In the 34th
week, fetus is in handstand
position and can still change position.
Overall development
34-week fetuses are ready to go out – their
heads face down. At that time, they look plumper by fat layers under skin.
Their skin is also less red, less wrinkle, and smoother.
From this week, doctors begin paying
attention to babies’ position for coming weeks because some babies can turn 180o
(head turns upwards) whenever in this period.
A
34-week fetus is equal to a long pumpkin.
Fetus’ crania still does not have
combination; parts of crania still separate so that babies can move through
narrow cervix. But other bone in their body is harder and harder. Neurons in
baby’s brain develop quickly in order to support to complete their senses.
Especially, apple of the eyes can stretch to help babies recognize shapes.
If you get premature birth at that time,
your children can totally stabilize their lives without support of medical
facilities. In some cases, babies can have to breathe oxygen in the first days.
However, there are no problems to worry about their health.
Fetal size
In the 34th week, fetuses weigh
about 2.1 – 2.8 kg and have length of about 44 – 45 cm from head to heel (from
head to buttock is about 31 – 32 cm).
the
34th week of pregnancy.
Mother’s symptoms
If this is the first time of childbirth,
baby’s head can fall down pelvic hole and hit into uterus. If this is next
childbirth, this symptom occurs before laboring about 1 week and sometimes
happens when the labor begins.
If you feel babies kicking inside at lower
position compared with abdomen and pelvis, they may be breech; but you can be
assured because they will turn back before birth.
In
the 34th week, babies face their heads downwards.
Navel of pregnant women rises up, sometimes
they feel itch and uncomfortable; therefore, they need to cover it.
Note that legs, hands, face, and ankles can
be swelled. This is water retention of the body and it is usually getting worse
at the end of day. The reason is body holds water in the last period of
pregnancy.
To reduce edema, doctors recommend that
pregnant women should drink water frequently and regularly; it is not only good
for amniotic and baby, but also ease mother’s discomfort.
To prevent water retention, pregnant women
can eat much garlic, onion, and parsley – that sounds strange but these smelly
vegetables are very useful for treating this symptom.
However, if hands or face are swelling and
puffy, you should call doctors immediately because it can be sign of
preeclampsia.
Things that must be done
Remember schedule of antenatal care
according to doctor’s instructions.
Make HSS test before birth immediately.
Keep track of body’s signs because you can
labor whenever, especially for women in the first time of pregnancy.
Things that should be done
Make the life simpler. Inventory everything
before going shopping. Find a cook who will make meal for you during the first
months after childbirth.
Always keep phone number of relatives,
doctors, neighbors, and even hospital where you delivery.
Arrange your work to prepare for
childbirth.
Note about finance in order not to be
worried after birth.
