Day 240 of 280, third trimester
You are 34 weeks and 2 days
Your baby is blinking and learning to focus, and his pupils dilate in response to light filtering through the uterus.
40 days until your due date
Your baby's eyes began to develop two weeks after conception, and all the major structures formed over the next four weeks. The eye keeps growing throughout pregnancy, and the optic nerve continues developing after birth.
The eyes have been opening since 26 weeks, but until now eye movements have been poorly coordinated. They're first seen at 18 weeks, but are random and infrequent; they become more frequent from 26 weeks, and now, in the final weeks, they settle into a cycle of rest alternating with rapid eye movements (REM). Some light does reach the uterus, and your baby now responds much more to strong light.
Ask a Mum
I'm worried my maternity leave replacement will do a better job than me. Is that normal?
Yes, completely normal. I remember worrying that the man covering for me would outshine me. The amazing thing was that once my baby was born, anything to do with work was eclipsed by my new role. Far from losing skills, I think I became an efficient multitasker, and when I went back, I found the job easier than looking after a baby.
Try not to worry. You have legal rights protecting your job, and you'll have your chance to shine again once your baby has settled into child care. Meanwhile, enjoy your leave. It goes quickly, but it's also a chance to sharpen some important life skills.
Good to know
Getting out and about
In most cases it's perfectly safe to drive right up to the end of pregnancy. But if you can't concentrate at the wheel or driving is uncomfortable, give it a miss. When you do drive, position the lap belt directly under your belly so your baby isn't at risk in an accident.
Public transportation is fine too, but make the most of your condition and ask pointedly for a seat. Being jolted around on a train or bus won't harm your baby, but your center of gravity has changed, so you're more likely to fall or be uncomfortable, and long periods of standing can make your ankles and feet swell. If you feel uncomfortable or dizzy, get off and sit somewhere cooler, ideally with your feet up, for about 20 minutes. Always carry water when you're out.
Explainer
Driving in late pregnancy
You can still drive in late pregnancy, but long car journeys may become uncomfortable.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 34 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.