Table of Contents
What’s happening with your baby?
At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon, measuring around 18 inches and weighing approximately 5.5 pounds. Your little one is finally beginning to look more like a newborn, with a chubby body, a round face, and a strong grip.During this week, your baby’s skin is becoming less wrinkled as fat accumulates underneath. This fat will help regulate your baby’s body temperature after birth. Your baby’s lungs are nearly fully developed, and they are practicing breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.Your baby’s digestive system is also developing rapidly, and they are practicing swallowing by taking in amniotic fluid. This swallowing helps their digestive system mature and prepares them for their first meal of breastmilk or formula.
What’s happening with your body?
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may start to feel more and more uncomfortable. You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that can help prepare your body for labor.You may also experience increased fatigue as your body works hard to carry around the extra weight of your growing baby. It’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need to.At this stage of pregnancy, you may also start to experience more frequent and stronger fetal movements. Your baby is running out of room to move around, so their movements may feel more forceful than before.
How to prepare for your baby’s arrival
As your due date draws near, it’s important to have everything ready for your baby’s arrival. Here are some things you can do to prepare:- Pack your hospital bag with everything you’ll need for your stay- Install your baby’s car seat in your car- Set up your baby’s sleeping area, whether it’s a crib or a bassinet- Stock up on essentials like diapers, wipes, and baby clothes- Make a plan for who will help you during and after labor
Commonly asked questions
1. How much weight should I have gained at 35 weeks pregnant?Every pregnancy is different, but most women have gained between 25-35 pounds by 35 weeks pregnant. However, if you have concerns about your weight gain, talk to your healthcare provider.2. Can I still exercise at 35 weeks pregnant?Exercise can be beneficial during pregnancy, but it’s important to listen to your body and avoid any exercises that are uncomfortable. Talk to your healthcare provider about what exercises are safe for you to do at this stage of pregnancy.3. When should I call my healthcare provider?If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your healthcare provider right away:- Vaginal bleeding- Contractions that are getting stronger and closer together- Decreased fetal movement- Severe headache or vision changes- Severe abdominal pain4. How often should I be seeing my healthcare provider at 35 weeks pregnant?At this stage of pregnancy, most women have appointments with their healthcare provider every two weeks. However, your provider may recommend more frequent appointments if you have any complications.5. What should I do if I start to feel anxious about labor and delivery?It’s normal to feel anxious about labor and delivery, but there are things you can do to help alleviate your anxiety. Consider taking a childbirth education class, talking to your healthcare provider about pain management options, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation.