35 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Fetus ~46.2 cm (large honeydew), weight ~2,400 g (5.3 lb) [1]. Brain and lungs nearly fully developed. Most space taken — kicks feel more like rolls, stretches, pressure. Body fat ~16-20% of body. Skin: smooth, plump. Lanugo mostly shed. Vernix still present. Movement: distinct patterns (active vs. sleep), may feel less frequent but more deliberate. Survival rate: 99%+ [2].

Pregnancy Symptoms

Third trimester. Symptoms: backache, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, swelling, headaches, Braxton Hicks (intensifying). Uterus ~15 cm above navel. Kicks may feel like rolls, stretches, pressure (less room). Round ligament pain, sciatica, pelvic pressure. Heartburn, shortness of breath, frequent urination. Restless legs, hemorrhoids, carpal tunnel. Sleep very difficult. Fatigue. Begin weekly OB visits this week. Anxiety about labor may peak [2].

Body Changes

Uterus ~15 cm above navel, close to sternum. Weight gain: 27-35 lbs by week 35 typical. Bump large. Stretch marks, linea nigra, melasma, visible veins, varicose veins. Breasts 2+ cup sizes up, colostrum may leak. Possible “pregnancy mask” (melasma). Swelling in feet/ankles. Heart rate 80-100 bpm. Weekly OB visits begin [2].

Tips for Week 35

• Weekly OB visits — begin this week. Blood pressure, urine, fundal height, weight, fetal heart rate, position check, GBS swab (35-37 wk).
• Group B Strep (GBS) test — vaginal/rectal swab at 35-37 wk. If positive (10-30%), antibiotics during labor prevent newborn infection.
• Continue perineal massage — 5 min daily. Reduces perineal tearing.
• Address sleep difficulties — pillow, side-sleeping, cool room, magnesium, Unisom (with provider OK). If anxiety-driven, talk to OB.

Things To Do (Checklist)

• Get GBS test (35-37 wk)
• Continue perineal massage (5 min daily)
• Optimize sleep aggressively
• Address labor anxiety (class, doula, provider)
• Continue kick counting (10 in 2 hrs daily)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Group B Strep? A: Common bacteria in vagina/rectum (~25% of pregnant people). Harmless to you, can cause serious infection in newborn. If positive, antibiotics during labor [1].

Q: I’m 35 weeks. Is it too early to deliver? A: Late preterm (34-36 wk). Most do well but may need NICU briefly. Late preterm is “almost there.” 37+ wk = full term [2].

Q: I have a lot of Braxton Hicks. Is that OK? A: Irregular, infrequent, painless = normal. Concerning: regular (5-1-1 pattern), painful, increasing frequency, with bleeding/fluid → call OB (preterm labor) [1].

For Dads

• Test the car seat installation — infant car seat, rear-facing, installed correctly. Many fire stations offer free checks. Practice buckling.
• Practice labor support — counter-pressure (lower back, hips), breathing cues, position changes, what to say/not say. Class or doula can teach.
• Run the “hospital go” plan — go-bag packed, route mapped, parking plan, backup driver, child care for your dog (dog) during hospital stay.
• Read The Expectant Father Ch. 33-34 — third trimester, your role, labor support.
• Pray for lung and brain maturation — final weeks of critical development.

Sources

1. ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
2. Mayo Clinic — 35 Weeks Pregnant
3. What to Expect When You’re Expecting — Heidi Murkoff (Chapters 19-20: Third Trimester)