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By week 35 of pregnancy, your bump is probably feeling a bit uncomfortable. At this point, many moms can’t wait for the baby to get here, while others are feeling a bit anxious about giving birth. Both feelings are completely normal! So, what can you expect during these final weeks of your pregnancy? Read on to find out:
35 weeks pregnant in months
At 35 weeks pregnant, you’re in the 8th month of gestation. That means that you only have 1 more month to go!
Your baby at week 35 of pregnancy
Your 35-week baby is now feeling very snug inside your uterus. Before, they had space to do somersaults and kicks, but now their movements feel more subtle. This is because space is running out and they can only roll around or jab you a bit.
But the fact that your baby is nearly ready doesn’t mean that it's not developing anymore. These last few weeks are very important to ensure that all of your baby’s organs have the chance to fully mature before they come into the world.
How big is your baby at 35 weeks pregnant?
The size of your baby at 35 weeks pregnant resembles the size of a pineapple or a honeydew melon. Your 35-week baby weighs 5.3 to 5.5 pounds (2.4 to 2.5 kilograms), and it measures approximately 18 inches (45 centimeters) from crown to rump. From now on, your baby won’t grow much in length, but it will still gain a few more pounds before the big day.
Pregnancy week 35 fetal development
Your baby’s organs have been in place for weeks now, but that doesn’t mean that nothing exciting happens regarding fetal development at 35 weeks pregnant.
Your baby is practicing the sucking reflex a lot since it will have to latch on to your breast very soon. It’s also positioning itself very low on your pelvis in preparation for delivery. If you were experiencing shortness of breath, it should decrease as the baby descends and puts less pressure on your lungs.
Your baby’s kidneys are fully mature now and produce sterile urine which joins the rest of the amniotic fluid. If you’re having a baby boy, his testicles should be descending now.
Most of the baby’s weight gain at 35 weeks comes from fatty tissue, which will help them regulate their temperature once they’re out of the womb. The baby’s shoulders are also gaining a significant amount of fat, which will cushion this area during delivery.
Your body at week 35 of pregnancy
It’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable as you near the end of your pregnancy. You’ll still gain some weight during week 35 of pregnancy, and symptoms could start to point to your imminent due date.
35 weeks pregnant belly
Your uterus has grown 1,000 times in size, and it rests just below your ribcage now. You’ll probably gain around half a pound (230 g) each week during the remainder of your pregnancy.
35 weeks pregnant symptoms
These are some of the most common symptoms during week 35 of pregnancy:
- Braxton-Hicks contractions: this is your body’s way of practicing before the big event, which is perfectly normal. But if you notice an increase in duration, frequency, or intensity, you should contact your doctor.
- Frequent urination: your baby’s head is putting a lot of pressure over your bladder now, which means that you’ll be needing to use the bathroom much more often.
- Urinary incontinence: that same pressure can make you leak some urine, especially when you sneeze, cough, or laugh. This is perfectly normal and should go away after delivery.
- Hemorrhoids: varicose veins can show up on other parts of your body, and that includes hemorrhoids.
- Clumsiness: your growing belly can make it harder for you to move around and maintain your balance.
- Thick vaginal discharge: this symptom could mean that you’re losing your mucus plug, which has been protecting your cervical opening. This plug comes out before delivery, but losing it doesn’t mean that you’ll start labor immediately. Some women lose their mucus plug up to 2 weeks before delivery.
35 weeks pregnant ultrasound
From now on, you’ll be having a prenatal appointment each week until you give birth. Your doctor could perform an ultrasound to check your baby’s growth and position.
Between weeks 35 to 36, you’ll also be having a Group B Strep test as part of your third-trimester screening. Group B Strep is a bacteria that doesn’t usually cause harm to adults, but it can lead to complications in late pregnancy or for newborns. If you test positive, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics.
35 weeks pregnant lifestyle and diet
- Find a position that lets you sleep: by week 35 of pregnancy, your belly is probably uncomfortable when you want to sleep. Try a special pillow, or sleep in a semi-reclined position to get the most out of your last baby-free nights!
- Keep a healthy diet: what you eat during the latest stages of pregnancy is very important to make sure your baby gets strong enough for delivery. Drinking plenty of water and eating smaller meals can help to relieve symptoms like heartburn and constipation, too.
- Spend quality time with your loved ones: now is the perfect time to ask your best friend out for a coffee date or have your mum come over for dinner.
Sex at week 35 of pregnancy
The good news is that it’s perfectly safe to have sex in the late stages of pregnancy. The bad news is that your 35-week pregnant baby bump can make many positions uncomfortable. Talk to your partner and find a position that works for you, such as spooning.
Even if you’re not feeling like having sex, you and your partner should take advantage of these final days before the baby is here. Having a newborn baby can be hard for couples, so use these days to enjoy some intimacy. You don’t need to have sex; giving each other a massage or cuddling together can still bring you closer together.
35 weeks pregnant checklist
By week 35 of pregnancy, your baby is nearly here. These are some of the things you can do to get ready for when the baby comes:
35 weeks 1 day pregnant
Pamper yourself. Your baby is about to take up most of your time, so feel free to indulge yourself a bit before they’re here. You can go get a haircut, have a manicure, or get a massage to give yourself a happy boost!
35 weeks 2 days pregnant
Make sure you’ve prepared everything that is needed to welcome your baby. It never hurts to take a final look at the nursery to make sure everything is in place. Knowing everything’s ready will also make you feel calmer once labor starts.
35 weeks 3 days pregnant
Plan a date night. Once the baby comes, it’ll be hard to have alone time with your partner for at least a few weeks. Even if you don’t feel like going out — and then having to pee every 5 minutes — you can cook a romantic dinner at home or cuddle up to watch your favorite movie.
35 weeks 4 days pregnant
Learn more about the signs of labor. This can help you differentiate Braxton-Hicks contractions from the real thing.
35 weeks 5 days pregnant
Go over your birth plan. However, you should keep in mind that birth doesn’t always go according to plan and that’s okay, too. Your safety and your baby’s wellbeing will always be the most important thing.
35 weeks 6 days pregnant
Start meal-prepping for the first days after delivery. You and your partner can make batches of food and freeze them, which will make life a whole lot easier once the baby is here. Read up on nutrition tips for expectant moms to know which foods are best for you and the baby.
35 weeks 7 days pregnant
Make sure you have comfortable clothing ready for your postpartum. Once the baby comes, your body will need some time to recover. Choose flowy or stretchy fabrics that make you feel comfortable. Your skinny jeans can wait a bit longer! You’ve probably already chosen the right pregnancy bra for you, and now you’ll also need nursing bras.
What to ask your doctor?
Your doctor is the best person to ask about the symptoms of true labor, nutrition tips, and what to expect during delivery and postpartum. Now is the perfect time to write down any concerns you might have about the birth of your baby and discuss them with your doctor.
When you’re on week 35 of pregnancy, you’re probably anxious to meet your baby! However, these final weeks will help them be more prepared to adjust to life outside the uterus. So try to lie back and enjoy the last month of your pregnancy - your baby will be bouncing in your arms rather than your belly very soon!