Week 34
Your Baby's Development
Maternal
calcium intake is extremely important during pregnancy because during
the pregnancy, the baby will draw calcium from the mother to make and harden
bone. If a pregnant woman doesn't get enough calcium during pregnancy, it can
greatly weaken her own bones and teeth because the developing fetus will take
minerals from the mother's skeletal structure as needed.
Meanwhile, your baby's adrenal glands have grown and are producing hormones
that stimulate lactation. The vernix coating on the baby's skin is becoming
thicker, whereas lanugo hair is almost completely gone.
Babies born at 34 weeks usually have fairly well-developed
lungs, and their average size of 5 pounds (2250 grams) and 12.6 inches (32
centimeters) allows them to survive outside the womb without extensive medical
intervention, although oxygen might be needed for a few days.
Your Body
Fatigue is a common complaint of late pregnancy. Difficulty
sleeping, aches and pains, weight gain, and anxiety about labor,
delivery, and taking care of a newborn may contribute to your exhaustion. Rest
as much as you can and take naps if possible. Don't rely on caffeine to perk you
up, though, because too much caffeine can negatively affect your baby.