Pregnancy Calendar at Week 35
Hi there, little mama!
I’m already a bit taller — about how tall a small pumpkin is — and I grow a little more each day to be ready to meet you. I’m about 46.5 cm long and weigh nearly 2.5 kilograms. My skin is almost gone, and my soft, smooth skin has turned shiny and elastic, while my body is now rounded and sturdy.
I’m totally ready to be born and start living inside your little world, stop a bit longer if you need to gather your strength and confidence — that’s totally normal. Take your time, I’ll be here when you’re ready!
My organs are still developing, and I already have a nice range of sounds. And your voice — it’s my favorite thing in the world. The bones in my little skull are still pretty soft, so I can pass easily through the birth canal. My muscles and body are getting stronger, getting ready for the big day!
I produce important hormones that help keep my tiny immune system strong and healthy. I can breathe on my own now — just waiting for the moment to meet you!
Most of my time is spent gathering strength, and sometimes I turn my little head down — just makes it easier for us to find each other when the time comes. Thank you for your warmth and care, I can feel your love every moment.
We’ll see each other soon, mama! I love you so much.
Your little pumpkin 🎃💙
What to Expect with Your Baby
Around the 35th week of pregnancy, women start to notice new and changing sensations as their bodies prepare for labor. Life slows down, and there's a shift in how the mind processes everything. These feelings can be quite noticeable and often trigger a sense of anticipation for the baby's arrival.
Breast Changes
While breast discomfort might not always be very strong, it actively signals that the body is gearing up to feed the baby. Milk-producing glands start working harder to produce more milk. If it wasn’t too obvious before, now women might notice small stains on their pajamas, especially after sleeping. This is a natural part of the process, and some women even feel a slight ache or heaviness in the breasts that gradually intensifies. These pains can spread across the chest and the pelvic area. Many women also experience ligament pain in the lower abdomen, which tends to worsen over time. Some recognize early signs of preterm labor, such as the leakage of watery substances or mucus, which indicates the beginning of contractions and early labor. During this time, it’s advised to monitor and contact a healthcare provider if any symptoms occur unexpectedly.
Labor Signs
By the 35th week of pregnancy, labor might be triggered by increased pressure on the stomach caused by the baby’s growth. Besides that, contractions can also occur due to the fetus's movements or the release of mucus plug. Be cautious about fluid intake after 7 p.m. to avoid swelling. It’s recommended to drink small amounts frequently rather than a large volume in one go. Choose the maternity ward where you plan to give birth, get familiar with the doctor and midwives, and exchange contacts just in case of unforeseen situations.
Early Births
Births around the 35th week are not uncommon, so it’s important to recognize early signs. One main indicator is the leakage of amniotic fluid or the release of mucus. Women can also experience pain or contractions in the lower abdomen, which gradually intensify. These pains might spread and affect the pelvic area. Premature labor signs can already be observed here, and if recurring, they usually indicate early labor because the body is starting to slow down. To reduce discomfort and gas buildup, using a waist belt is recommended.
Vaginal Discharge
Normally, vaginal discharge doesn’t change in consistency during pregnancy. However, always watch for thick or mucus-like discharge, especially if there are bloody or yellowish/brownish spots, which may require a visit to the doctor for diagnosis. Any unusual symptoms should prompt medical attention promptly.
Medical Examination
In the 35th week, women undergo a series of planned examinations to help the doctor assess the health of both mother and baby. This helps prevent potential complications during labor and monitors the pregnancy’s progress. A gynecologist will perform a general assessment, measure the height and position of the uterus, and evaluate the condition and development of the placenta (including its color, thickness, and blood flow). It’s also important to check the presence of any deposits or residues, the state of the cervix (its ripeness and thickness), and the amount of amniotic fluid and impurities. These visits ensure that the pregnancy is progressing well and catch any issues early.
Doctors
- Gynecologist: conducts a general review, measures the uterus height and assesses the fetal position and activity.
- Other specialists: are consulted if necessary, especially in cases of chronic illnesses or pregnancy complications.
Ultrasound Checkups
By the 35th week, ultrasounds are scheduled regularly to help the doctor evaluate the fetus and monitor its development. If an ultrasound wasn’t performed earlier, it’s mandatory at this stage. Ultrasounds provide insight into the fetus’s condition, help determine its position, estimate the weight, and check for any abnormalities or signs of preterm labor.
Risks and Variations
Potential deviations from normal include:
- Threats of preterm labor
- Chronic fetal hypoxia
- Gestosis
- Premature placental detachment or normal placental position
Be aware that chorionic deposits are strictly prohibited. Don’t sit on beds immediately after labor. Initially, turn onto your side, lift your legs, and lean on your arms to improve circulation. Maintain enough activity to avoid blood clots in the postpartum period, but not overexert yourself; gentle movement and breathing exercises from childbirth classes are very helpful during labor. Use a waist belt to prevent lower back pain. If you notice symptoms of preterm labor, contact your doctor immediately.
What a Future Mom Can Expect:
- Smoking, if permitted, isn’t recommended, and it’s better to stay away from the home environment and always have your phone with you.
- Regularly visit your doctor and undergo necessary examinations to assess the pregnancy’s status. This helps prevent possible complications and analyze the labor process more clearly.
What NOT to Do
- Avoid gathering in crowded places with lots of people, and try to cancel social outings if possible.
- Don’t lift heavy things—even a weight of 3 kg lifted with muscle tension can trigger premature labor.
- Avoid drinking water after the seventh hour of evening to prevent swelling.
- Take only gentle, decaffeinated exercises to prevent excessive strain on the spine—stand up straight, stretch, walk, and breathe in a relaxed manner.
- Choose a maternity ward where you plan to give birth, familiarize yourself with the doctors and midwives, and exchange contacts for emergencies.
- Monitor your weight weekly to avoid excess weight gain in the last weeks of pregnancy and observe your diet.
- Develop breathing exercises learned in childbirth courses—this will be very useful during labor.
- Lie on your side to avoid lower back pain.
- If planning a partner’s visit, make sure your future partner has completed all necessary medical exams beforehand.
- Follow your doctor’s advice regarding baby screening tests, especially in the last weeks, to avoid complications.
Useful Tips
At 35 weeks pregnant, it's really important to make sure you're fully ready for that big day and possible hospital stay. Gather all the necessary documents (passport, insurance, medical records) and things for yourself and your little one ahead of time, so you're not stressed trying to get everything together in a rush. Keep your phones handy and keep your close contacts in the loop—think your doctor and everyone at the birth center—so you can reach out quickly when the moment arrives.
Do babies sleep through the night at 35 weeks?
- According to experts, after about 18 weeks, babies tend to prefer sleeping in their cribs when their mothers are nearby. A 2009 study showed that around this time, there's a big jump in how much time they spend sleeping during the day. Their brains might cycle between being active and resting, shifting from waking to a calm, restful state without REM sleep.
Is 35 weeks a good week for giving birth?
- Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks are considered 'late preterm.' While these babies are almost full-term, they’re still slightly early, which can increase the risk of health issues. That's why it's recommended for babies born at this stage to stay in the NICU for specialized monitoring and care.
Why does my baby move at 35 weeks?
- When your baby is in a head-down position and kicking, you might feel your belly push down. If the pressure becomes uncomfortable, it can cause contractions symptoms similar to those of labor, like bloody mucus discharge. In that case, you should see your doctor for an evaluation, especially if the bleeding is heavy or if you notice labor symptoms.
Is it normal to feel pressure inside at 35 weeks?
- Feeling gentle pressure in your pelvis during pregnancy doesn't usually cause concern. For example, your uterus pressing down at around 35 weeks might just be your baby's head pushing down. However, if the pressure feels intense or is accompanied by symptoms like bloody discharge, it's important to get checked out. This could be signs of preterm labor, and your healthcare provider can help you figure out what's going on.
CHECKLIST
- My travel visits now happen every week. I’ve scheduled my pregnancy calendar with notes—planning ahead up to 41 weeks just in case. My doctor also gave me a test for group B strep.
- I’m ready for anything unexpected! I’ve stocked up on medicine for the newborn and emergency supplies for various situations.
- "Fake" contractions or real ones? It’s hard to tell for sure with the early Braxton-Hicks. But I’ve talked with my doctor and learned how to tell real contractions from false ones (hint: if a warm bath stops them, they’re probably false).
- Right now, I need quite a few calories, but I barely have room in my stomach—I can only manage a few bites at a time. So I’ve adjusted my diet to eat 5-7 times a day instead of 3. Mostly, it’s just snacking between meals.
- I’ve shared the contact details for my neighbors so they know how to look after my pets while I’m away, until I return.
- We’ve finally agreed on a name for our baby. I’ll be getting a birth certificate as proof of birth!
- I’ve written out a birth plan and shared it with my partner so he knows what to do, even if I panic. It also lists who should be contacted, how to organize care for the pets or children, and how to get to the nursery or the maternity center.
