You’re almost there, mums! At 35 weeks pregnant, you’re less than two months away from seeing your little one.
Your baby is almost ready to enter the world, and your body is working hard to make sure their grand entrance goes smoothly.
This week is filled with noticeable changes, from your baby’s growth to your own physical and emotional shifts.
Here’s what’s to expect at 35 weeks of pregnancy:
Your Baby at 35 Weeks of Pregnancy
Now that you’re 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is roughly the size of a honeydew melon, measuring about 46 centimetres and weighing approximately 2.4 kilograms.
This is what’s going on with your little one at 35 weeks:
- Weight gain: Your baby continues to gain weight rapidly, adding about 220 grams per week. As space becomes limited in the womb, their movements may feel more like nudges or pushes rather than sharp kicks. Despite the cramped quarters, you should still notice regular movements throughout the day.
- Physical cevelopment: Your baby’s lungs are almost fully developed, thanks to the hormone cortisol, which aids in their maturation. The intestines are also preparing for life outside the womb, now filled with meconium – a sticky, greenish-black substance that will make up their first bowel movement.
- Reflexes and senses: The nervous system is refining its functions, and reflexes such as sucking, grasping, and searching for a nipple are well-coordinated. Your baby responds to light, sound, and touch, making this stage a critical period for sensory development.
- Amniotic fluid: The amount of amniotic fluid in your womb is about 1 litre. While your baby is urinating around 500 millilitres daily, the fluid volume begins to decrease as your baby takes up more space.
At this stage, your baby is preparing for their grand entrance, growing stronger and more responsive every day.
Your Body at 35 Weeks of Pregnancy
As your baby approaches full term, your body reaches its peak of adaptation, preparing for labour and delivery.
This week brings both physical and emotional changes, some of which may feel overwhelming but are all part of the natural process.
Here’s what’s going on with your body now that you’re 35 weeks pregnant:
- Blood volume: Your blood volume peaks around 7 to 8 litres, causing a natural dilution of red blood cells. While this may lead to mild anaemia, it generally poses no risk.
- Pelvic pain: Many women experience pelvic discomfort. The pain can appear in the pubic area, down the legs up the back and other areas. It’s important to discuss pain management if the discomfort becomes too much for you.
- Foot changes: You may notice your feet growing or changing shape due to increased weight and hormonal changes. Some of these foot changes are permanent. You may need to start buying new shoes once you give birth.
- Mood swings: It’s normal to feel more anxious or irritable as delivery nears. These mood swings may stem from hormonal shifts and concerns about labour or parenting.
- Nesting instinct: Many women experience an overwhelming urge to clean, organise, or prepare their homes. This instinct, while sometimes amusing, is a natural part of preparing for your baby’s arrival.
Preparing a Birth Plan
As you approach your due date you doctor will start talking to you about your birth plan.
Creating a birth plan can help you clarify your preferences for labour and delivery.
While it’s a helpful tool, it’s important to remain flexible, as circumstances can change.
Here’s whats to include in your birth plan:
- Preferences for pain relief (epidurals) and medical interventions (C-section).
- Who you’d like to have present during labour (spouse or family members).
- Positions for labour and delivery.
- Preferences for immediate post-birth bonding or breastfeeding.
Remember, your midwife and healthcare team are there to ensure the safety of both you and your baby, even if the plan needs to adapt.
Foetal Tests
As you near the end of pregnancy, certain tests can help assess your baby’s wellbeing and detect any signs of stress.
Your doctor will generally recommend the following tests to see whether your baby is still comfortable enough to wait until your due date:
- Ultrasound: Provides detailed images of your baby’s brain, heart, and other organs.
- Non-Stress Test (NST): Monitors your baby’s heart rate and movement to check for signs of distress.
- Contraction Stress Test (CST): Evaluates your baby’s response to mild contractions, simulating the stress of labour.
These tests are typically recommended based on individual circumstances and your healthcare provider’s assessment.
If your doctor notices anything concerning, they will administer the correct treatment or intervention.
Elective Delivery
Elective delivery refers to scheduling a birth for non-medical reasons before labour begins.
There are, of course, many reasons why a mother would want to give birth earlier than the due date such as medical conditions and health risks.
Your doctor will not generally recommend elective delivery unless it is absolutely necessary.
While a baby still has a high chance of surviving if delivered during this period.
However, babies delivered before 39 weeks may face complications, as full-term development minimises health risks.
Doctors generally advise waiting until at least 39 weeks, unless there’s a medical reason to deliver earlier.
Almost There
The 35th week of pregnancy is a time of rapid development for your baby and significant physical and emotional changes for you.
From the final touches on your baby’s reflexes to your body’s preparation for labour, every change is part of the journey towards meeting your little one.
As the countdown continues, take time to rest, communicate with your healthcare team, and cherish these final weeks of pregnancy, mummies!
References
- Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
- Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
- Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
- Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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