34 weeks pregnant

Your baby

Your baby is curled inside the uterus with legs bent toward the body. You should still notice movement as your baby shifts, even though space is becoming tighter. The cantaloupe illustration is a rough size comparison. Neither the shape of your bump nor the place you feel a kick reliably establishes the baby's position on its own.

Your body

If your baby moves lower into the pelvis, you may notice a change in pressure or more bathroom trips. That does not happen at the same time for everyone and is not a reliable way to predict the start of labor. If pressure comes with contractions, leaking fluid or other concerning symptoms, contact your team rather than assuming it is simply the baby settling lower.

This week

Asking about your baby's position

Ask when and how your clinician will assess your baby's position. If the baby is not head-down later in pregnancy, the team can discuss what that means for your situation and which options may be appropriate. Do not try exercises or maneuvers advertised to turn a baby without first discussing them with your clinician. This is also a good time to confirm the planned birth setting and whom to contact if symptoms develop before your next visit. Any change in the usual movement pattern needs prompt advice regardless of position.