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Sign InWeek 34 — Lungs on Final Stretch
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
butternut squash (large)
Your baby is about 45cm and 2.1kg — roughly the size of a large butternut squash. The vernix coating is thickening, providing more protection. Lungs are nearly fully developed, and surfactant production is at a high level — a baby born this week would very likely be able to breathe with some support. The central nervous system is maturing rapidly, and your baby can now coordinate breathing and swallowing — essential skills for feeding.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) swab testing typically happens between Weeks 35–37. GBS is a common bacteria that lives harmlessly in the gut and vagina of about 25% of people — it only matters in pregnancy because it can be passed to the baby during birth. If you test positive, you'll be offered IV antibiotics during labour, which significantly reduces the risk of the baby being affected.
A baby born at 34 weeks has roughly a 95%+ survival rate with neonatal care, and most go home within a few weeks with no long-term issues. In 1960, that same baby would have had a very low chance of survival. The advances in neonatal medicine over the past 60 years have transformed outcomes so dramatically that what was once life-threatening is now largely manageable.
Write down your birth preferences this week — even if you've been meaning to do it for weeks. They don't need to be long or elaborate; even a one-page document helps the team looking after you understand what matters most. Include: who you want in the room, your preferences on pain relief, your hopes for immediate postpartum (skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping), and any concerns.
Vitamin B12 is important for your baby's nervous system development. Meat, fish, eggs, and dairy are the main sources — if you're vegan, a B12 supplement is essential.
Read the birth preferences document together and make sure you both understand and agree on the priorities — you'll be the one voicing them in the birth room.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer