34 weeks pregnant

34 weeks pregnant is about 8 months. It falls in the eighth month of pregnancy. You are in week 34 of 40, in the third trimester. Here is what is happening with your baby and your body this week.

Your baby at 34 weeks

The central nervous system and lungs keep maturing. The baby is building up fat for life outside the womb.

Your baby's lungs are producing more surfactant, a substance that keeps the tiny air sacs from collapsing when breathing begins. This is a big step, although lung development continues for weeks yet. The vernix, the creamy coating protecting your baby's skin, is getting thicker now before it starts to shed in the coming weeks.

Fat stores are filling out your baby's arms, legs, and cheeks, helping with temperature control after birth. Fingernails have reached the fingertips, and in many boys the testicles are moving down into the scrotum.

Your baby's sleep and wake periods are becoming more predictable, and the brain is getting better at regulating functions like heart rate and breathing movements. Babies vary widely in size near term, so your provider focuses on steady growth rather than a particular number.

Your body at 34 weeks

You may feel very tired and uncomfortable. Vision can become slightly blurry.

Many people feel especially tired at this stage, not just from carrying extra weight but from broken sleep and the extra work your heart and lungs are doing. Hormone changes and fluid retention can also affect the shape of your eye's surface, which is why vision may seem a little blurry or contact lenses feel uncomfortable. This usually settles after birth, so it is best to wait before getting a new glasses prescription. Any sudden change in vision, flashing lights, or spots needs urgent medical attention, as it can be a sign of preeclampsia.

Your belly at week 34

In month 8 (weeks 32–35) the uterus reaches its highest point, up near your ribs, so breathlessness and heartburn are common. Fundal height is usually around 32–35 cm.

Belly size and shape vary a lot depending on your build, whether this is your first pregnancy, your baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid. At checkups your doctor or midwife may measure your fundal height to track your baby's growth, and may arrange an ultrasound if the measurement is quite different from what they expect.

Symptoms at 34 weeks pregnant

• Deep tiredness and low energy
• Slightly blurry vision or dry eyes
• Heartburn and feeling full quickly
• Pressure under the ribs
• More frequent Braxton Hicks tightenings

Checkups around week 34

Routine visits continue every two weeks in many places, with some care plans including an appointment around 34 weeks. Your provider will check blood pressure, urine, bump size, and your baby's heartbeat, and may talk with you about your birth preferences, pain relief options, and feeding plans. Timing varies by country and individual needs.

Common symptoms in the third trimester

The third trimester runs from week 28 until birth, usually around week 40. Your baby gains most of their weight, their lungs mature, and your body prepares for labor. Not everyone has every symptom, and it is normal for symptoms to come and go. Common ones include:

• Shortness of breath as your uterus presses up on your diaphragm
• Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions
• Swelling of the feet and ankles
• Trouble sleeping and getting comfortable
• Pelvic pressure and pain
• Needing to urinate more often again
• Heartburn and back ache

Read the full third trimester guide.

When to call your doctor or midwife

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Frequently asked questions

How big is my baby at 34 weeks pregnant?

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a cantaloupe. That is about 45 cm (17.7 in) from crown to heel, weighing about 2.1 kg (4.7 lb).

How big is my belly at week 34 of pregnancy?

In month 8 (weeks 32–35) the uterus reaches its highest point, up near your ribs, so breathlessness and heartburn are common. Fundal height is usually around 32–35 cm. Bump size, shape and when you start to show vary a lot from person to person.

Is a baby born at 34 weeks fully developed?

Not quite. Babies born at 34 weeks are called late preterm. Many breathe well, but they may still need help with feeding, keeping warm, blood sugar, or jaundice, and some stay in a neonatal unit for a short time. The extra weeks in the womb continue to benefit the lungs, brain, and fat stores, so full term is still the goal.

Is blurry vision normal at 34 weeks pregnant?

Mild blurriness or dry eyes can happen in pregnancy because of fluid and hormone changes, and it usually improves after birth. But blurred vision that comes on suddenly, or comes with flashing lights, spots, a severe headache, or swelling, can be a sign of preeclampsia. Contact your doctor, midwife, or maternity unit straight away if you notice any of those.

What should be in my birth plan at 34 weeks?

A birth plan is a short summary of your preferences, such as who you want with you, pain relief options you would like to try or avoid, positions for labor, and how you plan to feed your baby. It also helps to note your wishes if plans change, such as a cesarean birth. Share it with your doctor or midwife so you can discuss what is possible.

What trimester is 34 weeks pregnant?

Week 34 is in the third trimester, which covers weeks 28 to 40.

How many months is 34 weeks pregnant?

34 weeks pregnant is about 8 months. It falls in the eighth month of pregnancy. The eighth month covers weeks 32 to 35. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months, counted from the first day of your last period.

This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different, and baby sizes are approximate averages. Last updated 2026-11-07. See our medical disclaimer.