Pregnancy Week 34 vs Week 35
Complete comparison of baby development, mom's symptoms, and changes between these weeks
📊
Time Difference
1 week apart
🔄
Trimester
Both in 3rd trimester
Baby Size Comparison
Growth Progress
Week 34Cantaloupe
Week 35Honeydew melon
Your baby is approximately 86% through pregnancy
Week 34
📏
Length
17.7 inches
⚖️
Weight
4.7 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Cantaloupe
Week 35
📏
Length
18.2 inches
⚖️
Weight
5.3 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Honeydew melon
What Changes Between Week 34 and 35?
👶New Baby Developments
- ✓Baby is running out of room and movements may feel different - more rolling than kicking
- ✓Kidneys are fully developed and producing urine
- ✓Liver can process waste products independently
- ✓Lungs are almost fully mature with sufficient surfactant production
- ✓Reflexes are fully coordinated including sucking, swallowing, and grasping
🤰New or Changing Symptoms
- ✓Very frequent urination as baby presses on bladder constantly
- ✓Intense pelvic pressure and possible lightning (baby dropping)
- ✓Possible significant swelling in feet, ankles, hands, and face
- ✓Severe shortness of breath as uterus reaches maximum height
- ✓Trouble sleeping and extreme discomfort
📈Key Changes Summary
Baby Growth: Your baby continues to grow rapidly, with organs developing and maturing each day.
Your Body: Your body adapts to support your growing baby with various physical and hormonal changes.
Baby Development Milestones
Week 34 Development
- •Vernix caseosa (protective waxy coating) thickens to protect skin during birth
- •Fingernails have reached the end of fingers and baby may scratch themselves
- •Central nervous system is maturing with improved temperature regulation
- •Lungs are nearly mature and producing sufficient surfactant
- •Multiple fat layers continue forming for insulation and energy
- •Baby is likely in head-down position by now
Week 35 Development
- •Baby is running out of room and movements may feel different - more rolling than kicking
- •Kidneys are fully developed and producing urine
- •Liver can process waste products independently
- •Lungs are almost fully mature with sufficient surfactant production
- •Reflexes are fully coordinated including sucking, swallowing, and grasping
- •Most vernix has been shed and absorbed
Common Symptoms
Week 34 Symptoms
- •Possible vision changes from fluid retention affecting cornea shape
- •Increased fatigue as pregnancy becomes more physically demanding
- •Intense pelvic pressure as baby descends
- •Possible worsening constipation
- •Braxton Hicks may be uncomfortable
- •Trouble finding any comfortable position
Week 35 Symptoms
- •Very frequent urination as baby presses on bladder constantly
- •Intense pelvic pressure and possible lightning (baby dropping)
- •Possible significant swelling in feet, ankles, hands, and face
- •Severe shortness of breath as uterus reaches maximum height
- •Trouble sleeping and extreme discomfort
- •Possible anxiety about impending labor
Nutrition Tips
Week 34 Nutrition
- •Eat foods rich in vitamin K (90 mcg daily) like leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts for blood clotting
- •Include probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables for digestive and immune health
- •Stay hydrated with water throughout the day
- •Eat 5-6 small, frequent meals that are easy to digest
- •Include fiber-rich foods with plenty of water
- •Eat iron-rich foods to build baby's iron stores
Week 35 Nutrition
- •Continue balanced, nutritious eating despite reduced appetite
- •Eat easily digestible foods that are gentle on your compressed stomach
- •Stay hydrated with water, even though it means more bathroom trips
- •Include vitamin C-rich foods (85mg daily) for tissue healing
- •Eat small portions more frequently
- •Focus on protein and iron-rich foods
⚕️When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
During weeks 34 to 35, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- •Severe headache with vision changes
- •Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- •Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet
- •Decreased fetal movement