Last updated February 2013. Planned review date: February 2014.

illustration of fetus with heading: Your pregnancy calendar

Your pregnancy 33 to 34 weeks

Rock and roll on the loo


When you’re weeing, rock back and forth gently to make sure you empty your bladder fully.

Your baby

Your baby is getting plumper, and the fine lanugo hair is starting to disappear.

You

You may feel your uterus tighten and harden for a few seconds. These painless movements are Braxton Hicks contractions. Don’t worry, it’s not the start of labour – merely your body practising for the big day. There's more information on signs of labour in our labour and birth section.

If you experience a dramatic increase in vaginal discharge, or a significant leaking of something that feels like urine, call the labour ward. They are open 24/7 and can help tell whether your waters have broken. Remember to tell them your baby is not due yet.

You may feel clumsy and off-balance, so take care if you are riding a bicycle, or stepping on or off a bus or train.

Things to do

Your joints relax more during pregnancy to help your body allow the baby out through your pelvis. Make sure you lift things correctly, to prevent strain. Bend your knees rather than your back when picking things up, and don’t carry things which you feel are too heavy.

Keep talking and singing to your baby, who can hear you and may recognise your voice after the birth!

Antenatal classes may start around now if you haven’t already started.

More information

 

References

  • C Henderson, S Macdonald (2009) Myles Midwifery: A Textbook for Midwives, 15th edition, Churchill Livingstone, London
  • Department of Health (2009) The Pregnancy Book, NHS, London (downloadable version)

New! Comments

We welcome comments here. Please note though that our midwives do not check or read these comments. Before taking advice from others, you should email info@tommys.org or call 0800 0147 800 to talk to a trained midwife. Please keep your comments relevant, civil and respectful of others. To read more about our policy on comments, please click here.

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