What to Do When You’re 34 Weeks Pregnant

Over the next few weeks, your prenatal visits will focus on making sure you and your baby remain healthy as you prepare for delivery.

Around 36 weeks, your provider will check your baby’s position and screen for group B strep (GBS), a common bacteria that can be passed to your baby during delivery. If you test positive, you’ll receive antibiotics during labor to help protect your newborn.

Keep paying attention to your baby’s movements. Contact your care team right away if you notice decreased fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid or regular contractions that do not stop.

As your due date gets closer, it’s also important to recognize the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and the signs of true labor.

You may notice more frequent or stronger Braxton Hicks contractions, especially around 36 weeks and 37 weeks. Unlike true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular and often improve with rest, hydration and changing positions.

Signs that labor may be starting include:

• Regular contractions that become stronger and closer together
• Your water breaking
• Passing your mucus plug or noticing bloody show
• Increasing pelvic pressure as your baby moves lower into your pelvis
• Digestive changes, such as diarrhea, for some women

If you think you’re in labor or aren’t sure whether your symptoms are normal, call your care team. They can help you decide whether it's time to come to the hospital.

As your due date gets closer, now is a good time to take care of a few important tasks. Completing these preparations now can help reduce last-minute stress and allow you to focus on welcoming your baby.

If you haven’t already chosen a pediatrician, now is a good time to do so. Selecting your baby’s doctor before delivery gives you time to research your options, ask questions and make an informed decision.

Your pediatrician will care for your child from the newborn period through adolescence, making this an important decision before your baby arrives. Once you've chosen a pediatrician, let your care team know.

“The first few days after your baby is born can be busy,” Dr. Fainman says. “Choosing a pediatrician ahead of time allows you to focus on caring for your newborn instead of searching for a doctor.”

Some parents choose to meet their pediatrician before delivery to ask questions about newborn care, but you do not need to schedule your baby’s first visit while you are still pregnant. The hospital will arrange your baby’s first newborn appointment after birth.

If your pediatrician does not provide newborn hospital care, the pediatrician on duty will care for your baby until you’re discharged.

A birth plan lists your preferences for labor and delivery. It can include pain relief, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, music and other wishes for your birth experience. This birth plan template can help you get started.

If you create one, review it with your obstetrician at one of your upcoming prenatal visits and bring a printed copy to the hospital.

“A birth plan is a helpful way to communicate what’s important to you during labor and delivery, but it’s also important to stay flexible,” Dr. Fainman says. “Labor doesn’t always go exactly as planned, and your care team will work with you to support a safe delivery while honoring your preferences whenever possible.”

Before scheduling a tour, ask your obstetrician which hospital they have privileges at and where they expect you to deliver.

Taking a tour of your birthing hospital can help you feel more comfortable when labor begins.

If possible, take an in-person or virtual tour so you’ll know where to park, where to check-in and what to expect when you arrive. Ask about visitor policies, age restrictions and any other questions ahead of time. Scripps operates three labor and delivery hospitals in San Diego County, each staffed by experienced physicians and nurses.

While you’re planning for delivery, it’s also helpful to think about what you'll need during your hospital stay.

Decide ahead of time who will drive you to the hospital and who will bring you home afterward. If you have other children or pets, arrange care before labor begins.

Most people stay in the hospital 24 to 48 hours after a vaginal birth and two to four days after a cesarean birth.

Install an infant car seat

Before your due date, make sure your baby’s car seat is installed and ready to use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Consider having it checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

Once your car seat is installed, packing your hospital bag is another task you can check off before your due date.

Pack in your hospital bag

For mom:

• Insurance card
• Phone charger
• Toiletries
• Comfortable clothes
• Nursing bra

For baby:

• Going-home outfit
• Blanket
• Approved infant car seat

For your support person:

• Snacks
• Phone charger
• Change of clothes 

Once you’ve taken care of practical preparations, take time to slow down and enjoy these final weeks before your baby arrives.

If you have other children, talk with them about what to expect and involve them in the preparations. Helping children feel included can make the transition easier for the whole family.

At 34 weeks pregnant, you’re in the final stretch before meeting your baby. Keep up with your prenatal appointments, pay attention to your baby’s movements and finish preparing your home. Taking care of these details now can help you feel confident and ready to welcome your newest family member.