Pregnancy: 34 weeks

How the child grows:

Your baby weighs almost 2 kg with a height of 45 cm. His subcutaneous fat layer helps regulate body temperature after birth. His skin is smoothed out, and the central nervous system and lungs continue to develop. If you are worried about premature birth, you will be pleased to learn that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks, without health problems - are not exposed to any risk.

Important: the development of each child is strictly individual. Our information is designed to give you an idea of the development of the fetus.

Changes of the future mother

This week, you will again notice increased fatigue, although perhaps not as intense as during the first trimester. Your fatigue is perfectly understandable, given the physical stress and restless nights. Now is the time, a little slow down and save energy during the working day. If you have been sitting or lying for a long time, do not make sudden movements to avoid dizziness.

If you notice itchy red tubercles or scars on the abdomen, thighs and buttocks, this may be a symptom of itchy papular vesicular dermatitis, to which up to 1% of pregnant women are susceptible. The disease is not dangerous, but can cause discomfort. Consult a doctor to make sure that this is not a more serious problem requiring treatment. Also make sure that you do not experience intense itching throughout the body, as this may indicate a liver problem.

3 questions about ... Caesarean section

• Who is affected by cesarean delivery?

Approximately 30 percent of pregnant women in the United States give birth by caesarean section. In certain cases, the surgical method of delivery is planned in advance, in others it is caused by unforeseen complications.

• What are the reasons for the cesarean section?

Unplanned births by caesarean section can occur for many reasons: the cervix stops opening, the baby stops passing through the birth canal, or the child's palpitation causes fear from the doctor. A planned cesarean section can be recommended if:

• You had a cesarean section at previous births with a "classic" vertical uterine incision or more than one incision. (If in the past, you had one horizontal incision, now natural births can take place after cesarean section.)
• You have been exposed to another type of invasive uterine surgery, such as myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids).
• You are pregnant with more than one child.
• The size of the child is more than normal.
• The fetus is in the pelvic or transverse presentation.
• You have a placenta previa.
• The child has developed a disease that can be dangerous during vaginal delivery.
• You have HIV and blood tests performed at the end of pregnancy, show that you have a high viral load.
  
• How is the cesarean section?

As a rule, your partner can be present during surgery. The doctor will insert a probe to drain the urine during the procedure and begin the injection of anesthesia. You will not be able to observe the process, but after performing the necessary incisions and the appearance of your baby, the doctor will put it on your chest for a short while, after which the pediatrician will examine it. After examining the child by a doctor, it will be given to your partner while you are stitched. This part of the surgery usually takes about 30 minutes, after which you can return to the aftercare room, where you can pick up and feed the baby.

This Week's Activities: Make a plan for unforeseen circumstances. You may experience premature birth or develop complications that require a longer stay in the hospital. Make sure that your older children are under supervision, and your pets are fed and strolled.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]