Hey mom-to-be! Congratulations on reaching the final stretch of your marathon. You’re in the last lap, where the finish line seems really close. Your baby is almost full-sized, and you are ready to welcome your little one very soon.
At the same time, you can’t help feeling overwhelmed. From baby prep to labour panic and diapers to nursery setup, there’s a lot on your mind. But this is where you need to stay calm by knowing what to expect when.
So let’s take a closer look at what week 35 is really like. What’s happening with your body, your baby, and what you should be ready for next.
Let’s get started.
Baby Weight at 35 Weeks Pregnant
By 35 weeks, your baby has developed almost completely. Like a full-term baby. At this stage, they would weigh about 2.5–2.7 kg and measure 43.2 to 45.7 cm in length. They would also be accumulating fat in their body which would later help them regulate their body temperature
At the same time, their lungs are also maturing. However, the complete development of the lungs only takes place after 37 weeks of pregnancy. That’s why babies born at this stage have a good chance of survival with proper medical support.
Fetal Movements Become More Noticeable
Your baby’s movement patterns change quite a lot at this stage, and the movement becomes way more noticeable. According to research, the space inside the uterus becomes limited by this time, due to which you start to feel movements in the form of rolls, stretches and increased pressure.
Doctors recommend that you should be careful about any change in these movement patterns. And if there are any changes or they seem to be slowing down, seek medical help immediately.
Body Changes You May Feel
Common symptoms that you feel around this stage include:
- Pelvic pressure – the baby’s head starts to move downwards towards the pelvis.
- Frequent urination – pressure inside your urinary bladder increases
- Shortness of breath – growing uterus starts pushing towards the diaphragm
- Lower back pain – common due to posture and weight shifts
Most of these symptoms are due to the physiological changes in your body at this stage.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: No Need for Panic Yet
Many women feel Braxton Hicks contractions by 35 weeks. Also known as practice contractions, these are irregular, generally mild pulling sensations that have no fixed pattern. And most often they don’t lead to labour.
That said, if you experience frequent, painful, or regular contractions that don’t go away, that’s a cue to speak with your doctor.
Staying Prepared at 35 Weeks
Now that you know that any time soon could be baby time, here’s what you should be doing:
- Pack your hospital bag in advance
- Discuss your birth plan with your provider
- Keep your prenatal visits regular
- Stay hydrated, rest often, and actively listen to your body for any change.
It’s A Wrap
So dear mama, it may feel overwhelming. But it’s mostly going as planned. So do not panic. Eat right and get all the rest you need. Because very soon you’ll be holding your baby in your arms.
Until then, have a safe and wonderful journey.
Happy birthing mama!a