Week 34 of pregnancy — what is happening and what to do

Week 34 is a good moment to organize your documents and do a dry run of the route to the hospital. In the rush of the first contractions nobody wants to be hunting for test results or guessing where the entrance to the maternity unit is. One envelope and one tried route take a lot of stress off your mind.

Documents in one envelope

Most of the documents you will take to the hospital are already at home — it is worth gathering them in one place and keeping them together with your bag. Your pregnancy record with up-to-date entries is the most important, because staff read the whole course of your pregnancy from it.

• Pregnancy record with current entries and test results.
• Laboratory and ultrasound results, including your blood group and Rh factor.
• GBS swab result, once it is ready.
• ID and a document confirming health insurance.
• Birth plan, if you have written one, and the contact details of your birth partner.

The route to the maternity unit — do a dry run in advance

It is worth driving the route to the hospital once in conditions similar to when the trip might happen — including in the evening. Check where the patient entrance is, where to leave the car, and which entrance you can use at night.

• Write the address of the maternity unit and the phone number for the labor and delivery ward somewhere visible.
• Decide who will drive you to the hospital and name a backup in case that person cannot.
• Note where to park and how long it takes to walk from the parking area to the maternity unit.
• Check that the entrance you plan to use works at night.

Who stays at home

If you have a pet, an older child, or a matter that cannot wait at home, arrange it in advance — not on the day of the birth.

• Write down the name and phone number of the person who will look after your pet.
• Decide who will stay with an older child and prepare an overnight bag for them.
• Ask one close person to pass information on to the rest of the family.

Paperwork worth planning in advance

Some of the paperwork after the birth can be prepared before you leave for the hospital, so you do not have to deal with it in the first days with your baby. It helps to know which documents the hospital issues and where the birth is registered afterwards. Ask at your visit which papers you will receive on the ward and what needs to be done once you are back home. Calmly preparing these matters lets you focus on your baby.

• Note which documents the hospital issues and where they are needed later.
• Agree with your partner who will handle the paperwork after you return.
• Prepare copies of documents that may be needed at the registry office.
• Ask how to register your baby for health insurance.

Check-up appointments — how to prepare

At the end of pregnancy check-ups come around more often, so it helps to have your own way of preparing for them. Bring your pregnancy record and previous results so staff have the full picture. Write down your questions before the visit and briefly note what was agreed afterwards. If a test requires special preparation, ask about it when booking.

• Keep your pregnancy record and results in one folder.
• Ask when booking whether you need to come with an empty stomach or a full bladder.
• Write your questions down a day before the visit.
• After the visit, note when the next check-up falls.

How your hospital works — a question list

Hospitals have their own routines, so it is worth asking about them beforehand rather than during admission. Ask which entrance to use at night and how to reach the labor and delivery ward outside office hours. Find out when your birth partner can arrive and whether they can step off the ward briefly. These small details shape how calm the day of the trip feels.

• Ask where to go at night and which bell to ring.
• Find out whether your birth partner can stay in the room and on what terms.
• Ask about the option of a short walk during labor if it matters to you.
• Write down the number to call before you arrive.