You’re already 35 weeks pregnant on your calendar, which is a very long time. And you are probably mentally and emotionally ready for the birth of your child. Naturally, this period turns out to be very difficult for a woman’s physical condition.
It is important for you to know some important points about your condition – that’s where we are ready to help you.
The 35th week of pregnancy: how the baby is developing
The baby at 35 weeks of pregnancy already looks like a newborn. The limbs have become stronger, the bones are also stronger, except for the bones of the skull (this is necessary for normal delivery), and the skin has become thicker and pinker. The calf as a whole looks well-fed and strong.
At this point, the baby’s motor activity has decreased somewhat. Such a feature is quite normal, because the fetus is heavily absorbing nutrients (especially iron). Regarding the internal organs and systems in general, they work in normal mode. The baby’s body is still developing the respiratory system, preparing to take its first breath.
The future newborn 35 weeks of pregnancy is under the excellent protection of the mother’s womb and placenta. In addition, the baby’s body thickens the shell (vernix) – its purpose is to protect the fetus not only from environmental factors, but also from the effects of amniotic fluid. The downy hair is almost gone at this stage.
Surfactant is forming in the baby’s lungs – a substance that helps you take your first breath in life. While the baby’s diaphragm is making rhythmic contractions similar to breathing movements. The brain also continues to develop.
The baby continues to move. However, by this date, the position of the body should take the correct direction, namely downward with the head (toward the cervix). It is fair to say that this does not happen in every pregnancy. If this happens, doctors take a number of special measures.
Fetal size at 35 weeks of pregnancy
The size of the fetus at 35 weeks of pregnancy is already almost the size that characterizes newborns. The growth of the baby may be more than 40 centimeters. However, the growth rate depends on a mass of factors.
Regarding the baby’s weight at 35 weeks of pregnancy, the parameter is more than 2200 grams. Weight also depends on various factors – for example, heredity.
35 weeks of pregnancy: feelings
Naturally, you will have a pull and pain in the abdomen at 35 weeks of pregnancy – this is quite normal. By this point, the pregnant woman gets used to these sensations, but they cause a lot of problems. In addition to this, you may also have these symptoms:
- Nausea at 35 weeks of pregnancy is a typical symptom. Nausea can occur not only due to toxicosis, but also due to improper eating habits;
- Feeling of fatigue, sleepiness – such is also considered normal. This reaction of the body saves energy and ensures optimal saturation of the baby’s body with nutrients;
- Heartburn and heaviness in the abdomen – this is a consequence of pressure from the growing uterus at 35 weeks of pregnancy. You can cope with this by trying to eat right and light foods;
- Cramps – this symptom most often occurs in the evening or already in the moments of sleep. Such a symptom is not considered normal because it indicates a lack of certain nutrients (especially magnesium).
Ultrasound at 35 weeks of pregnancy
Usually ultrasound in the 35th week of pregnancy is not scheduled, but unscheduled ultrasound examinations may be performed. Such may be scheduled when a woman is carrying twins or more fetuses.
An ultrasound scan at 35 weeks of pregnancy is performed to determine the course of the gestation period, as well as the level of fetal development. The specialist evaluates the size of the fetus, the degree of development and maturity of the placenta. The nature of blood circulation in the pelvic organs is assessed. A number of problems are also diagnosed and the exact date of delivery is determined.
What happens to the body of the mother in the 35th week of pregnancy?
A very rounded belly at 35 weeks of pregnancy is a heavy burden for a woman. The belly puts a huge strain on the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, you should not be surprised when you feel back pain. Also, everyone will notice how much your gait has changed.
Also, your feet may be tired from such a burden. You will notice that your feet and shins are very swollen, making it difficult to move around. The swelling spreads to other areas of your body – you may notice that your wedding ring is very tight.
Naturally, you have stretch marks on your skin – you have them on your stomach, thighs, and breasts. These marks are inevitable, and when they appear, they are accompanied by unpleasant itching. After childbirth, most of the stretch marks may disappear or become less visible, but you should pay closer attention to this point.
The 35th week of pregnancy: peculiarities
The most important thing to remember is that your belly may drop at 35 weeks of pregnancy. Such a sign indicates that the birth is not far off. Your doctor should give you instructions on what to do in this case.
Frequent urination is also a symptom that has been with you for quite some time. This symptom brings a lot of discomfort because you have to go to the bathroom frequently. We advise you to buy special waterproof underwear, because you may become incontinent at such a considerable age. Such a mishap may not occur if you have previously practiced Kegel exercises.
At this stage you should not be surprised if you have problems sleeping. On the one hand you have a large belly, which prevents you from finding a comfortable position for sleep, even a special pillow may not save the situation. Sometimes a small pillow, which should be squeezed between the knees, may help you. You should also rest whenever you can.
You should prepare for the postpartum period, taking into account even the smallest nuances. Especially you should take special sanitary pads, which you will need after the birth.
The 35th week of pregnancy: what you need to discuss with your doctor
It is worth noting that the 35th week of pregnancy is still a dangerous period, which has the threat of premature birth. If you have been diagnosed with such a diagnosis, it is likely that treatment will be prescribed to prolong the period of pregnancy. You should also ask your doctor for instructions on what to do if contractions start.
What are the dangers of toxicity at 35 weeks of pregnancy and later – this is worth asking your doctor. Late toxicity is much more difficult for pregnant women, as attacks of nausea and vomiting are more frequent, and it is also possible to faint, which is very dangerous. It is worth noting that it is impossible to avoid such symptoms, but it is possible to prevent the manifestations and consequences of toxicity.
If an ultrasound scan at 35 weeks of pregnancy shows that you show a Caesarean section, it is worth checking with your doctor the reason for this decision. There are many reasons – from fetal placental obstruction to the presence of genital infections.
If you are afraid of the pain that accompanies childbirth, ask your doctor if there are safe methods for pain relief. There are such techniques, but it is necessary to preliminarily exclude the possibility of danger to the health of the baby and naturally yours.
The 35th week of pregnancy: tips
If you already know the sex of the baby by 35 weeks of pregnancy (ultrasound showed), but have not yet chosen a name, it is high time to address this issue. We advise to read the options offered on thematic sites, on the basis of which create your list. Be sure to discuss this point with the father of the child and relatives.
Of course, do not forget about yourself – moisturize the body with stretch marks, make cool compresses on the face and baths for drowned and swollen feet. Also, rest for the necessary amount of time during the day, but you should stick to a certain regimen. It will be much easier for you if you go to sleep and wake up at about the same time.
Because it is nearing labor time, you may experience an increase in false contractions, which is normal. If such cramps cause you some difficulties, you should use some tips:
- If you feel contractions coming, you should lie on your left side and try to breathe deeply and calmly – this will help improve blood circulation to your pelvic organs;
- You feel contractions coming on, you should drink about 500 milliliters of liquid.
Are you ready to accept a new tenant in your home? If not all preparations have reached their logical end, then it’s a great time to get busy. Organize a comfortable place for the baby to swaddle and sleep – this will be the most important thing in the first days of his life. We advise to entrust the unpacking and assembling furniture for the baby to your partner, and leave the main role of the commander. Try to arrange all the items and accessories so that you are comfortable.
If you have experienced some changes in your mood during the 35 weeks of pregnancy – mood swings, fears, etc. – you don’t need to worry too much. Such symptoms are not uncommon, and you can cope with them on your own, if you take the right steps. You should spend more time in the company of nice people, socialize and enjoy the relative peace.
Week 35 of pregnancy: Questions and answers
There is relatively little time left until your baby arrives – usually two or three weeks. However, you may still have some questions to answer. You can search for answers to your questions yourself, because there are plenty of sources (Internet, books, courses). You can also ask your doctor about some things. And for some questions you will find out the answers right now.
Can I give birth at 35 weeks of pregnancy?
The probability of giving birth at this term is there, the degree of survival of newborns is high. However, it should be noted that there is still a risk of developing some health problems (most often respiratory problems). Because of this, it is not advisable to give birth at this term.
What does the fetus look like at 35 weeks of pregnancy?
The baby now does not look like a skinny little man with the appearance of an alien – weight gained, limbs are stronger and so on. Facial features have also formed, and facial expressions are becoming clearer and more conscious.
Week 35 of pregnancy – how often should the baby move?
Inside the mother’s womb, the baby becomes quite cramped, which leads to the fact that its thrusts have become more tangible. However, it is worth noting that the intensity of movement has become significantly lower and is manifested mainly in the daytime hours, when the mother is actively moving. Regarding the number of tremors, their number is reduced to 15-20 per hour.
What should be afraid of at 35 weeks of pregnancy?
There are still a lot of dangers for you – food poisoning, colds and so on. There is also a high risk of premature birth, but this can be diagnosed with a mandatory ultrasound.
Is it possible to give birth to a healthy baby at 35 weeks?
At this term – 35 weeks of pregnancy – the fetus is already considered full-term. Because of this, delivery can happen, and the probability of the baby’s survival is very high. However, even though you have a healthy baby, it needs professional care.
Week 35 of pregnancy – why does your lower abdomen hurt like your period?
The baby at 35 weeks of pregnancy is not so small anymore, so its slightest movements of the fetus are very felt by a pregnant woman. These sensations may be very painful, because muscles and ligaments are stretched, and their location is the lower abdomen and lower back. By nature, such pains are similar to those that occur before menstruation. However, when accompanied by other symptoms, the pain may indicate the danger and high probability of premature birth.
