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34 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms and What to Do

Week 34 is in the third trimester, month 8 of pregnancy. Here's how big your baby is, what's developing, what you may feel and what to do this week.

Week 34 · 3rd trimester · month 8
About the size of a honeydew melon
about 17.7 in (45 cm) · 5.1 lb (2,310 g) (head to heel)

Your baby this week

Space is getting tight, so your baby stays curled up. In boys, the testicles are moving down into the scrotum.

At 34 weeks your baby's central nervous system and lungs keep maturing. Most babies born after 34 weeks adapt well, though full maturity takes a few more weeks. Choose your baby's pediatrician now if you haven't, and make sure the infant car seat is installed. For you, fatigue, discomfort and waking often at night may come back. Know the warning signs of preeclampsia: a severe headache, vision changes such as flashing lights or blurriness, pain under the ribs on the right side, and sudden swelling. If you notice any of them, call your provider or labor and delivery right away.

By the numbers

Week 34 covers days 238 to 244 counted from the first day of your last period, which is 85% of a 40-week pregnancy. About 42 days remain until a 40-week due date. Since last week, an average baby gains about 7.4 oz (210 g). By date of conception, your baby is about 32 weeks old.

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, so conception happens around week 2. Your due date is 280 days (40 weeks) from that day, and an early ultrasound may adjust it.

Your body

You may feel more pressure low in your pelvis. Tiredness tends to come back late in pregnancy, so build rest into your day.

Tests and to-dos this week

Pack your hospital bag so it's ready to grab. If you're getting Tdap and the RSV vaccine, aim to have them done by 36 weeks.

  • Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine · weeks 27–36 · vaccine

    Recommended during each pregnancy, preferably early in this window.

  • RSV vaccine (September–January) · weeks 32–36 · vaccine

    Or your baby can get an RSV antibody shot after birth instead; ask your provider which option fits.

Coming up: Group B strep (GBS) test (from week 36). Full prenatal visit schedule

Tips for the third trimester

  • From 28 weeks, go to sleep on your side; if you wake on your back, just roll over.
  • Pack your hospital bag and agree with your provider on when to head in.
  • Call right away, even at night, if your baby moves less or differently.
  • Know the signs of labor: regular, strengthening contractions, your water breaking or a bloody show.

Call your provider or labor and delivery right away if you have:

  • your baby is moving less or differently than usual
  • your water breaks, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smells bad
  • bright red bleeding or constant, severe belly pain
  • a severe headache, vision changes, pain under the ribs or sudden swelling
  • intense itching, especially on the palms and soles

In an emergency, call 911.

Last week and next week

Last week (33): Your baby's nervous system is fully developed and the bones are hardening.

Next week (35): Your baby is getting chubbier.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the baby at 34 weeks?

About the size of a honeydew melon: about 17.7 in (45 cm) · 5.1 lb (2,310 g), measured head to heel. These are rounded averages, and every baby grows at their own pace.

How many months is 34 weeks pregnant?

34 weeks is in month 8 and the third trimester. About 6 weeks (42 days) remain until a 40-week due date. Months are approximate; providers count weeks and days.

What are the warning signs of preeclampsia?

A severe headache that won't go away, vision changes, pain under the ribs on the right, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, and new nausea in the second half of pregnancy. These need urgent care.

What's the next test or appointment after week 34?

Next up: Group B strep (GBS) test, from week 36. Your provider may schedule things differently depending on your health and local practice.

Sources

Last reviewed: November 14, 2026 · Kitpebble editorial team

This page is for general information. It isn't medical advice or a diagnosis and doesn't replace your OB-GYN or midwife. Sizes are rounded averages. Our editorial policy

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