34 weeks pregnant
Her gestation is in the last laps of a circuit that seemed to be infinite. The feeling is that time takes longer to pass and the last week of the expected delivery date is more distant.
It is more difficult to do this with the baby leaving less space for your lungs to expand, but breathe as deeply as you can and keep going, there are very few weeks left to hug your baby.
In the meantime, show everyone your big belly and enjoy another time of pampering and special attention. As soon as the baby is born, the eyes turn to him more. Not that it will be completely ignored, but it is normal to want to see the new family member up close.
Do you want to know why it is good for your baby to stay a few more weeks in your belly, what you are probably feeling and going through this week and the care you should take? Keep reading.
Baby development
The baby’s growth is slowed in relation to weight. While growing 0.5 cm per week, the weight increases 200 g or 300 g more than the previous week. At 34 weeks he is between 44.5 cm and 45 cm and weighs about 2.3 g.
The increase in the fat layer under the skin continued and now the skin, which was previously wrinkled, is smooth, just like a baby should be. The immune system is maturing, when it is born, it already protects itself from milder infections.
The lungs are almost developed and the baby’s body is preparing for delivery, the skull bones are not fully connected, facilitating the passage of the head at the time of delivery.
It is not because it is in the final stretch that you stop talking to him and put on a song to listen to together. Hearing is developed and he feels good when he hears your voice. After birth, you will recognize it easier when you hear it.
What happens to mom
The swelling, especially in the feet, ankles, wrists and hands, will haunt your life until the end of pregnancy. Pains in the lower back and pelvic area are also bothersome. The hips feel pain and numbness, it is the baby’s head fitting, if it has already happened.
Sleeping is really a complicated task. The belly has no position. Breathing becomes difficult. Sensations of heat. Heavy legs. Pelvic pain. Frequent trips to the bathroom. Insomnia eventually sets in.
If before you did everything with agility, getting down or sitting down seems like insurmountable obstacles. Everything is done with care and looks very draining.
Care that should be taken at this stage
You want to try to be a super woman, able to do everything yourself, but know that you will need help, especially between this final phase and the first two months after giving birth.
Talk to your mother, aunt, cousin, mother-in-law, friend or hire a temporary employee to help with household chores and to review the details of the baby’s room and the organization of the clothes, if it has not already been done.
Keep moisturizing your body and drinking plenty of water, even if it makes you go to the bathroom more often. Swelling and constipation, if any, may subside.
The diet must remain rich in proper nutrients to keep the mother and baby healthy and at the ideal weight. If you eat right, getting back to weight before pregnancy becomes easier.
Walking is not as pleasant as it used to be. Unless the doctor has advised you not to, continue to practice an exercise, you will see the difference at the time of delivery.
Pay attention and observe the characteristics of a contraction, to know how to differentiate it from Braxon Hicks contractions. If they are irregular and painless, relax and wait. Stronger, regular and less widely spaced, go to maternity, your baby is coming.
Suggested items to take to the maternity hospital
Maternity wards, stores and specialized websites usually deliver or post a list of items to take with them at delivery. Leave everything ready and preferably place the bag near the entrance door or in the trunk.
It is necessary to assess the air temperature on the day of delivery and if there is a need to stay longer in the hospital. Some maternity hospitals provide certain items, even diapers and pads.
The suggestion is to put in your bag: two sweaters, comfortable underwear, slippers, socks, toiletries, lotion and the hospital bill.
In the baby’s bag, 3 overalls, sock, gloves, hat, a kit to cut the nail. If the hospital doesn’t provide it, take 20 or 30 diapers.