At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby measures approximately 45cm, is likely lying head-down in preparation for birth, and has digestive enzymes active enough to process food independently if born now. The central nervous system and lungs continue to develop rapidly, and babies born between weeks 34 and 37 without other health complications typically do well. Expectant mothers should watch for signs of pre-eclampsia — such as swelling in the face and hands — while normal symptoms like swollen ankles and fatigue are to be expected. For nutrition, bok choy and pak choi are highlighted as pregnancy-friendly superfoods, offering vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, folic acid, iron, and dietary fibre in a low-fat, low-calorie package.
- At 34 weeks pregnant, an unborn baby measures about 45cm in length.
- Babies born between pregnancy week 34 and 37, in the absence of other health problems, typically do well.
- For twin pregnancies, 37 weeks is considered full-term, meaning new arrivals could come within a few weeks of week 34.
- At 34 weeks, a baby's digestive enzymes are functioning, meaning the baby would be able to digest food independently if born at that stage.
- Bok Choy and Pak Choi are Chinese leafy green vegetables that are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, dietary fibre, beta-carotene, vitamin B, potassium, folic acid, and iron.
- A clear white vaginal discharge at 34 weeks is described as normal, but a yellowish or thicker discharge may indicate thrush and should be reported to a midwife or doctor.
Pregnancy Diary Week 34
Discover your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Diary Week 34
Now is the time to begin utilising those pain-relieving tips and relaxation techniques that you learned in your antenatal classes.
If you are expecting twins, 37 weeks is considered full-term so your new arrivals could come in the next few weeks. Be certain your hospital bag is ready to go.
Discover
How your baby is growing
What you can expect at this time
A beneficial food for your pregnancy nutrition
Pregnancy Diary Week 34: How Is Your Baby Growing?
Your unborn baby measures about 45cm at 34 weeks pregnant and could be lying head down preparing for birth. Your child will be making a lot of tiny movements however, you won’t notice as many big ones – there’s is just too little room for somersaults any more.
The central nervous system is developing and her lungs are progressing as well.
If you gave birth in the next few days, your baby would be able to digest food on their own as the digestive enzymes are working at this current time.
Your baby’s memory is able to discern familiar sounds so it is necessary for you and your partner to continue talking to your baby. If you’ve been concerned about early labour, you’ll be glad to know that babies born between pregnancy week 34 and 37, in the absence of other health problems, typically do well.
What you can expect
You may observe swollen ankles and feet, particularly at the end of the day, this is to be expected. However, if you have puffiness in your face and hands talk to your doctor or midwife this could be a precursor of pre-eclampsia.
A clear white vaginal discharge at 34 weeks is normal. If however, it grows yellowish or thicker, it’s imperative to inform your midwife or doctor as this could be a sign of thrush.
If you’re currently working and feeling increasingly tired, this is normal. Talk to your employer about switching your hours to a time that travel is less hectic, or if its an option you could propose working from home.
Bok Choy-Pak Choi For Pregnancy Nutrition
These are leafy green Chinese vegetables, which look much alike and are very versatile and easy to use.
They are known to aid digestion, as well as being high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, dietary fibre and beta-carotene. This is a wonderful low fat, low carb, low-calorie food. It also contains vitamin B and potassium. It is a versatile tasty cabbage which is a superb source of folic acid. It also contains iron.
Bok Choy and Pak Choi Liven Up Any Stir Fry
These Chinese vegetables liven up any stir fry, as they can be added towards the end and are still very vibrant. You don’t want to let them get soggy, just keep an eye on how they feel and look as you stir the stir fry around.
Start your stir fry base with some freshly chopped ginger and garlic, and fresh coriander. Keep about half the chopped coriander aside to sprinkle on the dish before serving up. Heat up a couple of tablespoons of sesame oil or vegetable oil (I love sesame oil, but it works very well with vegetable oil).
Pop in the chopped ginger, garlic and coriander just for a few moments until they are releasing their flavours, but don’t risk them becoming toasted or burnt, as this will change the taste – and not for the best …
Use chopped red and yellow bell peppers, cut in long thin strips, and onions cut in a similar way. Add in some teriyaki sauce, or if you prefer some oyster sauce or a sweet and sour sauce. Choose the taste you feel like.
If you wish to add some lean meat, also cut this into long strips but make them more bite-sized and brown the meat briefly on another pan, so that it won’t take too long to cook.
When you have your spices ready, then add in your chosen sauce and a small bit of water to start, next add in the chopped vegetables (but not the bok choy or pak choi, keep that til towards the end).
Cook the vegetables constantly stirring them for about 4 minutes, next add in the meat. It is vital to check the taste and add more sauce and/or water according to how it tastes, as well as salt and pepper.
After a few more minutes the meat should be almost cooked, but this will, of course, depend on what meat you have chosen. Check it carefully.
Ideally, you should add the bok choy or pak choi a minute or so before the end, and then add an extra bit of sauce and water to deal with the larger volume, without drowning everything!!
Stir for a few moments so that the Chinese vegetable absorbs the flavours and is cooked, but not overcooked. It is best eaten quite crispy.
It can be served with rice, by itself, with noodles, or with quinoa.
Sprinkle the chopped coriander over before serving, and if you wish some toasted sesame seeds.
Pregnancy Diary Week 34
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.
How big is a baby at 34 weeks pregnant?
At 34 weeks pregnant, an unborn baby measures about 45cm. The baby may already be lying head down in preparation for birth.
What is happening with a baby's development at 34 weeks?
At 34 weeks, the baby's central nervous system and lungs are still developing, and the digestive enzymes are already working, meaning the baby could digest food independently if born. The baby's memory can also discern familiar sounds at this stage.
What are the signs of pre-eclampsia at 34 weeks pregnant?
Swollen ankles and feet are normal at 34 weeks, but puffiness in the face and hands can be a precursor of pre-eclampsia. You should speak to your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice this type of swelling.
What does normal vaginal discharge look like at 34 weeks pregnant?
A clear white vaginal discharge is normal at 34 weeks. If the discharge becomes yellowish or thicker, you should inform your midwife or doctor, as this could be a sign of thrush.
When is full-term for a twin pregnancy?
For a twin pregnancy, 37 weeks is considered full-term. Women expecting twins at 34 weeks should ensure their hospital bag is ready, as their babies could arrive within the next few weeks.
Do babies born at 34 weeks survive?
Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks typically do well in the absence of other health problems. This can offer reassurance to parents concerned about the possibility of early labour.
What are the benefits of bok choy and pak choi during pregnancy?
Bok choy and pak choi are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, dietary fibre, beta-carotene, vitamin B, potassium, folic acid, and iron. They are also low in fat, carbohydrates, and calories, making them a nutritious choice during pregnancy.
How should you cook bok choy or pak choi in a stir fry?
Bok choy and pak choi should be added towards the end of cooking a stir fry, approximately one minute before the dish is finished, to keep them crispy and prevent them from becoming soggy. They can be served with rice, noodles, or quinoa.