As the thirty-fifth week of pregnancy begins, some women begin to experience anxiety about delivering their baby. This is normal, and it may help to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may even want to begin seeing you more frequently to ensure all tests are completed and to more closely monitor your health and your baby’s. If you haven’t started Kegel exercises, now is a good time to do that. Kegels can strengthen your pelvic muscles for delivery and prepare you for the increased pressure as the baby moves into that region. It may reassure you to know that 99 percent of babies born during this week survive outside the womb.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 35 Weeks
You should have gained 25–29 pounds by this thirty-fifth week. Your uterus is about six inches above your belly button, and your belly button may be sensitive to the touch. People probably want to touch or rub your belly at this point, as you look very much pregnant. Your baby should be moving to a head-down position in your pelvis region, which reduces pressure on your ribs, chest, and lungs, but increases pressure on your bladder. This will cause you to urinate more often, and can become quite annoying. Back pain, pelvic pain, and pelvic numbness can all occur. The numbness is due to pressure on your pelvic nerves. This can continue until the birth of your baby. Talk to your doctor if the discomfort becomes excessive.
Baby’s Development
Your baby has reached an amazing 18 inches and weighs approximately six pounds by this point. Even though most of the development is complete, your baby will continue to plump up and put on weight. His or her liver is functioning and producing waste on its own, and the kidneys are also fully matured. You will continue to feel kicks as the space inside the amniotic sac continues to shrink. The baby’s ears are fully formed and functioning just fine, so talk to him or her as often as possible. The lanugo begins to disappear, but fine vellus hair begins to grow to replace it.
Pregnancy Week 35 Tips
You may be feeling stressed and sensitive from time to time during your pregnancy. This is common and normal for expectant moms. Don’t feel embarrassed about this, and try to talk to others who have been in this position before or who are going through it now to help ease your mind. Although swelling can actually increase if you don’t drink enough water, try limiting the amount of fluids you take in as bedtime draws closer. Putting a book or two underneath the mattress at the foot of the bed to elevate your feet while you sleep can help with the swelling. Doing pelvic tilts and other exercises before bed can help you fall asleep more quickly. Don’t worry about insomnia; this too is normal and expected as the due date draws near. Try your best to relax and sleep through the night. Naps during the day can be helpful too. Next is pregnancy at 36 weeks.
Photo credit: Andrea Titus 35 weeks pregnant, ultrasound