w 1 w 2 w 3 w 4 w 5 w 6 w 7 w 8 w 9 w 10 w 11 w 12 w 13 w 14 w 15 w 16 w 17 w 18 w 19 w 20 w 21 w 22 w 23 w 24 w 25 w 26 w 27 w 28 w 29 w 30 w 31 w 32 w 33 w 34 w 35 w 36 w 37 w 38 w 39 w 40 GO TO Baby calendar

W 1 W 2 W 3 W 4 W 5 W 6 W 7 W 8 W 9 W 10 W 11 W 12 W 13 W 14 W 15 W 16 W 17 W 18 W 19 W 20 W 21 W 22 W 23 W 24 W 25 W 26 W 27 W 28 W 29 W 30 W 31 W 32 W 33 W 34 W 35 W 36 W 37 W 38 W 39 W 40

34 Weeks Pregnant: Fingernails, Fast Growth and Getting Ready

Medically reviewed by

Verena Brehm, Midwife Jul 29, 2026

Line illustration of a butternut squash: at 34 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a butternut squash, roughly 30cm crown to rump

Line drawing of a 34-week foetus curled head-downward with hands tucked under the chin and ankles crossed

Line drawing of a woman's torso at 34 weeks pregnant, turned slightly to one side, showing the uterus inside a high rounded late-pregnancy bump

Your baby is the size of a

Butternut squash

~2,100 grams

~30 cm / ~11.8 in

Key Takeaways

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 30 centimetres — 300 millimetres — from crown to rump and weighs more than 2,100 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. This week your baby's fingernails have reached the fingertips.

This is the weight-gaining stretch — Mayo Clinic says your baby has finished most major development and it is time to gain weight quickly. But weight is the visible half: Health Canada puts the lungs maturing to work outside the uterus in these weeks.

Movement awareness stays front and centre. SOGC advises being aware of changes in your baby's usual activity level in the third trimester, and notes that fewer than 6 movements in 2 hours means you should contact your provider as soon as possible.

Your Baby at 34 Weeks: Development & Growth

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 300 millimetres (roughly 30cm) long from crown to rump and weighs more than 2,100 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. This week the fingernails have reached the fingertips, and your baby is in the stretch of pregnancy that is mostly about gaining weight.

Your baby measures about 30cm this week — roughly the length of a butternut squash — and weighs more than two kilograms. Mayo Clinic puts it as "nearly 12 inches (300 millimeters) long from crown to rump" with a weight of "more than 4 1/2 pounds (2,100 grams)." Length is still measured crown to rump at this stage.

The detail of the week is small and rather lovely. Mayo Clinic notes that at 34 weeks "your baby's fingernails have reached the fingertips." Tiny, complete fingernails — the kind you will one day be trimming.

Most of the heavy construction is behind you. Mayo Clinic explains that by week 31 your baby "has finished most major development" and it is "time to gain weight quickly." That is the theme now: your baby is packing on the weight that will carry them into the world.

There is less room in there, too, and that is expected. Mayo Clinic notes that by week 35 your baby "fills most of the space in the amniotic sac and has less room to move," though "you'll probably still feel lots of stretches, rolls and wiggles." Movement changes shape, but it does not stop.

Your Body at 34 Weeks: Symptoms & Changes

At 34 weeks pregnant, many mothers feel the third trimester in earnest — a heavy bump, an achy back, broken sleep. SOGC lists backaches, constipation, frequent urination, tender breasts, leg cramps and mood swings among the common discomforts of pregnancy. Movement awareness matters now, and so does knowing which symptoms need a call. Every pregnancy is different.

The aches are real, and they are common. SOGC lists "Backaches and headaches" among the usual symptoms, noting that "backaches are common during pregnancy." A shifting centre of gravity and a heavier middle put new demands on your back this trimester.

Other discomforts may come and go. SOGC also lists "Constipation, gas or bloating," "Frequent urination," tender or swollen breasts, and leg cramps — for which SOGC says "gently stretching out the cramp is the best way to stop the cramp." Any of these can be part of your week, and, as SOGC puts it, "every pregnant woman is different."

Movement is the thread that runs through the third trimester. SOGC advises that it is "a good idea to be aware if any changes in your baby's usual activity level, especially in the third trimester," adding that "your perception of your baby's movements is one of the strongest indicators of your baby's wellbeing." You are the expert on your baby's pattern.

Your changing shape is doing real work. SOGC explains that weight gain "isn't just the baby" — "your placenta, increased blood volume, larger breasts, and fat stores to support breastfeeding, also contribute." And SOGC is clear that "it is not recommended that you try to lose weight during pregnancy." A rounding, heavier body is exactly what this stage asks of you.

What to Do at 34 Weeks Pregnant

NUTRITION AT 34 WEEKS PREGNANT

Add the third-trimester calories, and add them well. SOGC states: "In the third trimester, you need about 450 extra calories," noting this "generally equates to 2 or 3 additionally servings from any of Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups" — for example, "1 piece of toast and a cup of milk" or "1 apple and ¾ cup yogurt." Spread it across the day — small and often sits better.
Stay on top of iron. SOGC advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues," and notes that, "like most women, you may need a good supplement to meet this need." Iron demand is highest in this trimester.
Lean on fibre for the constipation. SOGC notes you’ll need "2-3g more of fibre in your diet daily for a total of 28g," and that "this added fibre helps reduce constipation." Vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains all count.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE AT 34 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep taking 400mcg of folic acid daily. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid is recommended for anyone who could become pregnant," and advises: "Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy and while breastfeeding."
Don’t raise your folic acid dose on your own. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises: "You should not increase your dose of folic acid beyond 1 mg per day without talking to your health care provider." A higher dose is a conversation, not a decision for the supplement aisle.
Consider vitamin D. SOGC notes that "taking a vitamin D supplement of 2000IU in the last six months of pregnancy will enhance the vitamin D content of your breast milk towards meeting the daily needs of your breastfeeding infant." Check what your prenatal already includes.

LIFESTYLE TIPS AT 34 WEEKS PREGNANT

Start packing your hospital bag, but call ahead first — hospitals differ on what they supply and what they want you to bring. SOGC’s what-to-pack checklist covers four groups — for labour (your ID, glasses, "a comfortable pillow in a distinctive pillowcase"), for your hospital stay ("1-2 nightgowns," a nursing bra, "a package of large pads for postpartum flow," your phone and charger), for your partner, and for your newborn ("Car seat," "Clothing – undershirts, sleepers, hats," "Receiving blankets," "Diapers and wipes"). Having it ready by 34 to 36 weeks takes the panic out of the day.
Keep moving — SOGC advises that pregnant people "should aim to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week," spread across "at least 3 days a week, and up to 7 days a week." SOGC lists walking, swimming, low-impact aerobics and stationary cycling as good options, and notes exercise helps with "reducing backache" and "helping you sleep better." Stop if your body objects. Discomfort mid-session means sit down, not push on.
Get to know your baby’s movement pattern. SOGC notes movements "tend to be consistent for any one baby, in any one pregnancy," and that if you count, "try to do it at the same time each day." Kicks are only part of it — SOGC counts "kicks, flutters, or rolling movements," so rolls, turns and stretches register too. The pattern moves with your day: a meal or a cold drink, your position, the hour, and sound. Many babies answer a familiar voice.
Keep caffeine to 300mg a day. Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. For reference, Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg — so roughly two cups is the ceiling, and that total includes tea, cola and chocolate.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Midwife

Most of week 34 is steady, ordinary growing — not an alarm. But some symptoms should always be checked. Contact your doctor, midwife or other health care provider if you experience:

A change in your baby's movements, or fewer movements than usual. SOGC advises being "aware if any changes in your baby's usual activity level, especially in the third trimester." To do a kick count, SOGC says to "count the baby's movements for 2 hours" — and "if you don't feel 6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible." SOGC adds that "if you ever have concerns regarding your baby's movement pattern, you should have the baby assessed as soon as possible," and that mothers "should always trust their intuition."
Signs of preterm labour. Because you are still before 37 weeks, this matters. SOGC advises: "Contact your health care provider right away if you are having any of the following: Backache that comes and goes; Regular contractions less than 10 minutes apart; Cramping in your lower abdomen; Fluid leaking from your vagina; Pressure in your pelvis or vagina; Vaginal bleeding." SOGC stresses that "it is very important to go to the hospital if you have regular contractions at any time before 37 weeks that don't go away when you change your activity," and warns that "staying home thinking that this couldn't possibly be labour because it is too early is dangerous."
Fluid leaking from your vagina. SOGC lists this among the signs of preterm labour and, separately, describes premature rupture of membranes — when "the sac of amniotic fluid breaks or leaks before your baby reaches full term" — advising you to "notify your health care provider." A trickle or a gush both warrant a prompt call.
Any vaginal bleeding. SOGC lists "Vaginal bleeding" among the preterm-labour signs that mean you should "contact your health care provider right away." If bleeding is heavy or you feel very unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Signs of a possible infection. SOGC notes that you "may have an infection in your vagina or cervix if you notice an unusual vaginal discharge, have pain in your pelvis or groin area, or a fever," and advises you to "notify your health care provider." A bladder or kidney infection can show up as pain when you urinate or needing to go often.
Persistent low mood or disruptive mood swings. SOGC advises that "depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns."
Signs of preeclampsia. SOGC names "headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath" among the symptoms to watch for, in a complication it describes as "marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine." Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet belongs alongside them. Call the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is my baby at 34 weeks pregnant?

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 300 millimetres — roughly 30cm — from crown to rump and weighs more than 2,100 grams, according to Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic describes your baby as "nearly 12 inches (300 millimeters) long from crown to rump" and weighing "more than 4 1/2 pounds (2,100 grams)." Length is measured crown to rump at this stage.

What is my baby developing at 34 weeks?

The milestone Mayo Clinic highlights for week 34 is small and specific: "your baby’s fingernails have reached the fingertips." Beyond that, this is mostly a weight-gaining stretch — Mayo Clinic notes that by week 31 your baby "has finished most major development" and it is "time to gain weight quickly," so the coming weeks are largely about filling out and getting ready for birth.

When should I pack my hospital bag?

There is no single rule, but packing by around 34 to 36 weeks means it is done before things get busy. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) offers a checklist covering what to bring for labour (your ID, glasses, "a comfortable pillow in a distinctive pillowcase"), for your hospital stay ("1-2 nightgowns," a nursing bra, "a package of large pads for postpartum flow," your phone and charger), for your partner, and for your newborn — including a "Car seat," "Clothing – undershirts, sleepers, hats," "Receiving blankets," and "Diapers and wipes."

How do I do a kick count in the third trimester?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) advises: "To do a kick count, count the baby’s movements for 2 hours. If you don’t feel 6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible." SOGC adds that if "you have a pregnancy with risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, etc.), you should do a kick count every day, starting at 26-32 weeks." Evening, lying down, at the same time each day tends to work best.

How much caffeine is safe at 34 weeks pregnant?

Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg, so roughly two cups a day is the ceiling — and that total should include tea, cola and chocolate, which also contain caffeine.

Week 33 Week 35

100% European Certified Organic Formulas

Express delivery for FREE (for 4-packs and up)

Shop organic formulas

Sources & References

Public Health Agency of Canada — Folic acid, healthy pregnancy and neural tube defect prevention
Health Canada — Caffeine in Foods (recommended maximum daily intake)
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Fetal movement and kick counts
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Healthy eating
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Exercise during pregnancy
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Symptoms of pregnancy
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Weight gain during pregnancy
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Preterm labour
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — What to pack
Mayo Clinic — Fetal development: The 3rd trimester (Week 31, Week 34, Week 35, Week 36)

Currency