35 Weeks Pregnant: The Late Pregnancy Stage

As you enter the 35th week of pregnancy, which corresponds to the 8th month and falls in the third trimester, there is a significant increase in anticipation for the new baby’s arrival. This is when you’re 35 weeks pregnant, a time when your baby’s growth and baby’s development are almost complete. The baby is about the size of a honeydew melon and already functional, eagerly preparing to descend into the pelvic area, making it easier for the pregnant woman to breathe.

With the weeks rolling into the last few of pregnancy, it is high time to fully prepare for the big event. As a pregnant woman, always carry your medical record card with you and make sure your phone is charged. Don’t think it’s too early. Labor could start within days. As a precaution, pack your hospital bag and keep it ready.

Size and Development of the Baby at 35 Weeks Pregnant

At 35 weeks pregnant, there is considerable progress in the baby’s growth and fetal development. The baby measures around 46.2 cm in height and weighs about 2.4 kg. The baby’s head circumference is around 31.0 cm, with an abdominal circumference of 31.5 cm.

This week, the baby has accumulated sufficient subcutaneous fats, giving it that characteristic newborn baby fat and smoothing its skin. Some wrinkles may be noticeable, for instance, in the neck area, buttocks, and joints.

In this late stage of pregnancy, the baby’s organs and systems are fully formed and functional. Its hair has taken on color and continues to grow. A significant sign of this advanced stage of development is the wrinkling of the feet. The baby’s kidneys are fully developed and operational. These are all signs that your baby is ready to be born.

Pregnancy Symptoms at 35 Weeks Pregnant

This week, as the baby’s head descends and the baby becomes an active baby, many women experience a range of pregnancy symptoms. As the uterus extends 35 cm from the pubic bone, the pregnant belly is evident. Braxton Hicks contractions might be more frequent now. These contractions are slightly painful and provoke spasms in the abdominal and uterine muscles.

As the baby grows, it may even reach up to your rib cage. Drinking plenty of warm water and taking a warm bath may provide relief from these discomforts. Consult your healthcare provider or a midwife about various relaxation techniques, such as breathing techniques, to deal with these late pregnancy symptoms.

35 Weeks Pregnant: Diet and Care

At 35 weeks pregnant, your diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals. Consume small meals frequently but avoid eating late at night. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, in your diet.

It’s also recommended to take rest more often and talk to your doctor about a birth plan. A birth center might be a good option to consider. As you approach the big day, don’t forget to take care of your body and maintain good sleep habits.

35 Weeks Pregnant: Baby’s Movements and Ultrasound

By the time you are 35 weeks pregnant, you should be able to notice the baby’s movements. The active baby, due to its fully developed size, may have less room to move around in the womb, but it should continue to remain active.

During an ultrasound, you will notice the baby’s round shapes and lighter skin. It’s quite an exciting and emotional moment as you see a fully mature baby on the screen, reminding you that the big day is approaching.

In conclusion, the 35th week is a crucial stage in pregnancy, where both the mother and baby prepare for the upcoming birth. It’s essential to stay in regular touch with your healthcare provider, keep track of any preterm labor symptoms, and take good care of your diet and sleep. As each week passes, remember that you are one step closer to meeting your little one.

As you approach the final weeks of your pregnancy, remember to keep your hospital bag ready, take care of your body, and prepare mentally for the big event. The baby’s arrival will be a joyous occasion that will make all the months of preparation, from the first symptoms to the last weeks of pregnancy, entirely worth it. Enjoy these precious moments and look forward to the day you will hold your newborn in your arms.

Questions and Answers

Is it OK to deliver at 35 weeks?

Being 35 weeks pregnant signifies a significant point in your pregnancy journey. Although the full term of a pregnancy is 40 weeks, delivering at 35 weeks is not unusual and can result in a healthy baby. However, babies born at 35 weeks are considered mildly premature and might face minor health challenges, such as maintaining their body temperature or occasional difficulty in breathing. As a result, unless there’s a medical necessity, healthcare providers generally aim to prevent labor at 35 weeks, providing the baby more time for development inside the womb. The added weeks can make a substantial difference to the newborn’s health.

Is the baby fully developed at 35 weeks?

When you’re 35 weeks pregnant, your baby’s development has reached a significant milestone. All of the baby’s major organs, such as the brain and lungs, are almost entirely formed and functioning. The kidneys are already fully developed and the liver has commenced processing certain waste products. However, the remaining weeks of pregnancy are crucial for the baby’s development as they provide time for the final stages of growth and maturation. So, while the baby at 35 weeks is substantially developed, the concluding weeks in the womb further enhance the baby’s growth and preparedness for life outside the womb.

Do babies born at 35 weeks need NICU?

Whilst not all babies born at 35 weeks necessitate a stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), there is a chance some might require temporary care within the specialized nursery. The rationale is that, despite the majority of a 35-week-old baby’s organs being operative, they might not be fully acclimated to function outside the womb’s protective environment. Babies born at this gestational age might encounter difficulties with feeding or maintaining optimal body temperature, issues that could necessitate additional medical care.

What are the chances of going into labour at 35 weeks?

Although the average duration of pregnancy extends to 40 weeks, labor onset at 35 weeks isn’t an unusual occurrence. Certain factors, including carrying multiple babies, complications involving the uterus or cervix, and specific lifestyle aspects, can prompt early labor. However, this isn’t the standard timeline. Any signs of preterm labor—consistent contractions, lower back pain, changes in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pressure—should instigate immediate medical intervention.