Your Pregnancy at Week 35

At week 35, You're well into your 8th month of pregnancy, and it must feel like the finish line is approaching! While you might still have 5 or more weeks left, there's a chance you could be meeting your baby in just 3 weeks. Remember that babies don't usually arrive right on their due date. Your little one will make their grand entrance when they're ready.

Baby Development at Week 35

This week is for rapid weight gain as fat accumulates in your baby's limbs. From now on, your baby will gain approximately half a pound each week. If you were to give birth this week, your baby would be considered premature and would require specialised care. Babies born at 35 weeks may face digestive issues, breathing difficulties, and a longer hospital stay. However, the likelihood of long-term survival is still very high⁽³⁾.

At this stage, your baby has less space in the womb, which might mean fewer somersaults or flips, but they will continue to kick frequently. It's important to monitor their movements closely; a noticeable decrease or complete lack of movement could indicate a serious issue, such as distress, and should not be ignored. While the nervous and immune systems are still maturing, other aspects of your baby's development, including their hair and toenails, are fully formed. Additionally, their kidneys are functioning properly, and their liver has started processing waste products. 

Your baby is probably in the head-down position this week, preparing for an exit. You may experience sore ribs as they may be kicking upward. The good thing is that your baby's head-down puts less pressure on your diaphragm and can make breathing easier.

Body Changes at Week 35

At this stage, you're likely feeling very tired. Your cervix may start to dilate, which could cause sharp pain in your vagina, but this isn't necessarily a sign of labour, just your body preparing. You might also experience painless Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions and don't indicate that labour is imminent. Contact your physician if these contractions become regular, intensify, or come closer together.

You might notice swelling in your ankles, fingers, and face. If this swelling is sudden or severe, it could be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure that requires medical attention. Other common issues at this stage include haemorrhoids, tender breasts, constipation, heartburn, and indigestion. Your ribs might feel sore with the baby facing down and kicking. The baby might have dropped lower into your pelvis, which can relieve pressure on your diaphragm and ribs but increase pressure on your bladder, leading to more frequent bathroom trips.

If you notice yellow stains on your bra, it's likely colostrum, an early form of milk rich in antibodies. Some women start producing it weeks or even months before giving birth. Colostrum helps protect your baby from stomach bugs and infections. About 3 to 5 days after birth, your regular milk will come in, and your breasts will become fuller. 

Baby Bump At Week 35

At 35 weeks pregnant, your uterus has expanded to roughly 500 to 1,000 times its original size. While this number might seem extreme to others, it likely feels even more significant to you, given the physical changes and discomfort you're experiencing.

The distance from your belly button to the top of your uterus is approximately 6 inches. You've likely gained between 25 and 30 pounds, and there may or may not be additional weight gain for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Concerns at Week 35

As you approach your delivery date, you might notice a decrease in your baby's movements, which is normal due to the limited uterine space. However, you should still feel your baby move at least 10 times an hour. Suppose you don't contact your doctor right away. While it's likely that everything is fine, it's important to be checked.

Additionally, reach out to your doctor if you experience:

• Bleeding

• Regular, painful contractions in your abdomen or back

• Increased vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour

• Your water breaking

• Fever or chills

• Changes in vision or blind spots

• Painful urination

• Severe headaches

Advice for Partners

Has your partner packed their hospital bag yet? If not, you can assist them in collecting everything needed for the big day. You might create a list together or use our Hospital Bag Checklist. Also, remember to pack some essentials for yourself, as you may not know how long labour and delivery will take.

If you also want to be involved in your baby's birth, talk about it with both your partner and their healthcare provider. Discuss options like whether you'll be allowed to cut the umbilical cord or film the birth. It's important to clarify these details in advance so you can make any necessary preparations and ensure everything goes smoothly on the day.

Pregnancy Checklist for Week 35 

• Try packing your bags for labour and for after the birth. Even if you're planning a home birth, it's wise to keep everything you need in one place for convenience.

• Discuss pain relief options with your midwife. Even if you're aiming for a drug-free birth, it's helpful to be aware of your choices in case you decide to use them later.

• Read more about postpartum care and recovery to understand how to prepare and what to expect.

• If you attended a childbirth class, go over your notes and practise the breathing techniques you learned.

• Unbox and set up any baby gear you have, and wash and sanitise all items your baby will use or come into contact with to ensure they are clean and safe.