35 Weeks Pregnant: Key Symptoms, Expert Tips, and What to Expect

Pregnancy Overview

You’ve reached the final phase of your pregnancy journey. Soon, you'll be welcoming your baby into the world. Here’s what this week holds for you and your baby.

Physical Changes in Your Body

By now, the distance from your belly button to the top of your uterus is approximately 6 inches. You’ve likely gained between 25 and 30 pounds, and your weight may stabilize or increase slightly as you approach delivery.

Baby’s Growth and Development

Your baby measures around 17 to 18 inches in length and weighs between 5.5 to 6 pounds. The kidneys are fully developed, and the liver is functioning well. This week marks a period of rapid fat accumulation, making your baby’s limbs plumper. From here on, your baby will gain about half a pound weekly.

If delivery occurs at 35 weeks, your baby is premature and will require specialized neonatal care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, babies born at this stage may face digestive and respiratory challenges and may need a longer hospital stay. However, the prognosis for long-term survival is very positive.

Twin Pregnancy Considerations at 35 Weeks

For twins, your healthcare provider might recommend a scheduled cesarean section. Preparations include consultations with an anesthesiologist, blood tests, and possibly lung maturity assessments if delivery is before 39 weeks.

On the day of your cesarean, the medical team will prep your abdomen and administer anesthesia, typically a spinal block, to ensure a pain-free procedure. The surgeon will then make an incision to deliver your babies, followed by the placenta. Afterward, your abdomen will be sutured, and you’ll have the opportunity to bond with your newborns.

Common Symptoms at 35 Weeks Pregnant

You may be feeling quite large and perhaps a bit uncomfortable. Typical third-trimester symptoms around this time include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty sleeping
• Heartburn
• Swelling in ankles, fingers, or face
• Hemorrhoids
• Lower back pain with sciatica
• Tender breasts
• Watery or milky discharge (colostrum) from breasts

Shortness of breath often improves once your baby drops lower into the pelvis, a process called lightening. This shift may increase urinary frequency due to added pressure on the bladder, especially for first-time mothers.

Sleep disturbances are common now. Sleeping on your left side is recommended, and using a pregnancy pillow can enhance comfort. Some women find relief sleeping in recliners, guest beds, or on air mattresses. Feel free to try different options to conserve energy for labor.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

You might notice more Braxton-Hicks or “practice” contractions, which cause your uterus to tighten for up to two minutes. These contractions are irregular, usually painless, and don’t intensify like true labor contractions. They can be triggered by dehydration, sexual activity, physical exertion, or a full bladder. Drinking water and changing positions often help alleviate them.

Use these contractions as an opportunity to prepare for childbirth by practicing breathing techniques.

Nesting Urge

Many women experience a strong nesting instinct late in pregnancy, characterized by a desire to clean and organize in preparation for baby’s arrival. If you feel this urge, avoid heavy lifting and ask for help to prevent overexertion.

Essential Actions for a Healthy Week

Maintain a nutritious diet and stay lightly active with gentle walks or movement as tolerated. Pack your hospital bag and keep it near your front door for easy access. If you have other children, arrange their care for the delivery period.

Take time to relax and treat yourself—consider a prenatal massage or a special date night. Some couples enjoy a “babymoon,” a brief getaway to unwind and connect before the new arrival.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

As your due date approaches, your baby’s movements might lessen due to limited space, which is normal. However, you should still feel at least 10 movements per hour. If you notice a significant decrease, contact your doctor immediately.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Foul-smelling or increased vaginal discharge
• Fever or chills
• Painful urination
• Severe headaches
• Vision changes or blind spots
• Rupture of membranes (water breaking)
• Regular, painful contractions in abdomen or back

Approaching Full Term

It’s incredible, but you’re almost at full term. By the end of this week, just one week remains before your pregnancy is considered full term. Though discomfort may feel endless, soon you’ll be cradling your baby in your arms.

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