35 Weeks Pregnant

Feel like you have to pee every five minutes? Have sore hips and fatigue? Welcome to week 35 of pregnancy. You’ve made it this far, and you’ll be meeting baby, who’s still packing on the ounces, very soon (they’re roughly the size of a Care Bear this week). Here’s what else you should know about week 35 of pregnancy.

How Many Months Is 35 Weeks Pregnant?

35 weeks pregnant is eight months pregnant. Next week you will enter month nine of pregnancy.

Your Baby at 35 Weeks

With only five more weeks to go, your baby is making some powerhouse development moves. Here’s to know about your baby at 35 weeks.

• Kidneys and liver: In fetal development news, your baby’s kidneys and liver are in working order and starting to, um, process.
• Slower growth: Around now, your baby’s growth starts to plateau a bit. They’re still packing on the ounces, getting properly chubby, but they’ll only grow a couple more inches before birth.
• Listening in: Your baby’s hearing has undergone a lot of development. They’ve been listening to your voice for a while now, and may also recognize your partner’s now, too, if you have one. Your baby may even react to high-pitched or loud noises.

How Big Is Baby at 35 Weeks?

Your baby is about 12.2 inches from crown to rump this week, and weighs 5.3 pounds. That’s about the size of a Care Bear.

Your Body at 35 Weeks Pregnant

Your uterus has slowly moved up your abdomen and now probably reaches under your rib cage. Pretty wild, right? Soon, your baby may start to move farther downward to get ready for birth.

Your baby’s movements might noticeably change now since there’s less room for them to move around in your cramped uterus. For example, you might feel fewer sharp kicks and more wiggles and squirms. If you’re wondering whether their smaller movements “count” towards your kick counts, rest assured they do. As you get closer to your due date, it’s good to keep up the kick counts (even with less obvious kicks) since fetal movement is an important indicator of their well-being. Any decreases or times when there are fewer than 10 movements in two hours should be reported to your healthcare provider so they can check up on baby and make sure they’re doing okay.

35 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

While your baby is busy putting the final touches on development, you may be feeling like you’re about ready to meet your little one. Being 35 weeks pregnant is no small task! Here’s what to expect at 35 weeks.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Feeling some tightness across your tummy? Those cramping sensations are probably Braxton Hicks contractions getting you ready for labor. (See below for more on this early sign of labor.)

Fatigue

It’s totally understandable if you’re exhausted right now. You’re carrying 25 to 35 extra pounds everywhere you go. Plus, getting quality sleep is tough when you can’t get comfy! Even if sleep feels a little tough, “resting is key in the last few weeks of pregnancy,” says Carrie Murphy, a full spectrum doula based in Austin, Texas. “Many people don’t have much energy at this point anyway, so it’s ok to lean into that and take it easy, nap, or sleep in.”

Shortness of breath

If your baby hasn’t dropped yet, they’re probably crowding your lungs more and more. You might find you’re out of breath when you take the stairs or hustle on your way to work. Try to take it a little easier so you don’t risk fainting.

Sore hips

Your joints and ligaments are getting softer to prepare for baby’s trip down the birth canal. Because of this, you might notice a bit of instability or soreness through your hip area.

Frequent urination

You’re running out of room for anything new in there, including pee. So, trips to the bathroom probably are a frequent occurrence these days.

Pregnancy Symptoms Coming up in Week 36

During week 36 of pregnancy, you’ll start seeing your doctor more frequently as baby’s due date is fast approaching. You might start to experience some big emotions about the changes that are coming your way as well as notice more physical symptoms, like fatigue, swelling and difficulty sleeping ramp up.

Commonly Asked Questions About 35 Weeks Pregnant

When will my baby be considered full-term?

Your pregnancy will officially be considered full term at 39 weeks, so you’re only four weeks to a fully baked babe! In the past, any pregnancy lasting at least 37 weeks was considered “term.” But in recent years, ob-gyns have better refined the classification since every week can make a big difference in fetal development. Babies born at 37 and 38 weeks aren’t always as ready for the world as those born at 39 and 40 weeks are since the brain, lungs, vision, hearing and more are still developing, and they’re putting on important weight. Babies born at 41 weeks on could be at higher risk for complications your doctor would want to monitor you for. So it now goes like this:

• Early term: 37 weeks pregnant through the end of 38 weeks pregnant
• Full term: 39 weeks pregnant through the end of 40 weeks pregnant
• Late term: 41 weeks pregnant through the end 41 weeks
• Post-term: 42 weeks pregnant and beyond

Who should be at the hospital for my baby’s birth?

As you write your birth plan, think about what you want and need from family members and close friends before, during and after delivery. Do you want family in the delivery room? Or would you rather keep it private? How about visitors to the hospital? And will anyone be there to help once you’re back home? Setting clear expectations—and clear boundaries, if need be—upfront will mean one less thing for you to worry about when the big day comes. As you think about who you want to support you on the big day, it’s important to be realistic about what birth entails. “Birth can be extremely raw and real,” says Murphy. “Be sure that whoever you invite to your birth is okay with blood, bodily fluids, tears and a lot of intense emotions. If they aren’t (or if you aren’t okay with having them there at a time when you are vulnerable), they shouldn’t be at your birth.”

What else can I do to prepare for baby?

Before your baby makes their debut, take an infant CPR class. You’ll feel better knowing you have the information and practice you need to keep your baby safe in case of an emergency.

Sources

• Carrie Murphy, a full spectrum doula

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