34 Weeks Pregnant: Hospital Bag, Car Seat & Early Labour Signs

34 Weeks Pregnant: Hospital Bag, Car Seat & Early Labour Signs

At 34 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a rockmelon, and their lungs are maturing. With around six weeks to go, it's time to pack your hospital bag, get your car seat fitted and learn the early signs of labour.

Baby's size
About the size of a rockmelon (around 45cm head to heel, 2.1kg)
Big development
Lungs maturing and fat building up
Common symptoms
Tiredness, dizziness, leaking colostrum and pelvic pain
This week
Pack your hospital bag

What's happening this week

Your baby looks like a newborn and is now mostly gaining weight. Babies born at 34 weeks usually do well, though they may need some extra care.

Lungs

Nearly there

Your baby's lungs are maturing and making more surfactant, the substance that helps them stay open. They'll be fully mature at around 36 weeks.

Vernix

Ready for birth

Most of the soft lanugo hair has gone, while the creamy vernix coating protects your baby's skin. Some babies are still covered in it at birth.

Immunity

Borrowed protection

Antibodies from you are passing to your baby through the placenta. After birth, colostrum will give them even more protection.

Your baby's genitals may look a little swollen at birth because of your hormones. It's normal and settles within a few days. In boys, the testicles are moving down into the scrotum.

Packing your hospital bag

Aim to have your bag packed and by the door by 36 weeks, so you're ready if your baby comes early. Pack a copy of your birth preferences, your hospital card and any medications, then add these essentials.

For you

Labour and recovery

Comfy clothes for labour, front-opening pyjamas, maternity pads, big comfy undies, nursing bras, breast pads, nipple balm, toiletries, lip balm, snacks and a phone charger.

For your baby

First days

Newborn bodysuits and sleepsuits, a hat, two or three wraps, newborn nappies, fragrance-free wipes and a weather-appropriate going-home outfit.

For your support person

Long days

Snacks and drinks, a change of clothes, toiletries, a phone charger, something to do during a long labour, and bathers if you might use the shower or bath.

Our hospital bag checklist has the full list, plus optional keepsakes like milestone cards. Many hospitals supply a few nappies, but it's worth packing your own. Your support person might also like to read our tips for the labour support person.

Getting your car seat fitted

You'll need a properly fitted rearward-facing car seat to take your baby home from hospital. Book in with an authorised child restraint fitting service, as appointments can fill up. Once it's in, practise adjusting the harness so you're confident on the day. Here's how to choose a car seat.

Signs of early labour

Labour before 37 weeks is called preterm labour. Spotting it early helps your care team give your baby the best start, for example with medicine to help mature their lungs. Here's what to look out for.

Braxton Hicks

  • Irregular tightening
  • Painless or mildly uncomfortable
  • Ease with rest, a change of position or a drink

Call your hospital if you have

  • Regular contractions or tightening
  • Period-like cramps
  • Pressure low in your vagina
  • A constant or unusual lower backache
  • A show, when the mucus plug comes away
  • A gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina

Symptoms at 34 weeks pregnant

  • Tiredness. Extra weight and broken sleep take their toll. Rest when you can, and accept offers of help.
  • Dizziness. Stand up slowly, eat regularly and sit or lie down if you feel faint.
  • Leaking colostrum. Breast pads help with leaks. Not leaking is normal too.
  • Pelvic girdle pain. Keep your knees together getting in and out of the car or bed, take stairs one at a time and dress sitting down. Gentle swimming or water exercise can help, but skip breaststroke kicks. Here's more on pelvic girdle pain.
  • Dry eyes. Hormones can make your eyes drier and more sensitive. Sunglasses and lubricating eye drops can help.

Contact your hospital straight away if you notice signs of preterm labour, if your baby's movements slow down or change, or if you have bleeding, a severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs.

Your to-do list for week 34

Helpful for this stage

The hospital bag listEverything to pack, in one placeSee the list Hospital bagsRoom for everything, organisedShop hospital bags Nappy bagsReady for the trip home and beyondShop nappy bags

Week 34 FAQs

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Aim to have it packed and ready by around 36 weeks. Babies can arrive early, and only about 1 in 20 are born on their due date, so it's worth doing now while you have the energy.

What should I pack in my hospital bag?

Pack your hospital paperwork and birth preferences, comfy clothes, maternity pads, nursing bras and breast pads, toiletries and snacks. For your baby, pack newborn clothes, nappies, wipes, wraps and a going-home outfit. Our hospital bag checklist has the full list.

What should my support person pack?

Snacks and drinks, a change of clothes, a phone charger, toiletries, something to do during a long labour, and bathers if you might use the shower or bath for pain relief.

Where can I get my car seat fitted?

Look for an authorised child restraint fitting service near you. Many are run through local councils, some retailers or state road safety programs. Book ahead, as appointments can fill up.

What are the signs of preterm labour?

Regular contractions or tightening, period-like cramps, pressure low in your vagina, a constant or unusual lower backache, a show, or fluid leaking from your vagina. Call your hospital straight away if you notice any of these before 37 weeks.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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