Trimester 3
Week 34
Your baby is about the size of a rockmelon.
Length: 45.0 cm · Weight: 2100 g
Common this week: Nesting instinct, Fatigue, Braxton Hicks, Back pain, Pelvic pressure, Swelling.
Baby development
- The vernix caseosa is thickening to protect the skin from amniotic fluid.
- The baby's sleep-wake cycles are now well established.
- The central nervous system and lungs are nearly fully mature.
- Most babies are head-down by this week — check with your midwife.
Changes for you
- Fatigue often increases as the body prepares for birth.
- Antenatal visits are now every 2 weeks.
- The nesting instinct may kick in — a strong urge to prepare and organise.
- Braxton Hicks can be frequent and quite strong.
Tips
- Channel the nesting instinct into practical tasks: meal prep, nursery setup, baby gear assembly.
- Anti-D is given for Rh-negative women at 34 weeks.
- Ask your midwife to confirm the baby's position.
- Write down any birth preferences not yet documented.
Appointments
- Routine antenatal check.
- Anti-D injection for Rh-negative women (28 and 34 weeks schedule).
Warning signs
- Preterm labour signs
- Reduced fetal movement
- Signs of preeclampsia
- Fluid leaking
Australian notes
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab test is typically done at 35–37 weeks in Australia. A positive result means antibiotics in labour — discuss this with your provider.
- RANZCOG supports universal GBS screening in Australia.