The 34-week prenatal appointment marks a significant transition point in the third trimester. At this stage, check-ups become more frequent, typically moving to every two weeks as the pregnancy nears term. The focus shifts from tracking development to actively preparing for labor and delivery. This appointment assesses the mother’s health and the baby’s readiness for birth, ensuring a safe final stretch of pregnancy.
Routine Checks and Vital Signs
Routine checks at 34 weeks take on increased importance. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your blood pressure, as the third trimester carries a risk for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Elevated readings require further investigation.
You will be weighed to track maternal weight gain and assess fetal growth. A urine sample is collected for dipstick analysis to screen for proteinuria, a sign of preeclampsia, and glucose, which could indicate gestational diabetes. Common third-trimester discomforts, such as swelling (edema) or frequent heartburn, are also discussed. While some swelling is typical, sudden puffiness, especially in the face, is evaluated alongside blood pressure and urine results.
Fetal Growth and Positioning Assessment
This appointment focuses on physically assessing the fetus’s size and orientation. The provider measures fundal height, the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. At 34 weeks, this measurement should approximately correlate with your gestational age, ideally around 34 centimeters.
Plotting this measurement helps identify potential issues, such as a fetus that is too small or too large, which might prompt an ultrasound. The provider also uses abdominal palpation (Leopold’s maneuvers) to determine the baby’s presentation. This assessment confirms if the baby is positioned head-down (cephalic) or in a breech presentation.
While there is still time for the baby to turn, a breech presentation at 34 weeks warrants discussion about management strategies. The baby’s movements are also a major point of inquiry, with the provider asking about their strength and frequency to monitor well-being.
Key Discussions on Labor and Delivery Preparation
The conversation at 34 weeks shifts to proactive planning for the impending birth. You will discuss the distinction between Braxton Hicks contractions and the true signs of active labor. Understanding when to call the provider or go to the hospital is a primary element of this discussion.
Detailed instructions are given regarding fetal movement monitoring (“kick counts”). Symptoms requiring immediate attention are reviewed, such as reduced movement, vaginal bleeding, or rupture of membranes. Hospital logistics are finalized, including pre-registration, facility entry, and packing a go-bag.
The upcoming Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening is a major topic, as it is performed between 36 and 37 weeks. This screening involves a swab to check for GBS bacteria, which is harmless to the mother but potentially infectious to the newborn during delivery. A positive result means intravenous antibiotics will be administered during labor to protect the baby. The provider also discusses your birth plan, pain management options, and initial newborn care expectations.