35 weeks pregnant

Your expected body changes at 35 weeks pregnant

You’ve made it to week 35 of pregnancy! You’re probably feeling big, awkward, hot and uncomfortable. But that’s because you’ve got an almost-full sized baby inside you. You might find otherwise simple tasks are challenging, and doing up shoelaces or being able to pick up something you’ve dropped is just a fond memory. Many women are starting to think about maternity leave now-if you’re 35 weeks pregnant in NZ, you can take your leave from any time, so don’t feel you have to stick it out until the last minute.

The good news is that because you’re now obviously pregnant, people will be more helpful and courteous. You’ll be fielding more questions from people about when you’re due, if you know the sex, and if it’s your first. This can be frustrating or feel intrusive, but people are just excited for you.

What happens in week 35 of pregnancy?

You might be getting wildly impatient and wanting the baby to just be here already! Be patient- the longer the baby is inside, the more developed it will be. Everyone will understand if you’re a bit exhausted and ‘over it’ though, being pregnant can be tiring. Rest if you can- pregnancy can be your get-put-of-jail-free card in terms of social events.

Remember, pregnancy is normal, healthy, and you’re doing what millions of other women do each year. You’re in a perfectly natural state and this is part of life.

Pelvic pain and changes

You may notice a distinct numbness in your pelvic region, this is due to the pressure from the baby and this may not resolve until your baby is born. If your baby has been breech, hopefully it will start to turn by now. If you’ve been suffering from a bony head jammed into your ribs, this will be a distinct relief.

Tender, large breasts that leak

Your breasts will be large, heavy, and have blue veins. You might be leaking colostrum, which will be crusted on your nipples at the end of the day. To help avoid pain, get a maternity bra fitted, that will help you remain comfortable and take the pressure off your shoulders.

Heart rhythm changes

You may notice heart palpitations or that your heart seems to beat faster. This is because of the large blood vessel displacement and a changed load on your heart. If you start having breathing problems or develop chest pain, speak to your midwife or doctor immediately.

What to eat at 35 weeks pregnant?

Lots of oily fish, loads of fruit and vegetables, and plenty of water. Not only are your supplying nutrients to your new baby, but you’ve got to nourish yourself too. When considering what’s the best food for 35 weeks pregnant, keep in mind that constipation is a common problem in pregnancy. A diet high in whole grains and fibre will help keep you regular.

Your baby at 35 weeks pregnant

How big is baby at 35 weeks?

At 35 weeks pregnant, baby weight is about 2.5kg, marking the start of your baby's fastest period of weight gain - about 220 -400 grams each week! Fat is being deposited all over your baby's body, especially around the shoulders. Luckily, from here on in, there’s not much more in terms of size increases until birth. The size of baby at 35 weeks is around 45-50 cm long.

Because your baby is increasing in size, he or she is now finding your uterus a tight fit, so the number of foetal movements may decrease. However, the kicks themselves might become stronger as your baby gains muscle. If there is a significant change in your baby’s movement patterns or they go very quiet, check in with your midwife. Your baby's head, if he or she is ready for action in a head-first position, is sitting on your pubic bone, prepared for labour.

If your baby is born now there is a 99% chance that he / she will survive, so if you have had anxiety related to premature delivery you can now relax. In a way, you may feel as if you have already bonded with the baby growing inside of you, but that bond will only grow stronger once he or she arrives. Bonding is the intense attachment that develops between you and your baby. It often happens in the minutes and days after birth, but some mums may find it develops over the next few weeks or months—it’s not always instant. Bonding is natures way of tricking you into wanting to protect your baby, look at them while they sleep and marvel at their perfection, and give them loads of affection.

Make sure you are chatting to your baby, his / her hearing is fully developed and voice recognition may be possible. Your partner might enjoy singing or reading to baby as a means of bonding with him or her in utero.

This week, there is intense brain development in your baby. There is lots of pre-wiring going on, forming connections and growing neurons. Take your DHA supplements or eat plenty of oily fish like sardines, tuna and beautiful NZ salmon.

Things to do this week

Are you wanting to breastfeed? If you’re a newbie, it’s worth attending a class about breastfeeding—reading about latching is a lot easier than it is in practice. The majority of new mums have problems establishing feeding. Your midwife can recommend a class, either in person or online.

Consider placing plastic sheeting on your bed in case your waters break while you’re sleeping. Also, pop a towel or two in the car, just in case. Although waters breaking isn’t always the first sign of labour, it’s good to be prepared just in case.

Write up your birth plan if you haven’t already done so. Who do you want there? What kind of birth would you prefer if everything works out perfectly? Of course, there are no guarantees and your plans will likely go out the window, but it’s worth thinking about and communicating your plans with your husband and midwife.

Check out your baby names list again- anything there that suddenly sounds terrible? Got more to add?

FAQ: At 35 weeks pregnant, what to expect?

Can a baby be born at 35 weeks and be healthy?

Yes, absolutely. While in a perfect world, the baby is growing and happy inside you for a few more weeks, babies born at 35 weeks have a 99% chance of survival.

Is baby fully developed at 35 weeks?

The baby still has some growing to do, particularly of their brain. However, circulatory, skeletal system, and internal organs are all developed and ready to go.

Is it normal to be really tired at 35 weeks pregnant?

Yes. You’re not only carrying around a lot more extra weight, but you’re feeding an almost full-sized baby human as well as yourself. Add to this that you might not be sleeping well, and you have a recipe for exhaustion. There’s only a few more weeks to go, you can do this.

What are the signs of labour at 35 weeks?

At 35 weeks pregnant, symptoms of labour include:

• Contractions that are different from Braxton-Hicks contractions
• Cramps above pubic bone
• Pressure and an ache in thighs, pelvis and groin
• Diarrhoea and intestinal cramping
• A dull backache or pressure in the back area
• Vaginal discharge more than normal
• Fluid that’s pinkish, brownish or blood discharge from the vagina

Call your midwife if you have any concerns, or if you have more than four contractions in an hour.

What baby looks like at 35 weeks?

Your baby at 35 weeks looks like a normal baby, except it’s a bit smaller than the average. He or she is all fully formed, with fingers, toes, facial features and even hair.