Week 35 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 35

• At this point, you might feel like you're all belly, and for good cause. Your uterus has swollen to around 500 to 1,000 times its initial size

• Make sure you understand the signs of labour. Braxton Hicks contractions will be powerful at this point; make sure they don't get stronger or more frequent. If they are, contact your physician

• The Group B strep test will be administered within the following week or two. Your doctor will swab your vagina and rectum and test it for bacteria known as Group B Strep. The bacteria is widespread, but it can harm the infant. Don't worry, if you test positive, you'll only be given intravenous antibiotics during labour to safeguard the baby

• At 35 weeks, some expectant mothers feel as if they still have a lot to do before the baby arrives. Others can't wait for the baby to make their appearance. In any case, try not to be stressed; the baby will arrive when they are ready and will not mind if you haven't completed every element on your list. As long as you have a safe location for the baby to sleep, some nappies, and an infant car seat for the ride home, you've already met many of their fundamental needs

• If you are in Week 35 of your pregnancy you are in the third trimester and in the eighth month

• 5 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 35

Baby's hearing is now completely developed, and your foetus responds best to high-pitched sounds. If you're carrying a boy, his testes may have fully descended by this stage, which you could detect on an ultrasound.

Your child is gaining weight right now, which may seem daunting to Mom, but it's actually a good thing. Those extra kilograms or grams will keep the infant warm outside the womb.

Your Baby's Brain is Developing

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby's brain is still developing at a rapid pace! To facilitate this brain development, their head is significantly larger than their body. To boost your baby's brain growth in the coming weeks, eat a balanced diet and take a prenatal supplement with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Check your supplement label for expert-recommended DHA levels, which are 200 mg per day when pregnant.

Experts advise women to aim for the same level of DHA following childbirth if breastfeeding. Why? After your baby is born, their brain continues to develop. During the first three years of life, a child's brain expands to 85% of adult size. Breast milk, rich in brain-nourishing DHA, plays a crucial role in development. If you are formula or combination feeding, check for infant formula that contains the quantity of DHA suggested by experts.

Having a Baby at 35 Weeks

If you give birth at 35 weeks, your baby is classified as a "late preterm" baby, meaning they are born between 34 and 36 weeks. Your infant may require additional care and monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In the NICU, they will receive round-the-clock medical care from healthcare specialists who are equipped to help the smallest of patients adjust to life outside the womb.

Premature babies may experience obstacles, but a baby born at 35 weeks is unlikely to develop long-term health problems as a result of their premature birth.

• Baby Weight: Over 2.49 Kg
• Baby Length: Over 20 inches long
• Baby Size: Comparable to a pineapple

Can a Baby be Born at 35 Weeks and Still be Healthy?

Yes! While it is still a few weeks until the kid reaches "early term" at 37 weeks, they can be born now and be just as healthy in the long run as those born later. Don't be surprised if your doctor wants to extend your baby's hospital stay to ensure everything is fine.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 35 of pregnancy, your body is constantly changing. As your baby grows, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• Constipation is a constant, so continue eating high-fibre fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. If you have severe constipation, see your doctor
• Catching your sleep can be difficult. Normal anxiety, leg cramps, a stuffy nose, the desire to use the loo, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping posture can all contribute to insomnia. Promote quality sleep by lying on your side with a pillow, using a humidifier to relieve congestion, and adhering to other good sleep habits
• You will continue to have Braxton Hicks contractions, which are your body's method of preparing for labour
• Your baby may have dropped into your pelvis, a process known as lightning. It happens gradually, and if you carry light, you may not even notice it. Dropping will relieve pressure on your lungs and stomach while increasing pressure on your bladder
• Water retention and increased blood production can cause swelling in the hands, legs, feet, and ankles. Bloating is the term used to describe the puffiness that is normal during pregnancy. When possible, elevate your legs and avoid standing for extended periods of time. Drinking water can help to prevent fluid retention by cleansing your system. If you experience severe oedema or rapid weight gain owing to fluid retention, consult your doctor
• Pregnancy can cause headaches. Hormonal changes, a lack of sleep, nasal congestion, and low blood sugar (when you don't eat enough for both of you) are some of the most prevalent causes of pregnancy migraines. While paracetamol is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor before taking it or any other medications

Body Changes This week

You are not alone in experiencing exhaustion at 35 weeks! At this time of your pregnancy, insomnia is a very real risk due to your body's aches and pains, overflowing bladder, and extremely active baby. You may also be suffering symptoms like leg cramps or heartburn, which can keep you from sleeping well. Just try to get as much rest as possible right now—it will be much more difficult to sleep in a few weeks with a new baby to adore and care for!

Your baby's head may be lying on your pubic bone. If you feel pressure there, remember that it is natural and not cause for concern.

Your body is preparing for labour by loosening your joints and ligaments, which may cause hip and joint pain. Posture changes and an enlarged uterus can also cause discomfort.

35-week Ultrasound

You may be scheduled for a Group B strep test this week or next. Your doctor will take a sample from your vagina and rectum and test it for germs called Group B Strep. This bacteria is widespread and will not make you sick, but it may be hazardous to your baby if exposed to it at birth, so knowing if you have it is vital. If you do, you will be given antibiotics during the delivery to avoid infection, and that is it.

Your Baby Bump at Week 35

Growing, growing, expanding. Yes, baby and you. Now that you're 35 weeks pregnant, your uterus has swollen to around 500 to 1,000 times its original size, which may seem exaggerated to others, but to you, it probably feels like a million. You should expect to gain roughly half a kg per week until you give birth.

When you're 35 weeks pregnant, you should evaluate the indicators of labour. You may think this is early, but 8.4 per cent of singleton parents give delivery prematurely, but moms who are pregnant with twins are almost full term at this stage.

Signs of Labour at 35 weeks

Here are the indicators of actual labour, call the OB and grab your hospital bag if you have any of these symptoms.

• Water breaks- If you notice a flow of water rather than discharge, your water has broken. It can happen in a massive gush (as seen in movies) or in a gradual trickle that never stops
• Contractions are painful- Braxton Hicks are nothing compared to actual contractions. If you suddenly feel pain in your tummy or back, rather than just mild tightness, it may be time
• Regular contractions- True contractions occur on a regular basis and never stop; they get more frequent and painful. Your doctor will probably instruct you when to call and report your contractions. For a first pregnancy, it is recommended to call when contractions are around five minutes apart. If it's not your first labour, call earlier, say, when they're 10 to 15 minutes apart, because those labours are usually considerably shorter
• Unsure if any pregnancy symptoms could indicate labour? Always call the doctor to be safe

Tips at Week 35

Don't worry, your pregnancy will end soon, and the payoff will be well worth it! In the meantime, here are some tips to keep you occupied this week.

• If you haven't already done so, now is the time to get ready for delivery. There are items you will require (insurance information, photo ID) and those you will desire (socks, comfy clothing for the drive home).
• At 35 weeks, a pregnancy pillow has most likely been a lifeline for you. It allows you to retain the proper left-side sleeping position while also relieving pressure on your hips while resting in bed
• There isn't much you can do about your frequent bathroom breaks; it's just part of being pregnant. To lessen the frequency of wake-ups in the middle of the night, limit the amount of water you consume in the hour or two before bedtime
• Start consuming spinach or kale, lentils or roasted chickpeas (or go fruit-forward with pears, berries, or apples), and you can also munch on sesame seeds or chopped almonds. These are all delicious fibre-rich foods. They're an excellent method to obtain additional fibre in your diet and avoid constipation.

Checklist for Week 35

• Program crucial numbers into your phone
• Wash and organise baby clothes
• Consider commencing perineal massage with your doctor's approval. It can prevent tears during delivery
• Check with your doctor about what to do, who to call, and where to go if labour begins. Also, double-check your hospital bag and birth plan
• Continue to receive prenatal care and keep an eye out for labour indicators

Frequently Asked Questions on Week 35 of Pregnancy

1. Are there any benefits or dangers to perineal massage at week 35?
   Some pregnant women may benefit from perineal massages. According to research, starting regular perineal massages at about 35 weeks of pregnancy can help strengthen the elasticity and flexibility of the perineal tissues, potentially resulting in reduced tearing after vaginal delivery. Furthermore, these massages can increase blood circulation, which promotes healing and alleviates discomfort. These massages pose no risk (but you should always see your doctor before beginning). However, they are not beneficial for everyone, and it is impossible to anticipate who will or will not benefit from them.
2. Is it okay to use a pregnancy sling to relieve discomfort?
   As the baby grows in the later stages of pregnancy, you may notice worsening aches and pains in your back and pelvic area. To treat this pain, use a pregnancy sling (also known as a maternity support garment), which is meant to support your belly and relieve pressure on your pelvic area. These clothes are safe to wear and can greatly alleviate discomfort when standing, walking, or engaging in other physical activities. Pregnancy slings can also help with stability, as your centre of gravity shifts with your expanding belly.