Women’s Services
This week, your baby is as big as a butternut squash.
The following information was reviewed by Katherine Cheng
Entering the 34th week of pregnancy, all parts of your baby's body are almost fully developed, you can get ready to celebrate very soon.
During ultrasound scans at this stage you will begin to see facial expressions as a result of a fully developed nervous system.
Its good to interact with your baby on a daily basis. Talking to your baby through your belly can help establish a close connection between parent and child.
In the later stages of pregnancy, pregnant women may experience dizziness due to standing up too quickly, hypoglycemia, severe anemia, and overheating of the room temperature. Pregnant women should therefore:
Changes in oestrogen levels, coupled with the enlargement of the uterus putting additional pressure on the pelvic veins and rectum can cause the anal cushion to swell. This can result in difficulty defecating and the formation of hemorrhoids. To prevent hemorrhoids, pregnant women should consume more fibre than usual and avoid sitting on the toilet for too long.
Cleaning teeth thoroughly every day is extremely important for oral health, especially when hormone secretion changes during pregnancy. The gums of pregnant women are prone to allergic reactions due to the toxins secreted by bacteria in the dental plaque. They become red, swollen and bleed easily. This phenomenon is called "Gingivitis of pregnancy".
This is also due to the increased concentration of estrogen in pregnant women. When blood circulation increases, pregnant women will find that their hair becomes thicker and shinier than before, and their nails grow faster and become stronger. But when the postpartum oestrogen concentration drops, the growth rate will return to the state before pregnancy.
At 34 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is about to be born. It is recommended that you:
Mothers who wish to give birth naturally can learn about midwifery breathing methods in advance.
You are welcome to make an appointment with an OT&P midwife for midwifery breathing exercises or to ask questions about soothing discomfort before labour.
Whether you’re planning for an addition to your family or are already pregnant, OT&P’s Maternity Team is here to help.