Pregnancy week thirty-five can be a tiring one for some mothers to be. As you struggle to get comfortable and sleep, you can feel frustrated and overwhelmed, But the end is near; there are just a few weeks until your baby is here.
What can you expect to happen this week, though? What symptoms are coming, and what can you expect on an ultrasound?
Well, that is what we are here to tell you! Keep reading to see what week thirty-five of pregnancy has in store for you in our in-depth guide that will have you an expert about your thirty-fifth week of pregnancy in no time.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 35 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 35 Weeks?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is about the size of a pineapple
- Your baby is gaining weight this week to help them maintain the right temperature
- Your baby will still be moving despite feeling cramped in your womb
- Your baby’s arrival is getting closer; you might finalise the nursery or set up the crib this week
- Your symptoms might include tiredness, painless Braxton Hicks contractions, and headaches
- You might also notice weight gain this week
- Your baby has over a 95% chance of survival if they are born this week (depending on any complications you might experience)
What Does It Mean To Be 35 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-five weeks pregnant, you are nearing the end of your third trimester. Your baby continues to grow and develop this week as it gains weight and moves into the head down position for birth. Any fetal development can be seen in an ultrasound you might be invited to this week to check your baby’s progress. Your midwife might also check that your baby is in the correct position and try and coax them into the head down position if they are not already.
At thirty-five weeks, you are bound to feel huge and ready for the pregnancy to be over. Hang in there! The end is near now, with just a few weeks to go. You might feel tired and frustrated, especially if you struggle to sleep at night. Nap through the day, and you might also consider taking your maternity leave earlier than intended if you’re still working to allow your body to rest.
You might experience false labour contractions this week. Braxton Hicks contractions can be painless, although some women find them uncomfortable. However, these should not last too long; you can speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any associated pain.
Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You might not get a positive pregnancy test at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your urine or blood to confirm pregnancy. During the first few months of pregnancy, the hCG levels in your body rise dramatically before dropping as your pregnancy progresses.
At thirty-five weeks pregnant, your hCG levels might not be high enough to generate a positive test result, even though you are visibly pregnant and close to giving birth. An ultrasound would be the most accurate way to confirm a pregnancy at this stage.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be invited for an ultrasound this week for your second third-trimester ultrasound. In Australia, most doctors offer two ultrasounds during your final trimester to ensure no issues. You might be invited for more regular ultrasounds, too, if your doctor has any concerns or you have complications that need monitoring.
An ultrasound at this stage will show your fully formed baby looking chubbier than before. They are gaining weight this week to help them maintain their right temperature in the womb. You will also see the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. There is more here than before now, as your baby has been urinating into the fluid.
You will get a good look at your baby’s legs, arms, and organs might be checked to ensure they have developed correctly. You will get to hear your baby’s heartbeat and find out the sex if you haven’t already found out.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be offered a non-stress or cardiotocography test at thirty-five weeks pregnant. This test uses sensors and monitors to track your baby’s heart rate as you undergo contractions. The test monitors your baby’s health and yours and can check for high blood pressure and other conditions that could impact your labour or health.
You might be tested for group b strep, too, this week. The test is usually routinely performed between thirty-five and thirty-seven weeks pregnant to check if you are carrying group b strep, as it can cause infection in newborn babies, which is extremely dangerous but preventable.
You might also be offered another glucose tolerance screening test to check for gestational diabetes. These tests might be offered frequently during your third trimester if you are considered a high risk for gestational diabetes. Your doctor might also call you for blood or urine tests this week to check for infections or anemia.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at thirty-five weeks pregnant. You can hear your baby’s heartbeat through an ultrasound, stethoscope, or Doppler machine. Your midwife will likely use a stethoscope or Doppler machine between ultrasounds to check your baby’s heart is beating as it should.
You can also use a Doppler machine or stethoscope at home, but they can be tricky. It can take a few minutes to find your baby’s heart, so don’t panic if you don’t hear the heartbeat straight away.
Your baby’s heart will be beating quickly, averaging 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 35 Weeks?
A pregnancy is viable at thirty-five weeks pregnant, but your baby will likely spend some time in hospital after birth. A pregnancy is considered viable if your baby can survive being born at this stage.
At thirty-five weeks pregnant, your baby will still be small and developing their lungs, but with the right care and support, they can survive. They will need to spend time in the hospital while their baby fat continues to grow and their lungs finish developing.
There is a small risk of long-term health conditions, but this reduces the more time your baby spends in your womb. The chances of survival are excellent at thirty-five weeks, with a nearly 100% chance of survival, according to the National Library of Medicine.
These survival chances depend on your baby’s conditions before delivery, but your doctor can explain these to you.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
The common pregnancy symptoms at thirty-five weeks pregnant include sore ribs, painless contractions, and sleeping problems. Your ribs might feel sore as your baby kicks them. Should you feel any pain under your ribs or the pain feels severe, speak to your doctor or midwife. Pain here can be a sign of pre-eclampsia; be sure to get this ruled out.
You might also notice leaky breasts or yellow stains in your bra. This is colostrum, your early milk that provides your baby with antibodies if you choose to breastfeed. This might happen earlier, depending on when your milk comes through, and your midwife can advise you about breastfeeding if you are considering doing so.
The symptoms at thirty-five weeks pregnant can vary from woman to woman; don’t worry if your symptoms seem different to other pregnant women. Everybody deals with pregnancy differently.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels will fall again this week, averaging between 940 and 60,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at thirty-five weeks pregnant. You might experience Braxton hicks contractions this week, which can feel like cramping or a little uncomfortable. These practice contractions are your body getting ready for labour.
You might also experience round ligament pains on the side of your stomach or leg cramps this week.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens during the first sixteen weeks of pregnancy, but you can also experience it at thirty-five weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts might feel tender or sore this week. They might also leak colostrum, an early milk full of antibodies. This can leave yellow stains in your bra; adding breast pads can prevent this and keep you dry.
Your breasts might also ache or feel full this week.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-five weeks pregnant. You might crave unusual food combinations or foods you previously did not enjoy.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at thirty-five weeks pregnant. As your baby moves into position for birth, it can add pressure to your bladder, causing frequent urination.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Tiredness or fatigue is common this week as some pregnant women struggle to sleep. Adding a pregnancy pillow or a pillow between your knees can help you get comfortable during the night.
Napping through the day can also ensure your body gets the rest it needs.
Will I Feel Bloated At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Feeling bloated is common at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Avoiding eating late at night and swapping your meals for smaller meals throughout the day can help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are a common symptom during pregnancy, including at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Generally, women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy will experience more headaches during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is common during the first few months of pregnancy, but it can still happen at thirty-five weeks pregnant.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is more common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but some women still experience it at thirty-five weeks pregnant.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Shortness of breath might still happen at thirty-five weeks pregnant, but it should improve. As your baby moves down to sit on your pelvic bone, ready for labour, your lungs will have more space again, making it easier for you to breathe without feeling breathless or short of breath.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can be a sign of early labour at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Speak to your doctor or midwife, especially if you notice other symptoms like contractions or your waters breaking.
Once labour is ruled out, monitor your diarrhea for forty-eight hours and speak to your doctor if it does not improve.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge can happen throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Your discharge will likely be milky or white with no or little odour. Any changes should be reported to your doctor as it could be a sign of infection.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can be common at thirty-five weeks pregnant. As your ligaments stretch to make room for your growing baby, it can add pressure to your back, causing pain.
Speak to your doctor or midwife if the back pain is impacting your life or you are struggling to manage it with pain relief.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings typically happen earlier in your pregnancy, but you might experience them at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Your fluctuating hormone levels are usually to blame for mood swings.
Is Spotting Normal At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting can happen at thirty-five weeks pregnant, but you should immediately speak to your doctor or midwife. This can be harmless but could also be a sign of something serious. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, like abdominal pain or cramping.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 35 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at thirty-five weeks pregnant:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Spotty and oily skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Piles
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Stretch marks
How Big Is A Baby At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon at thirty-five weeks pregnant. They will have had a growth spurt and measure around 46.2cm from head to heel!
Not only is your baby getting longer, but chubbier, too. They will continue to gain weight this week, which helps them maintain the right temperature when they are born. Your baby’s development is continuing this week, too. Your baby’s lungs are still developing and practising breathing. Soon, they will be fully developed and ready for life outside of the womb.
Your baby’s head might be in the right position for labour. Their head will be downwards, pointing towards your pelvic bone. This can add pressure to your pelvis, but it should pass soon. You might feel discomfort when your baby moves into this position, but it should relieve pressure from your stomach and lungs. Your baby might not be in the head down position yet, but don’t panic; this is still a few weeks to happen.
Can You Feel The Baby At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can feel your baby at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Your baby might have less room than the last few weeks, but they will still wriggle away. You might feel them kicking your ribs, which can be uncomfortable, but there are only a few weeks to go!
Your doctor or midwife might ask you to count your baby’s kicks this week to monitor your baby’s movements. At this stage, you can expect an active baby to move often. Should you notice any changes in your baby’s movements, report it immediately to your doctor or midwife. Any sudden decrease or your baby’s movements stopping can indicate a serious problem.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-five weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is classed as a stillbirth. The common symptoms include your baby not moving or kicking, bleeding, or abdominal pain. You might notice that any pregnancy symptoms you have stop, too. For some women, their abdominal pain will feel like contractions, their waters will break, and they will deliver their baby. Other women might not experience any symptoms and won’t know they have lost their baby until their next antenatal appointment.
At this stage in your pregnancy, you will have to deliver your baby. This is usually done in a hospital, where you might be offered medication to induce labour. You might be allowed to wait for it to happen at home, but this depends on any complications you might be experiencing. Your doctor and midwife will be on hand to offer you any support you need during this difficult time.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a stillbirth at thirty-five weeks are low for women experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy. For every 1,000 births in Australia in 2022, 2.6 were stillbirths, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This gives you a low chance of having a stillbirth, providing relief to many mothers to be.
Several factors, including pregnancy complications, health conditions, and weight, impact the chances of a stillbirth. Your doctor can explain these factors and how they might relate to you.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health at thirty-five weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue to take your prenatal vitamins this week. You can take a pregnancy-friendly multivitamin to ensure you provide your baby and yourself with the necessary nutrients. Your doctor might recommend a certain vitamin if you are missing certain nutrients from your diet. It is usually recommended that you look for a prenatal vitamin with high levels of iron and vitamin D if you are pregnant in the winter.
Eat A Healthy Diet
You should continue eating a healthy and balanced diet this week. Your doctor might advise that you consume an additional 200 calories a day, but there is no need to consume more than this. You should focus on eating a healthy and balanced diet to give your body all the nutrients it needs. Your diet should contain lean protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats.
You should also consume fibre-rich foods if you are struggling with constipation. Your doctor can help you create a meal plan if you are unsure what to eat.
Stay Hydrated
You should also drink plenty of water during pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)found that drinking water during pregnancy helps circulate nutrients, aids digestion, and forms the amniotic fluid around your baby.
They recommend consuming eight to twelve glasses of water daily during pregnancy.
Stop Smoking
You should also stop smoking if you have not already. Smoking is incredibly dangerous during pregnancy, research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found. Smoking during pregnancy can double your risk of abnormal bleeding, increase your baby’s risk of congenital disabilities, and their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
You should speak to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-five weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase your risk of stillbirth and increases your baby’s risk of developing a variety of behavioural, physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). These can impact your baby for the rest of their life, with conditions like speech and language delays, poor memory, and shorter than average height affecting your baby’s life.
The CDC found there was no safe amount of alcohol that could be consumed that would not cause FASDs and recommended abstaining completely. Your doctor can help you to stop drinking alcohol if needed.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy. The Royal College of Midwives found that consuming more than 350mg of caffeine a day can cause low birth weight, preterm labour, or a stillbirth. They recommend reducing your caffeine intake to 200mg daily to prevent this.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all supplements that your doctor has not advised you to take at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Most supplements are labelled unsuitable for pregnant women as they could harm your baby and should be avoided.
Can I Exercise While 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise at thirty-five weeks pregnant, but you should focus on low-impact exercises like walking or swimming. These won’t add much pressure to your body and should still be feasible, even with your growing pregnant belly.
You might find that you aren’t able to exercise as much as you did in previous weeks. This is normal, and you should not push yourself too far. You don’t want to injure yourself or push yourself to exhaustion. You can split your exercise into a few short walks a day, keeping you moving without putting too much pressure on yourself to work out.
Is It Safe To Travel When 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You can travel at thirty-five weeks pregnant, but you must take care. Women carrying more than one baby are advised not to fly at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Those with a single pregnancy need a fit-to-fly letter from their doctor before flying. This must include your due date, complications, and how many babies you carry. Airlines might ask for more information, too, so check before flying.
You should also speak to your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, or have any pregnancy complications before travelling. You will also want to consider any vaccinations needed if you travel to another country or have advisories in place for pregnant women.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at thirty-five weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 35 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at thirty-five weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You might struggle to sleep at thirty-five weeks pregnant. Your baby’s growth might have restricted their space, but it doesn’t stop them from wriggling and keeping you awake at night. You might also find it hard to get comfortable to sleep if you suffer from aches and pains.
Add a pregnancy pillow, extra pillows, or. a pillow between your knees in bed to help you get more comfortable.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 35 Weeks Pregnant?
The safest position to sleep in at thirty-five weeks pregnant is on your side. This will not add any pressure to your baby or placenta.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 35 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate due dates. Take the first day of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to see an estimated due date.
Your doctor or midwife will also give you a due date after your first ultrasound, the dating scan. The baby development seen in the scan and their size are used to determine how far into your pregnancy, giving you an estimated due date.
Remember, these dates are just estimates. It is common for a pregnancy to run past its due date without a baby arriving; don’t panic if this happens to you.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 35 Weeks Pregnant?
You can expect pain in your ribs this week as your baby starts kicking them from their new position. You can also expect your pregnant belly to change slightly as your baby drips into position, sitting above your pelvic bone. Your baby bump will seem lower than in previous weeks, indicating you are reaching the late pregnancy stages.
You might also notice weight gain this week as your baby gains weight and continues to add to your amniotic fluid. This can increase the size of your pregnant belly and cause weight gain.
You might also notice yellow stains in your bra caused by colostrum. This is early milk that provides your baby with antibodies if you choose to breastfeed. Should you want to breastfeed, now is a good time to get measured for a feeding bra that will offer some space for growth. You can also add some breast pads to catch any leaks and stop your clothes from getting stained.
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is continuing to prepare for life as a new mother. Many women notice that their milk will start to come in if it has not already. This is usually colostrum, the early milk that we see this week. It will be another few weeks before your milk supply comes in (3 to 5 days after birth), and you will see your breasts grow again.
Your body is continuing to pump more blood than before, too. It is responsible for your and your baby’s blood supply, moving an increased blood flow through your body. This means your blood is moving slower, leaving you feeling lightheaded or dizzy when you stand up too quickly or climb stairs. Remember to take your time; you don’t want to hurt yourself.
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips can help you prepare for the remaining weeks of your pregnancy.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
Now is an excellent time to pack your hospital bag. In case you go into preterm labour, it is good to have your bag packed a few weeks before your estimated due date. After all, you don’t want to be rushing around between contractions, do you?
Your hospital bag should contain the essential items you and your newborn baby will need for a hospital stay. You will want clothing, toiletries, maternity pads, clothing for your baby, and possibly some entertainment if you end up in hospital for over a day or two.
Your midwife will likely guide you on what to pack in your hospital bag. It is also worth asking other mothers you know to see what they found helpful and what they recommend. The internet is full of videos showing mothers packing their hospital bags that you can use for inspiration; this is our favourite.
Finalise Your Birth Plan
Finalise your birth plan if you have not already done so. Your midwife might do this with you if you have any complications or certain birthing options are unavailable. They might ask you to consider what birth centre you want to use or if you have any preference for a doctor-led or midwife-led birth.
You might have also changed your mind about things you previously had on your birthing plan; now is the time to change them. You can discuss these possible changes with your midwife or seek advice from friends and family.
Gather Baby Items
You only have a little time left now to get your baby’s items and their nursery sorted. Remember, your baby will sleep within your room for the first six months, so you don’t need to worry about having the perfect nursery, but you should aim to have their crib, pram, car seat, clothes, and essential changing items ready for when you bring them home.
Make sure to spend time online looking for any deals and offers to get the best price on these items. You can also purchase many of the items you need second-hand, but be sure to research to ensure they are safe to use.
Attend Birthing Classes
You can attend birthing classes in your local area to prepare for the rest of your pregnancy. These will help you prepare for your labour and delivery, teaching you breathing techniques you can use in labour and providing any support you might need.
They are also a fantastic way to meet expecting mothers in your area who could quickly become part of your support group. Pregnancy can be a lonely time, so having others to share your experiences with and get support from can be a lifeline for many women.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy week thirty-five might be a tiring one, but it is an exciting one, too! Your baby is getting ready for labour, and your body is gearing up for its next chapter as a mother. While you might feel tired and overwhelmed this week, the end is near.
Remember to check back next week to see what delights await you during week thirty-six of pregnancy.