Thirty-five weeks marks a significant milestone, placing the pregnancy firmly in the ninth month and deep into the third trimester. This stage signifies the final countdown, as the baby is nearing full-term status and the anticipation of birth increases. It is a period defined by intense preparation, both physical and logistical, as the body adjusts to the imminent arrival and accommodates the rapidly growing fetus.
Changes Happening in the Mother’s Body
The expanding uterus creates new physical sensations. Many notice increased pelvic pressure or discomfort, which occurs as the baby begins to descend, or “drop,” into the lower pelvis in a process called lightening. This shift may offer relief for the lungs, potentially making it easier to breathe, but it simultaneously increases pressure on the bladder. Frequent urination becomes common as the baby’s head presses directly against the organ.
Swelling, known as edema, is also frequent, particularly in the ankles and feet. This fluid retention is related to increased blood volume and the pressure the uterus places on the large veins returning blood from the lower extremities. Insomnia is common, often caused by physical discomfort, restless legs, or the psychological stress of impending labor.
The “nesting instinct” may surface, manifesting as a sudden urge to clean, organize, and prepare the home environment. This biological drive is thought to create a safe space for the newborn. While productive, this burst of energy should be managed carefully to avoid overexertion.
The Baby’s Development This Week
At 35 weeks, the fetus is focused on gaining weight and maturing internal systems. The average baby measures between 17 and 18.2 inches long and weighs approximately 5.2 to 5.7 pounds. Much of the weight gain is due to the rapid accumulation of fat deposited beneath the skin.
This layer of fat is essential for regulating body temperature after birth. The lungs are nearly fully developed, though they continue to mature, producing surfactant to prevent the air sacs from collapsing upon the first breath. The central nervous system and brain are also undergoing an accelerated period of growth and development.
Due to limited available space, the nature of movement changes. Instead of large kicks and somersaults, movements are felt as strong stretches, jabs, or pushes. The kidneys are fully developed and functional. The baby swallows amniotic fluid, which is passed back out as urine, a process that helps condition the digestive system.
Critical Medical Screenings and Preparation
Prenatal visits typically increase around this time, often moving to a weekly schedule. A screening test performed between 35 and 37 weeks is for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria. The procedure involves a quick swab of the lower vagina and rectum to detect the bacteria, which can be passed to the baby during delivery.
If the GBS test is positive, intravenous antibiotics are administered during labor to reduce the risk of the baby developing a serious infection like sepsis or meningitis. Providers emphasize fetal movement counting, or “kick counts,” to monitor the baby’s well-being. A noticeable decrease in movement warrants an immediate call to the healthcare provider.
This period is the time to finalize essential preparations:
- The birth plan should be completed and discussed with the healthcare team to ensure all preferences are documented.
- Packing the hospital bag for both the mother and the birth partner ensures readiness for a sudden labor onset.
- The car seat should be purchased and installed correctly in the vehicle, as a secured infant carrier is required before discharge.
Distinguishing True Labor from False Alarms
It is common to experience contractions that are not true labor, often called Braxton Hicks contractions. These “practice” contractions are typically irregular, do not increase in intensity or duration, and may subside when changing position or activity. True labor contractions, in contrast, establish a regular pattern, progressively become stronger and closer together, and continue regardless of movement or rest.
Other definitive signs signaling the need to contact a healthcare provider include the rupture of membranes, or “water breaking,” which can feel like a sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid. Another sign is the “bloody show,” which is pinkish or blood-tinged mucus released when the cervix begins to dilate. While these signs do not always mean labor is imminent, they signal significant changes.
Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention, as they may indicate a complication like pre-eclampsia. Warning signs include a severe, persistent headache, sudden vision changes, or intense pain in the upper abdomen. Recognizing the difference between benign late-pregnancy discomforts and these acute symptoms is important for safety.