How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 35 Weeks?
At 35 weeks, you are in the eighth month and third trimester of pregnancy. In two weeks, your pregnancy will be considered full-term.
How Big Is Your Baby At 35 Weeks?
Babies in this week are said to be about the size of a honeydew melon (1). On average, a baby measures 18.19in (46.2cm) in length and weighs 5.25lb (2.383kg) (2). By this time, the baby’s development is almost complete.
Baby Development At 35 Weeks
The following section tells you about the general fetal development this week: The baby also develops a specific sleep pattern by this week and is bigger than before, leaving little space for movement inside the uterus. Fetal position and movement: The baby attains the head-down position (vertex position) this week, and is curled up in the uterus with legs bent up towards the chest. Though there is very less room for the baby to move inside the womb, it changes the position in slow movements that you can feel. Even if the baby is in a breech position, there is still time for the baby to move to an optimal position. Read more about the symptoms you will experience this week.
What Symptoms Do You Have In The 35th week Of Pregnancy?
Here are a few symptoms that pregnant women are likely to have during this week:
You are likely to feel more tired and fatigued now than before as you are carrying an almost full-term baby.
The growing belly puts pressure on the diaphragm, resulting in shortness of breath.
The enlarged uterus puts pressure on the bladder, increasing the frequency of urination.
The enlarged belly might affect your sleep.
The enlarged uterus pushes the gastric acids upward into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
The water retention in the body causes edema, which is swelling of the hand, foot, and face.
The pressure put by the uterus on the rectal veins causes hemorrhoids, which is the swelling of the blood vessels in that area.
The extra weight of the baby puts more pressure on the lower back, causing a backache.
Progesterone hormone slows down the digestion process, leading to constipation.
Braxton Hicks contractions are the irregular and less painful contractions that help the body prepare for labor.
Your water may break, and a gush of vaginal fluid may occur indicating that delivery is imminent.
The hormonal fluctuations can lead to occasional headaches.
The extra blood flow to the lower part of the body can cause swelling of the blood vessels in the leg area, resulting in varicose veins.
The hormonal fluctuations can result in loosening and bleeding of the gums.
The growing uterus causes a shift in the center of the gravity in your body, making you clumsy at times.
The hormonal changes increase your tendency of forgetfulness, which is quite common during this week.
As the baby grows, you will also experience physical and emotional changes at this time.
Changes In The Body In The 35th Week
Some women are likely to have these changes during this week.
Physical changes
Enlarged belly with a protruding navel
Tender and sore breasts
Colostrum, a watery and milky fluid starts leaking from your breasts
Bigger and darker areola and nipples
Dark green or blue veins are visible around the breast and other parts of the body due to the increased blood flow
Darker linea nigra
Stretch marks
Emotional changes
Anxiety
Mood swings
Fear and stress of labor and delivery
The 35th week is close to the home stretch period and could result in preterm delivery in some cases. Next, we tell you how to identify that.
Preterm Labor In The 35th Week
Labor occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm. Following are the signs of preterm labor (7):
Experiencing five or more contractions in one hour
Water leak from the vagina
Abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea
Pelvic cramping similar to that of menstrual cramps
Pelvic pressure
Lower backache that is constant or intermittent
Vaginal discharge with a pink tint or streaks of blood
If you experience any of these symptoms, call for medical help. In the meantime, here is what you can do.
Tips To Deal With Preterm Labor
Here are some tips to evaluate the symptoms and find out whether or not you are really in labor. If you notice any other unusual symptoms, then reach out to your doctor at the earliest.
When To Call The Doctor
You notice any significant change in your baby’s movement.
Have a sudden weight gain, swelling of hands and face, blurred vision, persistent headache, breathlessness, lightheadedness and abdominal pain.
The color of the urine is dark yellow or orange, with or without odor and is accompanied by an abdominal or lower back pain. A burning sensation or vaginal itching might indicate UTI.
Extreme thirst and dry mouth, accompanied by blurred vision, fatigue, dizziness.
Unilateral swelling with or without pain, along with tenderness in the leg.
Usually, babies born between 34 and 37 weeks are considered as late preterm infants or near-term infants do well but some might need close monitoring for a few days as compared to the full-term babies as they might be slightly more prone to respiratory difficulties, jaundice, and a risk of catching infection (8). If the symptoms are normal and there is no indication of preterm labor or other complications, schedule the usual weekly OB/GYN visit.
Your OB/GYN Visit
Your appointment with the doctor this week would ideally include:
Weight check
Blood pressure
Fundal height
Ultrasound, to check the position and health of the baby.
Group B strep test; the screening test of the vaginal swab checks for group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection. If GBS is detected, then antibiotics will be given during to reduce any risk of infection to the baby (9).
If the pregnancy is progressing smoothly, continue to take care of yourself until the baby is ready to come out.
Tips For Mom-to-be
Always get up slowly from the lying position to avoid any jerky movements.
Taking a warm bath eases the discomfort caused by leg cramps, hemorrhoids, and back pain.
Avoid carbonated drinks, spicy and citrus foods in the case of heartburn.
Eat healthy and home-cooked meals.
Walking will help you feel energetic and have a good night’s sleep.
Stay hydrated but drink less water at least one hour before going to bed. This reduces the urge to urinate during the night and ensures an undisturbed sleep.
Wear loose and comfortable clothes.
Get a massage from a professional masseuse to ease the back pain and body aches.
Avoid taking any medication without the doctor’s advice.
Inquire about cord blood banking and register for it, if interested.
Find out about your healthcare center’s childbirth and pain relief options.
Arrange for childcare if you already have a kid. This could be of great help while you go into labor.
Spend more time with your family and friends. Do not hesitate to share any concerns with them.
Read pregnancy-related books.
Enroll in childbirth classes to learn about labor and the techniques of birthing.
Get your partner involved in the planning.
Tips For Dad-to-be
Search for a pediatrician in your area.
Help with the daily household chores.
Accompany to all the prenatal visits.
Ensure that the hospital bag is ready with all the necessary items.
Go on walks and attend pregnancy classes.
Plan a day out for a change.
Be available on call in the case of emergency.
