During weeks 34 and 35, women are approaching the end of pregnancy 8th month. The fetus is now well developed and continues to build up stores of fat and minerals in the body. Women can expect many of their pregnancy discomforts to return but having a regimen that involves a healthy diet and gentle exercises can help maintain their physical and emotional well-being.
What happens during week 34 of pregnancy?
The fetus by week 34 of pregnancy weighs close to 2kg and measures around 45cm long. They are too big at this point to move around freely; however, mothers will continue to feel their kicks and might even experience slight discomfort when they roll over. Their immune system is developing fast to prepare for birth as they will be exposed to different pathogens once outside the uterus. The bones of the fetus continue to build up calcium and become harder; however, the bones are still soft and flexible until birth. The soft bones aid in the birthing process as they relieve pressure by being flexible. The same applies to the skull of the fetus, which is made out of 6 separate bones that remain un-fused to allow the head to deform as they pass through the birth canal slightly. The fontanelle fetal skull (soft spot) of the skill can be felt after birth and until 18 months as the brain continues to develop.
Women will often find that their physical discomfort increases after this period. It is also normal to feel emotional and tired occasionally. Since the ligaments of the body have softened to cope with the physical stress during pregnancy, it is common to experience aches and pains in the joints that make it harder to sleep. It is important to rest well and exercise to cope with the pain and emotional lows. If the pains become unbearable, talk to the doctor about treating them appropriately.
What happens during week 35 of pregnancy?
The fetus is a little over 45cm long and weighs close to 2.3kg by this time. Since they have put on more weight, they will spend most of their time in the typical fetal position of having their knees bent up to their chest. If the pregnancy week 35 baby position is still in breach- with the head up and the bottom down, it is not a cause for concern as most fetuses flip around as the due date approaches. If they still continue to stay in the breech position for a few more weeks, the doctor will try to turn them around using a procedure known as External Cephalic Version (ECV).
Women would start feeling the pregnancy false contractions or the Braxton hicks contractions more frequently now. The contractions feel like cramping or tightening of the abdomen and can occur as frequently as every 10 to 20 minutes. This is the body’s natural way of preparing for labour and is not a cause of concern. Women are informed about these false contractions and how to recognize them by doctors.
Wrapping up
By pregnancy weeks 34 and 35, the fetus continues to gain weight and grow to weigh more than 2kg. It is important to continue with a healthy pregnancy diet and gentle exercises to nourish the fetus and cope with the stresses of third-trimester pregnancy.
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