Welcome to your week-by-week pregnancy guide! We’re here to equip you with essential insights into what to expect during your journey, from symptoms and fetal development to the changes in your body and the upcoming appointments.
Your Body at 35 Weeks Pregnant
Your Uterus Is Expanding
At this stage, your uterus has risen about six inches above your belly button, confirming that it’s not just a figment of your imagination. By now, you may have gained approximately 24 to 29 pounds, and it might feel like all of that weight is from your uterus alone. Surprisingly, the capacity of your uterus can be 500 to 1000 times larger than it was before pregnancy—impressive!
Breast Size Variability
It’s common for your breasts to appear uneven during pregnancy, and there’s a reason for this. Research shows that in 76% of mothers, the right breast tends to produce more milk. So, if you’re noticing a difference, it’s not unusual!
Understanding PUPPP
While PUPPP may sound adorable, it’s anything but pleasant. Known as “pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy,” this condition usually appears in the third trimester and manifests as an intensely itchy rash on your abdomen. Your healthcare provider can prescribe topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines for relief.
What to Remember This Week
Starting this week, expect to visit your healthcare provider more frequently—about once a week. Make sure you have everything ready for your appointments. Consider downloading contraction-timing apps like Contraction Master or Full Term to help you track those contractions. If you haven’t done so already, pick out your pediatrician and inform your obstetrician about your choice.
Your Baby at 35 Weeks Pregnant
Baby Is Almost Fully Developed
Currently, your baby measures between 17 and 18 inches long and weighs around 5.5 to 6 pounds—roughly the size of a 12-pack of root beer. While your little one will continue to gain weight, most of their growth is nearing completion. This means space is limited, and their movement patterns should remain fairly consistent. It’s a good idea to start monitoring their movements, counting how long it takes to feel 10 kicks or rolls.
“Lightening” Has Occurred
By this point, around 97% of babies have settled into a head-down position in preparation for birth, a phenomenon known as “lightening.” If your baby hasn’t turned yet and is lying in a breech position, your doctor may discuss options for repositioning them and the associated risks.
Your Baby Is Listening
Your baby’s hearing has progressed significantly; by now, they can recognize your voice and may even respond to your partner’s voice too.
Symptoms and Health at 35 Weeks Pregnant
Familiar Symptoms Resurface
Expect to feel the same late-pregnancy symptoms you’ve become accustomed to, including fatigue, heartburn, and backaches. You might be counting down the days until you meet your little one. If the baby has dropped, you may find some relief from shortness of breath, but if not, you could be feeling more pressure as your uterus pushes against your rib cage.
Bathroom Breaks May Be Frequent
With lightening relieving some pressure, you might experience increased urgency to urinate. It’s not uncommon for sneezing to lead to a bit of incontinence, a situation that can be managed with panty liners for those who feel self-conscious.
Ligament Loosening
As your body prepares for delivery, you may experience some discomfort due to loosening ligaments, particularly in your hips and pelvis. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s a necessary step toward making childbirth easier.
For Twin Mothers
If you’re expecting twins, week 35 may signal the final stretch of your pregnancy. Twins often arrive earlier than single babies, so if you haven’t packed your hospital bag yet, now is the time to do it—or delegate the task to your partner while you rest.
For more pregnancy insights, check out this related post: Home Insemination Kit. Additionally, you can find authoritative information at Make A Mom and CCRM IVF.
Summary
At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a 12-pack of root beer, measuring 17 to 18 inches long and weighing around 5.5 to 6 pounds. Expect to experience familiar late-pregnancy symptoms, and if you’re expecting twins, prepare for their arrival soon. Regular doctor visits will begin this week, so ensure you’re ready for your appointments.