Pregnant in week 35
In week 35 your baby is the size of a galia melon. The kidneys are fully developed and the liver can process waste. Your hospital bag should be ready now – and remember to feel for movements every day.
Your baby in week 35
Your baby measures around 46 centimetres and weighs about 2,400 grams. It has grown plump, and most organs are now fully developed and ready to work on their own.
The kidneys are fully developed, and the liver can process some waste. Your baby gains weight every day, mainly as fat, which gives it the round, newborn body.
There is not much room left now, so your baby often lies curled up. The movements feel more like pressure and rolling but should still be felt daily.
Your body and symptoms in week 35
The bump is at its largest, and the final weeks can be physically demanding. If your baby settles into the pelvis, breathing gets easier but the downward pressure increases.
Pelvic and lower back pain, swollen legs, trouble sleeping and frequent toilet trips belong to this stage. Braxton Hicks contractions can come in bursts but are still irregular and painless.
Your midwife sees you more closely now. Keep feeling your baby's movements every day – with clearly fewer or weaker movements, contact the maternity unit immediately.
Good advice for week 35
Have your hospital bag ready
From now the birth can begin within a few weeks. Make sure the bag, car seat and papers are ready, so you can leave without stress.
Feel movements daily
Even though space is tight, you should still feel your baby daily. React immediately to clearly fewer movements – it is your most important sign of wellbeing.
Relieve your body
Warm baths, resting with your legs up, a support pillow and help with heavy tasks make the final weeks more comfortable.
Prepare for breastfeeding and the postnatal period
Read about breastfeeding, the first days and what newborns need. It gives calm to know a little in advance, even though much is learned along the way.
Checklists for this stage
Tick things off as you go – the list remembers where you got to, and you can share it with your partner.
Relevant with us in week 35
This is what we can offer you at this point in your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions in week 35
When is my baby full term?
From week 37 your baby is considered full term. Born between weeks 35 and 37, it usually does well but may need a little extra help.
What do I do if my waters break?
Contact the maternity unit, whether it is a sudden gush or a slow trickle. They will advise you on what to do and when to come in.
Is it normal to have contractions that stop?
Yes. Practice contractions come and go and stop with a change of position or rest. Real contractions, on the other hand, become regular, closer and stronger over time.
Your pregnancy – week by week, in your inbox
Every time you enter a new week we send you what is happening with your baby and your body, good advice for the week – and when the different scans make sense. Unsubscribe with one click.
Read on in week 35
The hospital bag – what to pack, and when?
How do you prepare for birth? – A guide for expectant mothers
