Welcome to your week-by-week guide on pregnancy from Home Insemination Kit! We’re here to provide you with insights on what to expect as your due date approaches, including symptoms, your baby’s growth, and important health information. Here’s what you need to know about week 35 of your pregnancy.
Your Body at Week 35
Your Expanding Uterus
At this stage, your uterus has grown significantly and is now located about six inches above your belly button. It’s not just a figment of your imagination — your uterus is indeed taking up more space! By this point, you may have gained between 24 to 29 pounds, and it’s easy to think that a lot of that weight is due to your expanding uterus. Interestingly, by the end of your pregnancy, its capacity will be 500 to 1000 times larger than before you were pregnant.
Uneven Breasts
Let’s be honest: your breasts may not have been even pre-pregnancy, and they might be even less so now. Research shows that a significant number of mothers (76 percent, to be exact) tend to produce more milk from their right breast, which could account for the unevenness at this stage.
Understanding PUPPP
PUPPP might sound adorable, but unfortunately, it’s not. This common skin condition, short for “pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy,” usually arises in the third trimester. It manifests as an itchy, bumpy rash on your abdomen and possibly on your extremities. Your healthcare provider may prescribe topical corticosteroids or antihistamines to ease the discomfort.
What to Keep in Mind This Week
As you advance in your pregnancy, expect to attend weekly doctor’s appointments. Ensure you’re prepared for these visits by downloading contraction-timing apps like Contraction Timer or Full Term. If you haven’t already, it’s time to choose a pediatrician and notify your OB about your selection. For more on pregnancy, you can find helpful information in our blog post about at-home insemination kits.
Your Baby at Week 35
Almost Fully Grown
By week 35, your baby is approximately 17 to 18 inches long and weighs between 5 ½ to 6 pounds — about the size of a 12-pack of root beer. Most of their growth is nearing completion, so while your baby will continue to gain weight leading to birth, movement may be limited. Start keeping track of their kicks, flutters, or rolls, timing how long it takes to feel 10 movements.
The “Lightening” Effect
Around this time, approximately 97 percent of babies turn head-down in preparation for birth, a phenomenon known as “lightening.” If your little one is stubborn and remains breech, your doctor might attempt to manually reposition them. It’s important to discuss delivery options with your OB if this occurs.
Your Baby’s Hearing
Your baby’s hearing has developed significantly. By 20 weeks, their ears were mostly formed, and by 24 weeks, they began responding to sounds. Now, they may recognize your voice and that of your partner.
Symptoms and Health at Week 35
Fatigue and Discomfort
By now, you’re likely familiar with common late pregnancy symptoms — fatigue, heartburn, gas, swelling, and increased discharge might be part of your daily routine. The countdown to your baby’s arrival may feel longer than ever!
Breathing Easier
If your baby has dropped, you might find relief from shortness of breath, as they will no longer be pressing against your diaphragm. However, if they haven’t dropped yet, breathing could still be a challenge.
Bathroom Breaks
With the pressure easing off your diaphragm, you may now experience increased pressure on your bladder. This often leads to more frequent trips to the bathroom, and yes, it’s not uncommon for sneezing to result in a little leakage. Embrace this common pregnancy symptom and consider using panty liners for peace of mind.
Ligament Loosening
Your body is preparing for labor, which means your ligaments are loosening, often leading to discomfort in your hips and pelvis. While it might feel unpleasant now, this change is essential for childbirth.
Expecting Twins?
For moms expecting twins, week 35 often marks the final week of pregnancy, as twins typically arrive two to four weeks earlier than single babies. Make sure your hospital bag is ready, even if you’re not quite ready to deliver!
For more tips on preparing for parenthood, check out this authoritative resource on baby food makers for quick meals and snacks in 2025: The 7 Best Baby Food Makers. You can also find excellent pregnancy resources at CDC.
Summary
At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a 12-pack of root beer and is mostly done growing, though weight gain will continue until birth. You might be feeling familiar late pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and heartburn, along with an increased need for bathroom breaks. As your body continues to prepare for labor, remember to track your baby’s movements and keep in contact with your healthcare provider.