35weeks
pregnant

Written by Megan Rive

IN THIS ARTICLE

Highlights this week

Mums-to-be describe what their baby's movements feel like.

Baby development at 35 weeks

Your baby's getting big and is so snug in your uterus (womb) now that you may notice their movements are changing. They'll be moving just as much, but they'll be stretching and pushing in one place rather than somersaulting all over your bump. If you notice a change in his pattern of movements, though, or are worried at any stage, contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit straight away so your baby's wellbeing can be checked.

Your baby has fully grown fingernails and toenails. Their kidneys are fully developed and their liver can also process some waste products.

Read more about your baby's development this week.
See other BabyCenter mums' baby bumps at 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

The kidneys are fully formed and the liver can process waste
Your baby is putting on weight, gaining about 200 grams a week
The amount of amniotic fluid starts to diminish

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Your baby is as heavy as a honeydew melon

length

46.2

head to toe

weight

2.4

Pregnancy symptoms at 35 weeks

You may be feeling that you've run out of room – your uterus has expanded to 1,000 times its original volume and is now up under your ribs. If you started your pregnancy at a healthy weight, you may have put on between 10 and 12.5kg by now. You probably won't gain much more from now on.

If your hair is more lustrous than usual, enjoy it while you can! During pregnancy, your hair becomes thicker, because hormones prevent normal hair loss. Not everyone is so lucky with their hair though, particularly if it's usually dry.

baby in womb at 35 weeks, uterus expanded to rib cage

Your baby's snug as a bug in your uterus but still kicking up a storm
Your uterus has expanded into your rib cage

How your life's changing

If you've started your maternity leave, take the opportunity to make time for a regular afternoon rest. It's a chance to practise the breathing techniques you've learnt too.

You're bound to be dwelling on how your baby's birth will go. It's impossible to predict what anyone's labour will be like, but reading these tips from BabyCenter mums on what they wish they knew about childbirth might give you some insight.

Would it surprise you to know that the ideal birth environment is very similar to an intimate, romantic night in with your partner? Privacy, warmth, low lighting and quiet are all elements that help you to relax and focus on your baby. Find out how to set the mood for giving birth.

If you're a prospective dad, read these 10 top tips for being a great birth partner. Reading our labour timeline will also give you the knowledge you need on the big day. If you still can't believe you're going to be a dad soon, read our tips for bonding with your unborn baby.

What you need to know

Buy a couple of maternity bras if you haven't done so yet. Watch our fitting guide to make sure your maternity bar is correctly fitted.
You may be offered a test for Group B Streptococcus at your next antenatal appointment. Read about what the test involves and what it means if you test positive.
If you have a car, buy your baby's car seat and have it installed it safely.
Find out what supplies you'll need for breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Parent tip: bonding with baby

"Clara, my older daughter, gives my bump a kiss and a rub in the morning. It helps me feel like my baby is already a part of our family." -- Sandy

Megan Rive

Megan Rive is a communication, content strategy and project delivery specialist. She was Babycenter editor for six years.

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