What to Do When You’re 34 Weeks Pregnant
Learn what to expect as you prepare for your baby’s birth
Learn what to expect as you prepare for your baby’s birth
When you’ve reached week 34 of pregnancy, your body is getting your baby ready to meet the world. Your little one is about the size of a cantaloupe melon, and your uterus is still expanding.
As your baby gets ready to arrive, you can take steps to improve your labor and delivery experience. Preparing ahead can help you feel less stressed and more relaxed in the final weeks of your pregnancy.
Your OB-GYN is a valuable source of care and information as you near delivery.
“Talk with your obstetrician now about when you should call your care team and head to the hospital,” says Elizabeth Silverman, MD, an OB-GYN at Scripps Clinic La Jolla. “Any time you have questions or concerns, even if they seem minor, call your care team for guidance.”
Use the checklist below to help you get ready for your baby’s birth.
Choose a pediatrician
If this is your first child, it is important to choose a pediatrician early. Your pediatrician will see your baby soon after birth. They will provide care during the early years and into adolescence.
Choosing a doctor several months before your baby arrives gives you time to research. You can ask friends for recommendations or use your health care provider’s referral system. Once you have made your choice, inform your care team.
Some parents choose to meet with their pediatrician before their baby’s birth to discuss what to expect after the child arrives. However, you do not need to schedule an appointment for your baby while you are still pregnant. “The hospital will facilitate the newborn appointment once the baby is born,” Dr. Silverman says.
If you pick a pediatrician who does not care for newborns in the hospital, the pediatrician on duty at the hospital will look after your baby until you both go home.
Prepare a birth plan if you’d like one
A birth plan outlines your preferences for your delivery experience, such as music you would like to hear, relaxation techniques you want to use, pain relief options and more. This birth plan template can help you get started. Review your birth plan with your obstetrician several weeks before your due date and bring a printed copy with you to the hospital.
Get familiar with your birthing hospital
Find out if the hospital where you will deliver your baby offers in-person or virtual online tours for expectant parents, especially if this is your first baby. This can help you know what to expect when you are admitted and relieve uncertainty about the process.
Know where you should go when you arrive (especially if it is after 5 pm or before 8 am) and where to park. Ask about visiting hours for family and friends, age restrictions for visitors and any other concerns.
Scripps operates three labor and delivery hospitals in San Diego County, each staffed by expertly trained physicians and nurses.
Know what to do when you think you are starting labor
Timing is different for each pregnancy. Your doctor will give you the necessary instructions. They will tell you how to know when it’s time, what to do and where to go. Ideally, you should come to the hospital when you are in active labor.
Common labor signs include:
- Baby sinks a few inches lower into your pelvis
- Gastrointestinal problems start
- Mucus plug dislodges
- Water breaks
Plan for the logistics of your hospital stay
Decide well in advance who is going to drive you to the hospital. If you have other children or family members who will need care while you are gone, arrange for that now. Also, determine who will bring you home from the hospital and when. In general, hospital stays for vaginal births are 24-48 hours, while cesarean births are 96 hours or fewer.
Install an infant car seat
Install an infant car seat in the vehicle that will bring your baby home. Ensure that the seat is properly installed and meets safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions for optimal usage. Hospital staff typically cannot assist with installing the car seat or placing your baby in the seat, so it’s imperative that your car seat is ready for your baby and you know how to use it correctly.
Pack your bag for your hospital stay
Putting your hospital bag together now can help relieve last-minute anxiety and ensure you have everything you need during your hospital stay. If there are items you’ll need to add closer to your due date, make a list of those and keep it with the bag so you don’t forget them.
Relax and enjoy this time
If you have other children, talk to them about what to expect when their new sibling comes home and how they can help. How a child reacts to the news about a sibling will depend on their age and interest level.
Take advantage of quiet times to rest and “nest” as you prepare to welcome your baby into your family and home.