35 Weeks Pregnant
Highlights of this Week >>
Pregnancy Symptoms >>
Weekly Checklist >>
Your Pregnant Belly >>
Baby Development >>
Pregnancy is a magical and transformative experience for many women. As you enter the 35th week, you may be feeling a mix of excitement, anticipation, and nerves as you prepare for the arrival of your little one. In this guide, we’ll cover the common pregnancy symptoms you can expect at 35 weeks, the important tasks to check off your 35-week pregnancy checklist, a closer look at your 35-week pregnant belly, and an overview of what your baby’s development looks like at 35 weeks.
Your Baby is the Size of an American Girl Doll
length
18.25 inches
Head to Toe
weight
5.75 pounds
Highlights of the Week
- Your baby is growing rapidly, about the size of a Rubik’s Cube, with developing facial features and distinct fingers and toes.
- You’ve entered the second trimester, often referred to as the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, known for reduced morning sickness and increased energy.
- While you can’t feel them yet, your baby is moving and practicing reflexes in the womb.
- If you choose, this may be the time for a gender reveal ultrasound to find out the sex of your baby.
- You might start noticing changes in your body shape, prompting you to consider maternity clothing for comfort and style.
- Some women experience improvements in their skin, with a pregnancy “glow” and reduced acne.
- Many women feel a boost in mood and energy as morning sickness subsides.
- Begin bonding with your baby through talking, reading, or playing music to your belly.
- The baby is approximately 17.2 to 18.7 inches in length and weighs around 5.75 pounds.
- The baby’s immune system is developing and can produce antibodies to protect against infection
- The baby’s brain is continuing to develop, and they are now able to process more complex information and react to different stimuli.
- The baby’s movements are becoming more coordinated, and they may be able to distinguish between light and dark.
- The baby’s head is likely to be engaged in the pelvis, which means that the baby’s head is down and ready for delivery.
- Pregnancy dreams are common and can be vivid and emotional, reflecting the woman’s thoughts, feelings and concerns about the baby and birth.
- The baby’s weight gain is around half a pound per week, as the baby continues to build up fat stores.
- The baby’s head remains soft, to help ease the baby’s passage through the birth canal during delivery.
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 35
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may experience increased discomfort due to the extra weight you’re carrying. Some of the most common symptoms at 35 weeks include:
Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that appear mainly on the legs. They happen due to the increased blood flow and pressure on the legs during pregnancy. Some women may have varicose veins that are inherited or due to a job that requires standing for long periods of time. Pregnant women may also experience a condition known as “spider veins” which are smaller and less severe.
Symptoms of varicose veins include aching, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs, as well as itching and burning sensations. They can also be accompanied by swelling in the legs and ankles.
Bleeding Gums:
Pregnant women may experience bleeding gums due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. The hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the gums to become more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding. It’s also important to note that this can be a symptom of a condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth.
Skin Rashes:
Some women may develop skin rashes during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the skin. Pregnant women may also be more susceptible to certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Pregnancy-related skin conditions include PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) which is a rash that starts on the belly and spreads to other parts of the body and PEP (polymorphic eruption of pregnancy) which is a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
Vision Changes:
Some pregnant women may experience changes in their vision due to hormonal changes and fluid buildup in the eyes. These changes can include temporary nearsightedness, blurry vision, and even temporary vision loss. These symptoms usually disappear after pregnancy.
Linea Nigra:
Linea Nigra is a dark line that can appear on the belly during pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes and is not harmful. It’s a vertical line that can appear from the belly button to the pubic bone, and it’s more common in darker-skinned women. The line will fade after pregnancy.
Heartburn:
Heartburn is a common symptom experienced by pregnant women due to the hormonal changes and the pressure that the baby puts on the stomach. It’s caused by the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest and throat, and it can be relieved by eating small, frequent meals and avoiding certain foods.
Clumsiness:
As the baby bump grows, it can make it more difficult for a woman to move around and balance, making her more prone to clumsiness. This is due to the center of gravity being shifted as the baby grows.
Headaches:
Pregnant women may experience headaches due to the hormonal changes and stress of pregnancy. These headaches can be caused by a number of factors including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and changes in blood pressure. Many women find that headaches are more common in the first and third trimesters. Drinking water, eating well, and getting enough rest can help alleviate headaches.
35 Week Pregnancy Checklist
As you near the end of your pregnancy, there are a few important tasks you’ll want to check off your to-do list. These include:
Know the signs of labor
Be aware of the signs of labor, including contractions, back pain, and a change in vaginal discharge.
Watch for rupture of membranes (water breaking)
Be on the lookout for the “water breaking,” which signals the start of labor.
Install carseat
It’s a legal requirement to have a carseat for your baby when you leave the hospital.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help to prepare your body for childbirth and also helps to keep you in good physical shape.
Wash baby’s clothing and bedding
Prepare for your baby’s arrival by washing and preparing their clothing and bedding.
Research pain options
Learn about the different pain management options available during labor, such as an epidural or natural methods.
Invest in nasal strips
Nasal strips can help to alleviate snoring, which is common during pregnancy.
Finalize your birth plan
Make sure that you have a detailed birth plan in place, including your preferences for pain management and who you would like to be present during labor.
Prevent insomnia
Insomnia can be common during pregnancy, so take steps to prevent it by practicing good sleep hygiene and avoiding stimulating activities before bed.
Monitor your sugar intake
Pregnant women should monitor their sugar intake to help prevent gestational diabetes.
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Your 35 Week Pregnant Belly
At 35 weeks pregnant, the baby bump is likely to be quite large and prominent. The size of the belly will depend on the size of the baby and the woman’s own body shape. The belly may feel heavy and uncomfortable at times, and it can be difficult to find comfortable positions to sleep in.
As the baby continues to grow, the belly will put more pressure on the woman’s pelvis and lower back, which can lead to pain and discomfort. The belly may also be more prone to itching and stretch marks as the skin stretches to accommodate the baby.
To take care of a 35 week pregnant belly, it’s important to wear comfortable and supportive clothing that doesn’t rub against the skin. Avoiding tight clothing and belts can help to prevent itching and discomfort. It’s also important to practice good posture and to avoid carrying heavy items to reduce strain on the lower back.
The woman should also take care of her skin by keeping it moisturized and using lotions or oils to help prevent stretch marks. Pregnant women should also be extra cautious in the sun, as the skin on the belly is more sensitive and prone to sunburn.
It’s also important to stay active and do regular exercise such as walking, swimming or prenatal yoga to help maintain good physical condition and to prepare the body for labor and delivery.
It’s also important to take care of your mental health, by staying positive and taking time for yourself. Pregnancy can be a stressful time, so it’s important to take time to relax and do things that you enjoy.
It’s also important to note that as the baby continues to grow, it’s harder to move around and balance, making the pregnant woman more prone to clumsiness. It’s important to be cautious and take extra care when moving around.
Baby Development at 35 Weeks
At 35 weeks pregnant, the baby is continuing to grow and develop rapidly. The baby is approximately 17.2 to 18.7 inches in length and weighs around 5.75 pounds. The baby’s body is beginning to fill out and develop a more rounded appearance as they build up layers of fat.
The baby’s lungs are continuing to mature, and they are now able to produce surfactant, a substance that helps the lungs to inflate properly. The baby’s immune system is also continuing to develop, and they are now able to produce antibodies to help protect them from infection.
The baby’s brain is also continuing to develop, and they are now able to process more complex information and react to different stimuli. The baby’s senses are also continuing to develop, and they are now able to hear and respond to different sounds, such as the mother’s voice.
The baby’s movements are becoming more coordinated, and the baby may be able to distinguish between light and dark. In the coming weeks, the baby will settle into a head-down position, in preparation for birth.
Special considerations at 35 weeks pregnant, the baby’s head is likely to be engaged in the pelvis, which means that the baby’s head is down and ready for delivery. It’s important to be aware that the baby’s head being engaged in the pelvis can cause more pressure on the woman’s bladder and make urination more frequent and difficult.
As the baby’s head is engaged in the pelvis, the woman may experience more Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that can feel like the real thing.
It’s also important to note that the baby’s growth is not linear and some babies may be bigger or smaller than others, and that’s normal. The above measurements are only averages, and the healthcare provider will be able to give more accurate information about the baby’s growth during prenatal visits.
How Many Months is 35 Weeks Pregnant?
35 weeks pregnant is equivalent to 8 months and 1 week pregnant.
As you enter the 35th week of pregnancy, you’re on the home stretch. Your baby is continuing to grow and develop, and you’re likely experiencing a mix of different pregnancy symptoms. Remember to take care of yourself and check off important tasks from your 35-week pregnancy checklist. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms.
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.