Your Baby at 34 Weeks

A Closer Look at Week 34

At 34 weeks, your baby is behaving very much like a newborn. They have established distinct sleep-wake cycles, respond predictably to familiar sounds, practice sucking and swallowing, and can coordinate breathing-like movements with swallowing. If born at this stage, your baby would likely need only minimal support in the NICU, as all major organ systems are functional, though further maturation would benefit lung and brain development.

For boys, the testicles are completing their descent from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum, a process that began several weeks earlier. In approximately 3-4% of full-term male babies, one or both testicles have not fully descended at birth — a condition called cryptorchidism that usually resolves on its own within the first few months of life.

The vernix caseosa coating is at its thickest this week, providing a waterproof barrier that protects the skin and will help lubricate the birth canal during delivery. Your baby's skin is now pink and smooth rather than transparent and wrinkled, thanks to the subcutaneous fat deposits that have accumulated over recent weeks.

Blurry vision or dry eyes are symptoms that some women experience in the third trimester. Hormonal changes can alter the shape and thickness of your corneas, temporarily changing your prescription. Fluid retention can also cause puffiness around the eyes. These changes are usually temporary and resolve after delivery. If you experience sudden vision changes, flashing lights, or see spots, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as these can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia — a serious pregnancy complication that requires prompt treatment.