Week 34 of Pregnancy
Your baby will be ready to be born in just a few short weeks! This week, the protective covering, the vernix caseosa (the white, waxy layer that keeps the baby’s skin safe), starts to thicken, ensuring that the baby’s skin remains smooth and moisturized during delivery. Your baby will likely be born with this coating, especially in the folds under the arms, behind the ears, and the groin area. However, all of this will be washed away during the baby’s first bath, which is now often delayed for 24 hours to allow the microbiome to form properly. In these last two months, the baby prepares for entering the outside world, and other changes are not as noticeable as before. Keep paying attention to the baby's movements. The intensity of movements naturally decreases in the last weeks of pregnancy. Normally, during the second half of pregnancy, the uterus contracts intermittently. As the pregnancy nears its end, these contractions increase. Eventually, the contractions continue regularly until the cervix dilates. If contractions and cervical dilation occur before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it will be preterm labor.
Tests and Monitoring in the 34th Week
Specific tests and monitoring to ensure the health of both mother and baby, if not done in previous weeks, may be performed and checked this week. There are also specific dietary recommendations that should be followed. Below are the most important points:
A complete blood count (CBC) test is done to check for anemia, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit. If anemia is diagnosed, iron supplements may be prescribed.
A urine test is performed to check for protein, glucose, and infection. The presence of protein in the urine can indicate preeclampsia, which requires special care.
Additional ultrasounds may be ordered by the doctor if necessary to assess the baby's growth, the position of the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Special tests may be recommended depending on the condition of the mother and baby.
If you have not yet received the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (Tdap), it may be recommended at this time.
Regular blood pressure checks are crucial for early detection of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. As in previous weeks, your doctor may ask the mother to monitor the baby's movements and count them. A decrease in movements could indicate a problem that needs to be checked.
Nutritional Recommendations
Sufficient protein intake: Protein is essential for fetal growth and strengthening the mother’s body tissues. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes.
Iron intake: To prevent anemia, consume iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, and legumes. Consuming vitamin C with iron-rich foods can increase iron absorption.
Calcium: For maintaining the mother’s bone health and supporting the baby’s bone growth, it’s important to consume dairy, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified products.
Folic acid: To prevent neural tube defects in the baby, consume foods rich in folic acid, such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, and folic acid supplements.
Hydration: Drinking enough water is important to prevent dehydration and help the body function better. At least 8-10 glasses of water per day are recommended.
Fiber: To prevent constipation, which is common during pregnancy, it’s important to consume fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Limiting salt and sugar intake: Excessive consumption of salt and sugar can lead to problems like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. Therefore, these should be limited.
Prenatal supplements: Your doctor may prescribe prenatal vitamins and minerals that should be taken regularly.
General Tips
Gentle physical activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can help maintain health and reduce stress.
Rest and enough sleep are important for energy recovery and stress reduction.
Maintaining a positive mood and reducing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and counseling is helpful.
At this stage of pregnancy, your doctor may discuss signs of labor and when to go to the hospital with you.
Following these recommendations and consulting your doctor can help ensure the health of both mother and baby, leading to a healthy pregnancy.
