Week 34!

Ray and I are now at Week 34! But the other day, Ray reminded me that even though I am at Week 34, I am actually in Week 35! I still find it all so confusing. Anyway, here is Week 34 info. And as always, my comments are in italics! :)


Most likely your baby is somewhere between 15 ½ to 17 ½ inches long and weighs around 5 to 5 ½ pounds.
Holy bagoli! I look back and think about how excited I was when he was just a pound or two! Now, he is a big boy that is almost done baking! And if our baby is larger (at least heavier) than “average”, I’m carrying quite a load! Ray is really good about taking bags (or whatever I am carrying - even my purse) from me so I don't have to tote them around. He'll say, "I will carry that. Give it to me." When he feels I will fight him, he will say, "Let me see your purse. I want to put something in it." At first, I didn't know it was a trick. Now, I know exactly what he is doing. Instead of fighting him, I just smile and hand over my bags. And I have since come up with my own way to joke with him. When he tells me to hand him my purse or a particular bag, I say, "I got it. It isn't that heavy. If you want to carry something, carry this." Until he realized that I was messing with him, he would say, "What?" I smile and point to my big belly. He usually says, "I would if I could!" or "Okay, hand him over!" :)

During the last several weeks, we have discussed that your baby's body has begun to fill out with the formation of fat under his/her skin. This is an important part of development because these fat stores will help him/her to regulate their body temperature once they are born.
We’ve learned a lot (between our classes and reading material) about the importance of a baby being able to regulate their body temperature. I don’t think our guy will have any problems. ;)

The central nervous system is continuing to mature, and the lungs are well developed. While most healthcare providers would ideally like you to carry up to 38 to 40 weeks, your baby has a good chance at surviving outside of your uterus at this time.
I’m so glad to hear that his lungs are well developed. This gives me peace of mind just incase he comes early.

Typically the amount of amniotic fluid peaks between 34 and 36 weeks. At 37 weeks the amount of amniotic fluid begins to decrease to allow more room for the baby. The amniotic fluid is reabsorbed by your body, which also increases the amount of room that the baby has to move. You may begin to notice that your baby's movements feel different.
Right now, I think he is in a good bit of fluid because he has been moving around a LOT. It makes me sad to think about him having less and less room in there. Can you imagine what is like – being awake, having your eyes open, being cramped up, and no room to move?! How miserable that must be.

You may be fatigued from lack of sleep, especially from having to run to the bathroom at night as your uterus keeps the pressure on your bladder.
YES! I haven’t been sleeping the best. If it isn’t because I/we are uncomfortable, it is because of all the bathroom trips. If I think I have to go when I’m sitting or laying down, I REALLY have to go when I stand up! I feel like I should have a siren and flashing lights on me because when I feel I need to go, I REALLY have to go…NOW! :)

~T.T.