Week 34 usually brings an antenatal appointment, and it often brings engagement — the head moving down into the pelvis in stages. That drop can make several symptoms vanish at once, which feels like something is about to happen. It usually is not.
Your body this week
Engagement is described as a staged process, and the drop that comes with it is called lightening. Space opens up in the abdomen, which gives the lungs room, so breathlessness eases. Pressure comes off the stomach, so heartburn often improves.
That relief is not a sign that labour is close. The NHS is explicit that it can be several more weeks. What does usually get worse is the need to pee, and walking.
Colostrum leakage is common now. Breasts may feel enormous and sore, and a light bra at night and a supportive one in the day is the usual advice.
What you may notice
Braxton Hicks contractions, sleep problems, stretch marks, sore gums, round ligament pains, piles, headaches, backache, indigestion and heartburn, bloating and constipation, leg cramps, feeling hot, dizziness, swelling, urine infections, vaginal infections, and skin and hair changes.
Side sleeping remains the guidance, and the reason given is that it helps blood flow to the placenta.
Your baby this week
Around week 34, the figure given is about 45cm from head to heel, which the NHS compares to a cantaloupe melon. Population averages, and not a measurement of any particular pregnancy.
There is very little room now, with legs bent up towards the chest. Movements should still be felt clearly, and the bump visibly changes shape as they happen.
What care usually happens around now
In the UK, an antenatal appointment at around 34 weeks covers blood pressure, urine, and bump measurement, and it is where results from the 28-week bloods are discussed if that has not already happened. For women who are rhesus D negative, anti-D in the third trimester falls in this period.
The NHS also points women at the NICE antenatal care guideline around now and adds a sentence worth keeping: if you are not happy with any aspect of your care, say so. Appointment schedules differ between countries, and so does who you say it to.
This week's tip
Fix your maternity leave start date this week and tell your employer in writing. In the UK, changing it later needs at least 28 days' notice, and leave starts automatically if a baby arrives early or if you are off sick with a pregnancy-related illness in the four weeks before your due date. Knowing which of those applies is easier now than by email from a hospital bed.
When to see a doctor
Contact your maternity service the same day for any change in movement, leaking fluid, regular or painful tightenings, or bleeding. Pregnancy warning signs has the full list.
Seek care now: Contact your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency department if you have heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided tummy pain, a severe headache with vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, a fever, fluid leaking from the vagina, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or a seizure. Contact your maternity service the same day for any reduction in your baby's usual pattern of movement. Femio cannot assess a pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
My heartburn suddenly stopped. Does that mean labour is starting?
Usually it means the head has moved down and taken the pressure off your stomach. It can still be several weeks before labour begins.
When should I start maternity leave?
It is a personal decision, and some women work until the birth. Week 35 covers pain relief options, and week 33 covers packing. Ask your midwife if you want advice about stopping work.