Week 34
Trimester 3Days 33+0 to 33+6
Baby is now the size of a butternut squash
Welcome to Week 34. Your baby is now looking very much like a newborn. Although there are still important finishing touches taking place, many of the major developmental milestones have already been reached. The coming weeks are largely about growth, weight gain, lung maturation, and preparing for birth. Every week your baby continues to become stronger and more prepared for life outside the womb.
Length
~45 cm
~17.7 in
Weight
2.2–2.4 kg
4.9 lb–5.3 lb
Development highlights
- check_circleFat continues accumulating rapidly, helping your baby stay warm after birth, store energy, and develop the rounded appearance of a newborn.
- check_circleThe lungs continue developing and producing surfactant, becoming increasingly capable of functioning independently after birth.
- check_circleYour baby continues receiving protective antibodies from you through the placenta.
- check_circleFingernails, toenails, hair, and skin are all becoming increasingly mature and newborn-like.
- check_circleMany babies are now firmly head down, with some beginning to gradually move lower into the pelvis.
This week's milestones
- check_circleLungs nearly mature.
- check_circleReceiving protective antibodies.
- check_circleFingernails, toenails, and hair mature.
- check_circleMany babies settling lower into pelvis.
Fun fact
If your baby were born this week, they would likely look very similar to a full-term newborn, just slightly smaller and leaner.
Weekly checklist
- Continue prenatal vitamins.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat balanced meals.
- Monitor baby movements.
- Review hospital bag plans.
- Make sure important phone numbers are easy to find.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to feel ready for pregnancy to be over?
Yes. Many women feel excited to meet their baby and tired of the physical demands of late pregnancy.
Why am I peeing so often?
Your growing uterus and baby place pressure on the bladder, reducing how much it can hold.
Are Braxton Hicks contractions supposed to happen every day?
Many women experience them daily during the final weeks of pregnancy.
Is my baby fully developed now?
Most major systems are developed, but the lungs, brain, and body fat continue maturing right up until birth.
Related tools
shopping_bagHelpful picks for Trimester 3
Browse all pregnancy products →Frida Mom Motherload Hospital Bag
30-piece pre-packed hospital bag covering labor, postpartum, and newborn grooming — organized in removable toiletry bags.
Momcozy M5 Wearable Electric Breast Pump
Hands-free wearable electric pump that fits discreetly in your bra — portable and quiet for pumping on the go.
Birth Comb & Acupressure Massage Ball
Labor pain relief set using acupressure — hold the comb during contractions to activate pressure points.
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Medical information disclaimer
The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult your GP, midwife, health visitor, paediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or your child's health and development. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have read on BabyScout. If you think there is a medical emergency, call 999 (UK) or your local emergency services immediately.