Welcome to your week-by-week pregnancy guide from Home Insemination Kit! Here, we’ll cover what to expect during your pregnancy journey, including symptoms, your baby’s growth, and changes in your body. Let’s dive into what’s happening at 35 weeks pregnant.
Your Body at 35 Weeks Pregnant
Your Uterus Has Grown Exponentially
At this stage, your uterus is now approximately six inches above your belly button, which means it’s definitely not just your imagination—it’s taken over your torso! By now, you might have gained between 24 to 29 pounds, and it might feel like all that weight is just from the uterus. Believe it or not, the capacity of your uterus at the end of your pregnancy can increase by 500 to 1000 times compared to its non-pregnant size.
Uneven Breasts? That’s Normal
Let’s be honest: your breasts may not have been symmetrical before pregnancy, and now they might look even more uneven. A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that around 76% of mothers experience more milk production in their right breast. So, if you’re noticing a lopsided appearance, you’re not alone.
What’s PUPPP?
PUPPP sounds cute, but it’s actually an unfortunate skin condition that many pregnant women face. Standing for “pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy,” this intensely itchy rash usually appears in the third trimester and can be quite bothersome. Consult your doctor for potential treatments like topical corticosteroids or antihistamines to ease your discomfort.
Keep in Mind This Week
Starting next week, your doctor’s appointments will become more frequent, likely weekly, so make sure you’re prepared for those visits. Consider downloading contraction-timing apps like Contraction Timer or Full Term to help keep track of your contractions. If you haven’t chosen a pediatrician yet, now is the time to do so and communicate this with your OB.
Your Baby at 35 Weeks Pregnant
Baby Is Almost Fully Grown
At this point, your little one is about 17 to 18 inches long and weighs between 5 ½ to 6 pounds—roughly the size of a 12-pack of root beer! Most of the major growth is complete, though your baby will continue to gain weight as you approach delivery. Because of this, movement may feel limited, but you should still keep track of those kicks and rolls.
Getting Ready for Birth
Most babies will be head-down by now, a process known as “lightening.” If your baby is still in a breech position, don’t worry; your doctor can discuss options for turning them into the correct position.
Your Baby Can Hear You
By now, your baby’s hearing is well developed. They’ve likely been listening to your voice and may even recognize your partner’s voice too!
Symptoms and Health at Week 35
Common Ailments
You’ll probably recognize the symptoms of late pregnancy: fatigue, heartburn, swelling, and possibly insomnia. These can make the final stretch feel long, and you may find yourself counting down the days until you finally meet your little one.
Breathing Easier
If your baby has dropped, you may experience some relief from shortness of breath, allowing you to breathe a little easier. On the flip side, if they haven’t dropped yet, you might find it difficult to catch your breath as your uterus pushes against your rib cage.
Bathroom Breaks Become More Frequent
With the added pressure on your bladder, you might find yourself making more frequent trips to the bathroom. It’s not unusual for sneezing to lead to a little leakage, known as pregnancy incontinence. If this happens, using a panty liner can help you feel more secure.
Looser Ligaments
As your body prepares for labor, you may start to feel some discomfort due to loosening ligaments. While it can be uncomfortable now, this change is designed to make childbirth easier.
For Twin Mothers
If you’re expecting twins, week 35 may mark your final week of pregnancy, as twins often arrive earlier than singletons. If you haven’t packed your hospital bag yet, now’s the time—get it done!
You can find more insights on pregnancy in our other posts here, and check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, at 35 weeks pregnant, you’re nearing the finish line! Your body is preparing for delivery, your baby’s growth is nearly complete, and while you may be dealing with familiar symptoms, you’re getting closer to meeting your little one.