Week 34: Vernix Thickens
The protective vernix coating on baby's skin is getting thicker. Most babies born at 34 weeks do very well with some NICU support. You're in the home stretch!
Medically reviewed by Samantha L. Fox, RN, BSN, MSN
Nursing Informaticist · United States Navy Nurse Corps · Last reviewed
Your baby is the size of a...
🍈 Cantaloupe!
👶 Baby Development
- ✓Vernix caseosa coating thickens
- ✓Central nervous system is maturing
- ✓Lungs are nearly mature
- ✓Fat layers continue to develop for temperature regulation
- ✓Baby weighs about 4.5-5 pounds
- ✓Most organs are fully developed except lungs and brain
💊 Common Symptoms
- •Extreme fatigue — nesting instinct may kick in
- •Pelvic pain (SPD — symphysis pubis dysfunction)
- •Vision changes — slightly blurry (normal)
- •Increased vaginal discharge
- •Braxton Hicks contractions stronger
- •Feeling very full after small meals
🩺Clinical Context — From a Nurse's View
Thirty-four weeks is sometimes called 'late preterm.' If you delivered now, the baby would likely do well with mild support — survival approaches 99%, NICU stays are typically 1-2 weeks, and most issues are temperature regulation and feeding. Vision changes and severe headaches stay near the top of the call list because preeclampsia and its severe variants (HELLP syndrome — hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) often present in the third trimester. RUQ pain in particular is liver capsule stretch from HELLP and is taken seriously. Nesting energy may kick in this week — channel it. Pre-cook and freeze meals (you'll be glad in week 1 postpartum). Wash baby clothes in fragrance-free detergent. Install the car seat now and have it inspected (most fire stations and hospitals will check installation for free). Pack the hospital bag.
Written by Samantha L. Fox, RN, BSN, MSN — Emergency Department nurse, US Navy Nurse Corps officer.
🚨 When to Call (or Go to the ER)
- !Severe headache, vision changes, RUQ pain — call (preeclampsia/HELLP)
- !Sudden swelling of face and hands — call
- !Regular contractions, fluid leak, bleeding — call
- !Decreased fetal movement — call
✅ Normal — Even If It Feels Worrying
- ✓Nesting bursts
- ✓Slightly blurred vision (eye fluid changes)
- ✓Pelvic pain (SPD)
- ✓Increased discharge
✅ To-Do This Week
- Give in to the nesting instinct — organize and clean!
- Double-check hospital bag is packed
- Install baby monitor if using one
- Set up a diaper station upstairs AND downstairs
- Test drive your route to the hospital
- Arrange childcare for other children during delivery
🩺 Questions for Your Doctor
- ?Is my vision change normal or concerning?
- ?How mature are the baby's lungs now?
- ?Am I at risk for early delivery?
- ?When will you check for cervical dilation?
- ?What are the final tests before delivery?
- ?What is the plan if I develop preeclampsia?
📚 References
- [1]ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 222: Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(6):e237-e260.
- [2]ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 234: Prediction and Prevention of Spontaneous Preterm Birth. Obstet Gynecol. 2021;138(2):e65-e90.
Editorial review: Samantha L. Fox, RN, BSN, MSN. Last reviewed: see footer.
Your baby is the size of a...