Pregnancy week 34
8 Jan. 2026
Updated: 9 Jan. 2026
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Pregnant in week 34? In this article, you can read all about this week of pregnancy – from your baby’s development and physical changes to useful tips for you as an expectant mother.
The foetus’s nails are growing and now they have become so long that the foetus can even cut itself inside the womb. However, you don’t have to worry about it being painful, but after they are born, it may be good to file or gently nibble their nails so that they do not cut themselves.
During this week, many foetuses have turned head down and it is highly likely that they will then remain in that position all the way until delivery. The foetus can turn so that its back alternates between lying to the right, left, against the pregnant woman’s back or stomach. However, it is common for the foetus to have a favorite side to look towards! You notice this as a pregnant woman by feeling your feet in the same direction in your stomach. If the foetus is still breech-bottom down, there is still time for them to turn over, so you don’t need to worry.
At week 34, there is about a litre of amniotic fluid in the uterus, which means that the foetus now takes up more space than the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid makes it easier for the foetus to move, while preventing the uterus from pressing directly against the foetus.
Their immune system is much more developed at this stage than before, but since newborns have to build up their own defenses against viruses and bacteria, they still need to be protected against potential infections during the early days after birth. Be prepared not to meet up with friends’ children who are at nursery and have a cold – classic nursery viruses, and newborns should be protected against this. In general, it is good to maintain good hand hygiene and to avoid meeting with friends and acquaintances who have a cold.
Some babies may lie sideways, crosswise or have their bottoms down in your abdomen. Most commonly, however, the baby has found its position with its head in the pelvic inlet! You will almost certainly feel kicks or pressure from the baby’s bottom against your ribs. You may also feel an increased pressure or feeling of heaviness in your abdomen as the foetus pushes itself further down, or the feeling of it rushing into your groin and thighs. This simply means that the foetus is settling its head into a good position! So, this is a completely normal feeling, even if it is not very pleasant. However, it is a good sign that your baby is getting ready for birth, right?
Pregnant women may develop elevated or high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy, which may require medication using antihypertensive drugs. More frequent checks will be done by the midwife to measure your blood pressure and any protein in your urine. It may also be necessary to perform more ultrasounds to measure foetal growth and the flow in the umbilical cord. The local maternity unit will advise bloods tobe taken as this forms part of the assessment. The high blood pressure can affect the kidneys so that their function deteriorates, and you may suffer from pre-eclampsia. Apart from the kidneys and circulatory impact, the liver and the coagulation system can also be affected if you develop pre-eclampsia.
During almost all visits to the midwife, your blood pressure and urine will be measured. If your blood pressure is high, you may also have your bloods tested to find out if you are suffering from pre-eclampsia.
The earliest onset of pre-eclampsia is after week 20 of pregnancy, but it is most commonly seen in week 34 or later. Some women have no symptoms, while others may experience headaches, nausea, epigastric pain (in the middle of the stomach, just below the ribs) or problems with their vision experienced as blurred vision or twitching eyes. It is also common to have sudden severe swelling of the face, hands and/or feet.
About 3-7% of pregnant women get pre-eclampsia. There is a possible hereditary component to pre-eclampsia, so you may want to talk to your mother or sister about whether they have had pre-eclampsia during their pregnancies. In addition, the risk is higher if you had high blood pressure from a previous pregnancy, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, have had an egg donation or are expecting twins. However, that does not mean you will definitely get pre-eclampsia! This is also true if you had pre-eclampsia during a previous pregnancy.
If the doctor at the midwifery clinic assesses that there is a high risk of pre-eclampsia, treatment may be necessary for preventive purposes. Also extra checks by the midwife, more ultrasounds with weight estimation of the baby and blood flow measurement in the umbilical cord.
There is a more serious form of pre-eclampsia that causes the pregnant woman to have convulsions. In addition to that, pre-eclampsia can progress into a condition called HELLP, which means that the liver, kidneys, blood and coagulation system are also affected. The few who suffer from this will be treated in hospital and closely monitored during pregnancy. This is also true if you are diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia. The “cure” is to give birth, and you will then plan whether the birth should be induced or performed by C-section based on various parameters and the condition of the foetus.
It probably feels like your child needs a lot of things and you may have never heard of lots of these baby items before! What exactly is a footmuff, baby nest and baby gym?
You don’t have to buy everything recommended to you, nor do you have to have everything at home right from the start. Instead, let the need for any gadgets emerge naturally. That said, there are some things we would still recommend having in place *before* you go into labour.
Of course, your baby needs clothes. These can be adapted according to the season, but generally you need small bodysuits, trousers and pyjamas mostly, during the early days.
Have you thought about their place to sleep yet? Baby nests are a very popular option among parents in the first few weeks as it is cramped and cosy – a feeling many babies like as they have just come from the womb. A bedside crib is a convenient alternative to a regular cot that can be placed next to your bed, but a classic cot is also a great option in the early days. A cradle may also be suitable – look at options and at what you think suits you best.
In those early days, many babies want to be close to you to feel the warmth and breath of their parents. As a parent, you obviously want to cuddle, but it can also be good to have your hands free, in which case a baby carrier and/or baby sling are great options!
How are you planning to handle your baby’s hygiene and nappy changes? A changing table or changing bed makes the whole process easier and, when placed at the right height, it is also good for your baby’s back.
In addition to this, it is good to have a baby car seat (above all so you can get home from the maternity ward!), buggy and lots of blankets of different materials and thicknesses.
