Third Trimester: 35 Weeks Pregnant

Congratulations, expecting mommies! You are now at 35 weeks pregnant, just a few more days till your due date. Let’s see the progress of your baby and yourself during this week.

My Baby’s Size

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As for this week, your little one is growing a little more compared to last week and he is as big as a honeydew melon. From crown to rump, he is now 46cm and weight around 2.6kg.

Baby’s Development During 35 Weeks Pregnant

Right now, his skin is getting plump, pink and smooth. His limbs are becoming chubbier too – too cute to handle right?

• Vernix and Lanugo

For every baby, there will be a layer of coating that covers their skins from the amniotic liquid which is called vernix. As for now, vernix is growing thicker on his skin and lanugo; the fine hair on his body is almost gone too.

• Lungs and other systems

As for his lungs, they are progressively developing and producing surfactant. For those who do not know what surfactant is, it is a substance that will help your little bean’s lungs to operate functionally once he is delivered soon.

While there are systems which are fully developed like the circulatory system and musculoskeletal system. However, for his brain and nervous system, both of these are still developing.

And he supposedly to shift into a head-down position; preparing for the ‘grand entrance’ soon!

• Beware of preterm labour

If you are carrying for twins or more, you will be likely facing this thing. It is better for you to know and familiar with the signs of preterm labour.

There is a 50% chance to have preterm labour if you are expecting twins while 90% chance if you are carrying triplets.

The signs are:

1. menstrual-like cramping
2. lower-back pressure
3. diarrhoea
4. increased vaginal discharge

Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you are facing any of these signs.

Mother’s Body During Week 35

You might be wondering about the pros and cons of vaginal delivery and caesarean. Both have their benefits and ‘not -so-good-thing’ but the doctor will suggest the best way of delivery for you. The doctor knows better which delivery method is safer for you and your baby.

Normally, pregnant women will deliver their baby by vaginal delivery. However, C-Section is also common. There are certain factors why the Mommy is not allowed to give birth vaginally, such as:

1. Contractions are too weak or infrequent to dilate the cervix enough for the baby to pass-through.
2. An abnormal heart rate for the baby.
3. A pinched or compressed umbilical cord; where the baby is not getting sufficient oxygen.
4. The baby is not in head-down position; where he is in a breech or abnormal position.
5. The mother has placenta previa; a situation where the placenta blocks the baby from coming out vaginally.
6. Your baby may be too large to pass through the birth canal.

When having an appointment with your doctor during this week, you may ask her about this – whether you should deliver vaginally or through a caesarean. She will provide ample explanation for you.

Symptoms That You Will Face During 35 Weeks Pregnant

Nothing much change in the symptoms that you will face during 35 weeks of your pregnancy to be compared with the previous week.

• Frequent urination

This is not uncommon since your baby is ‘marching down south’ now, so he is putting pressure on your bladder. Sometimes you would face leakage usually when you cough, laugh or sneeze.

Experts say Kegel exercises will be the rescuer for this matter. The exercise will make the muscles around your vagina and pelvic become stronger so that you are able to control the leakage.

You may also wear pantyliners but do change them once they are wet as it may cause infection if you let keep on wearing the same one for too long.

• Trouble to fall asleep

Your growing belly is the main factor why you are not able to sleep well at night. Try to use a pregnancy pillow and make your bed as comfortable as you can. Do take some naps during the day (if possible) to top-up your energy.

• The pain of swelling legs

This symptom might occur because of several reasons like:

1. Your body is retaining more fluid when you are pregnant.
2. The uterus is putting more pressure on your veins.
3. Your hormone levels are changing over and over.

So, avoid standing for too long, wearing uncomfortable shoes, and tight clothes.

• Your hands and feet are numb

Feeling numbness and tingles on your limbs are normal since your veins are being pressured. Do mention this to your doctor and follow her instructions in order to lessen the pain.

Usually, doctors will suggest you use a wrist splint and try to rest your hands and feet on a pillow. Do not stress them with heavy work; let them rest for an extra while.

• Heartburn

Burning sensations around your chest and throat are normal especially when you are pregnant. These happen because of the changing of hormones which lead the valve between your stomach and oesophagus to relax.

Indirectly, the stomach acid comes up into your oesophagus.

Avoid eating fried and spicy food, citrus fruits and also chocolate. Besides, practice eating in small portions with frequent meals rather than taking big portions for two times per day.

Your Bucket-To-Do List

Let’s see what you should do for this week:

• Stock up postpartum care

If you are going to deliver your baby vaginally, then you should buy a sufficient amount of sanitary pads. This is because there will be postpartum-bleeding where it usually takes around 40-60 days.

However, if you will have a caesarean delivery, prepare enough incision dressings like gauze pads. You might be confused about this now, so you may ask your doctors when you are meeting her on your appointment. She will help you with this.

• Relax and Write

If you are going to organize or already done a baby shower event, so this is the right time to relax and write some thank you notes.

Additional Tips For 35 Weeks Pregnant

• GBS Test

GBS is a bacterium called group B streptococcus where it usually does not cause any harm to adults like us. But it may affect your little baby soon. How to avoid this?

Your doctor will suggest you to take a swab test and if you are positive of GBS then she will prescribe you with antibiotics in order to decrease the risks of your baby getting infected during labour.

• Attacks from preeclampsia

Preeclampsia or serious blood pressure disorder is not uncommon among pregnant women especially when they are in the last trimester.

You must be having a severe headache, changes in eyesight, some pains in the upper abdomen or shoulders and also difficulties to breath. Contact your doctor right away if the signs seem to be more serious.

• Think about the position of vaginal delivery

Once your doctor has suggested for you to have a vaginal delivery, then you may start to think about which position of the delivery you might want to do. There are several positions, so do your research and ask your doctor about her opinions and suggestions.

Stay tuned with us at Motherhood Story for weekly updates of pregnancy and don’t forget to follow us on our Instagram and Facebook too!