotch?+
Yes — 'lightning crotch' is the unofficial but widely used name for sudden, sharp, shooting pain in the vagina or pelvic area during late pregnancy. It's caused by your baby's head pressing on nerves in your cervix and pelvis. It's startling but harmless and usually lasts only a few seconds. It tends to happen more as the baby descends deeper into the pelvis. Changing positions can sometimes help, but there's no reliable way to prevent it.
What happens if my baby is born at 34 weeks?+
Babies born at 34 weeks are considered late preterm and generally do very well. Survival rates are over 99%, and most 34-week babies can breathe on their own, though some may need temporary breathing support. They may have difficulty with temperature regulation and feeding, potentially requiring a short NICU stay. Late preterm babies typically catch up to full-term peers within the first year or two. While every week in the womb helps, 34 weeks is a strong point for outcomes.
Should I take a breastfeeding class before the baby arrives?+
It's a good idea if you plan to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is natural but not always intuitive — many parents find the first few days challenging. A class covers latching techniques, common problems and solutions, pumping basics, and what to expect. Many hospitals, birth centers, and lactation consultants offer classes. At minimum, identify a lactation consultant you can contact after delivery. Having support lined up in advance makes a significant difference in breastfeeding success.
When should I call about contractions at this stage?+
Use the 5-1-1 rule as a starting guideline: contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour. But at 34 weeks, it's worth being more cautious — if you're having regular contractions (more than 4-6 per hour) that don't stop with rest and hydration, call your provider. Preterm labor is less likely at 34 weeks than earlier, but it's still possible. Also call if contractions are accompanied by fluid leaking, bleeding, or decreased fetal movement. Your provider will guide you on whether to come in for monitoring.
Product picks for week 34
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Lactation consultation gift card
If you plan to breastfeed, booking a lactation consultant before delivery gives you immediate access to expert support after birth.
Perineal cold packs for postpartum
Instant cold packs designed for postpartum perineal recovery — soothing relief that you'll want ready before you need them.
Baby swaddle blankets (set of 3)
Swaddling helps newborns feel secure — a set of breathable, stretchy blankets in different weights for different temperatures.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.