What to expect in week 35 of your pregnancy?

If you’re a mom you’re looking forward to, each week of pregnancy has its own set of milestones. The 35th week of pregnancy is special as you only go for another month before you meet a bunch of joy. By this time, your little one will be heavier and your body will begin to prepare for work. Though 35th week birth is not unheard of, a 39- or 40-week full-term pregnancy is considered ideal. Once you reach 8 months, you will begin to notice contractions around the baby’s bumps. Not only this, but there are many other symptoms that you will experience during this period.

35 weeks of pregnancy: baby development

Here’s how well your baby will develop by the 35th week of pregnancy:

• During this time, your little one will continue to grow. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the baby is probably 17-18 inches long and weighs about 2.5 kg.
• Your little one will develop the kidneys and liver completely.
• You have almost fully developed lungs, but if you are born at 35 weeks of gestation, you may need support.

“Your baby will start practicing breathing, swallowing and even sucking for a life outside of your uterus,” says Dr. Shoba Gupta, gynecologist and in vitro fertilization expert.

Physical changes at 35 weeks of pregnancy

During 35 weeks of pregnancy, the body can experience a variety of symptoms as it prepares for childbirth. Some common symptoms at this stage are:

• Braxton Hicks contraction: These are like “practice” contractions that can feel like tension in the abdomen. These are painless contractions that can be felt around the bumps, according to the UK National Health Service.
• Increased fatigue: Your body starts working hard to carry your baby, so sleep can be difficult to get. As the deadline approaches, you may feel even more tired.
• Back pain: As the baby grows, there is additional tension in the lower back. “This can cause discomfort, especially during long standing and sitting,” experts say.
• Frequent urination: The baby’s head is pressed against the bladder, allowing you to feel the need to pee more frequently.
• Pelvic pressure: When a baby descends to the pelvis in preparation for birth, you may feel that the pressure and weight of the pelvis increases.
• swelling: Swelling of the feet, ankles and hands is common at the 35th week of pregnancy. “This happens due to increased blood volume and pressure in the growth of the uterus on the blood vessels,” says Dr. Gupta.
• shortness of breath: When the uterus expands, it presses against the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe or shortness of breath.
• Indigestion: The growing uterus can be pressed against the stomach, causing discomfort and acid reflux, and indigestion.
• Increased vaginal discharge: Vagina discharge is often increased, but this is either clear or a bit cloudy.
• Mood fluctuations: Hormonal changes continue to affect your mood at 35th week of pregnancy. “As you get closer to working, you may experience mood swings, anxiety, or excitement,” says the expert.
• Your skin changes: Due to the growth of the stomach, you may experience skin changes such as dark skin (melasma) and stretch marks.

35 weeks of pregnancy: I know what to avoid

There are a few things you should avoid at the 35th week of pregnancy.

• It lifts heavy objects and prevents strain on your body.
• To reduce the risk of infection, stay away from raw or undercooked foods.
• Avoid long-term positions to prevent swelling and blood circulation problems.
• Do not sit crossed your legs for long periods of time as this may limit blood flow. “You should sit in a chair that provides good support for your lower back,” suggests Dr. Gupta.
• Stay away from caffeine and sweet foods to manage your blood sugar and energy levels.

35 weeks of pregnancy: Is it safe to give birth?

Birth in 35 weeks is generally considered premature birth. This is because the middle pregnancy is usually around 37-40 weeks. Babies born between 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy have the best perinatal outcomes, according to a study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2020. Here are some things you need to know about giving birth at 35 weeks of pregnancy:

1. Mature baby development

By 35 weeks, the baby is considered to be premature, but it is not very premature. “Many babies born at this stage may have developed their lungs completely, but they may need help with breathing and feeding,” says Dr. Gupta. Although the baby’s brain, lungs, and other organs are generally more developed at this point, the full development process is still ongoing, and additional care may be required.

2. Baby risks

Babies born at 35 weeks may be at increased risk of breathing, difficulty eating, and low birth weight. You may also need a short stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for physician monitoring and assistance. “Some babies born at this stage also have problems with temperature regulation and yellowing,” experts say.

Your doctor is the best judge on when your delivery should be planned. However, unless it is a medical emergency, delivery is safest when you are in your 9th month of pregnancy, as the baby is at risk of health problems.

35 weeks of pregnancy means you are approaching seeing your baby. Your organs will begin to develop at this point, but they still need to stay in your uterus.