You're 34 weeks pregnant, and it's time to celebrate a major milestone: If you were to give birth now it's likely that your baby wouldn't have any major complications. That's great news for your peace of mind, but don't sign the eviction papers yet—there's still plenty more growing to do!
- Your Uterus is Growing
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When you're not pregnant, your uterus is only about 3 inches high. At 34 weeks pregnant, your uterus has stretched so much that the top of it should be about 5 inches above your belly button! It might feel like you're as big as you can possibly get, but by the end of your pregnancy your uterus will be another 2-3 inches higher than it is now.
- Are You Having a Boy?
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If you're having a baby boy, you'll be happy to know that his testicles have now descended into his scrotum. As your little guy was developing, his testes were in his lower abdomen, but at 34 weeks they should drop down into his scrotal sac. In some instances one or both testicles will not descend. It's okay if that happens, as they should drop on their own by his first birthday.
- Congratulations--You're in the Safe Zone!
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Once you make it to 34 weeks, you can begin to relax. Most moms-to-be worry about preterm labor or the health issues involved with micro-preemies. At 34 weeks, as long as there are no other health issues, your baby might need a short stay in the NICU, but would be expected to thrive and develop on the same track as his or her full-term peers.
- Helpful Tip: Buy a Car Seat Now
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If you haven't purchased an infant car seat yet, this is the time to do it. Buying a seat now will give you (hopefully) enough time to familiarize yourself with how the seat works, and will also give you the time to have the seat tested by a professional installer. Call your local fire or police department to find the nearest car seat safety professional.