Baby development at 35 weeks
Amniotic Fluid:
Approximately one quart of amniotic fluid envelops and shields your baby. Its volume increases throughout pregnancy until around 36 weeks, after which it gradually diminishes until delivery.
Elimination Functions:
Your baby’s kidneys are fully developed at this stage, having produced urine since the 13th week of your pregnancy. Interestingly, your baby contributes to the amniotic fluid by excreting urine. Meanwhile, the initial bowel movement, known as meconium, is accumulating in their intestines.
Sleep Patterns:
Distinct sleeping patterns have emerged for your baby. You might discern these cycles, as your baby tends to exhibit increased movement during wakeful periods and reduced activity during sleep.
Your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon
Pregnancy symptoms during week 35
Heartburn:
As your uterus extends upward beneath your rib cage, it exerts pressure on your internal organs, contributing to heightened heartburn (acid indigestion or acid reflux) and other gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating. While it’s challenging to completely avoid late-pregnancy heartburn, there are strategies to alleviate discomfort. Identify and steer clear of stomach-aggravating foods, such as carbonated drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, mint products, processed meats, and those high in fat, spice, or seasoning. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals, refrain from eating close to bedtime, prop yourself up with pillows, and consult your healthcare provider for safe pregnancy heartburn medications if needed.
Clumsiness:
Feeling clumsier than usual at 35 weeks pregnant is common, attributed to increased weight, a shifted center of gravity due to a growing belly, and hormonal changes loosening ligaments and joints. Factors like pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling affecting your walking, and fluid retention causing vision changes can contribute to clumsiness. If you experience increased clumsiness, proceed with caution, take it slow, and be gentle with yourself.
Headaches:
Late pregnancy may bring on headaches due to factors like fatigue, hunger, dehydration, vision changes, stress, depression, and allergies. To manage headaches, identify triggers through a headache diary, use compresses on your forehead or the base of your skull, eat regular small meals, engage in regular exercise, and consider alternative therapies like massage, meditation, prenatal yoga, or acupuncture. If you have severe headaches, contact your healthcare provider promptly, as it could signal preeclampsia.
Hemorrhoids:
Common in the third trimester, hemorrhoids result from pressure on rectal blood vessels due to a growing uterus, increased progesterone, and constipation. Hydration, a high-fiber diet, and staying active can help prevent or alleviate hemorrhoids. Avoid straining during bowel movements, take a stool softener if constipated, and move around regularly. For relief, use cold compresses, take warm baths, and consult your provider about suitable medications.
Linea Nigra:
Expecting mothers often develop the linea nigra, a dark line down the belly’s center, influenced by increased progesterone and estrogen affecting skin pigment cells. Darker patches may also appear on the face, areolas, labia majora, and creased areas. These changes are unavoidable, but they typically fade post-birth. To minimize skin darkening, use sunscreen, hypoallergenic skincare products, and avoid waxing affected areas.
Vision Changes:
During the latter half of pregnancy, normal and temporary vision changes like blurry vision and dry eyes may occur due to hormonal shifts. While mild changes are typical, severe alterations or concerning symptoms such as double vision, temporary loss of vision, or flashing lights warrant immediate attention from your healthcare provider. Extreme vision changes could be associated with serious conditions like preeclampsia, eclampsia, or hyperthyroidism.
Pregnancy checklist at 35 weeks
Become familiar with the indicators of labor. It’s crucial to recognize these signs so that you can promptly contact your healthcare provider and make your way to the hospital or birth center when the time comes.
Before the onset of labor, you may observe early signals indicating the impending arrival of the big day. Notable changes may include your baby descending lower into your pelvis and an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions. While these signs don’t guarantee imminent labor, they suggest you’re approaching the final stages. Some women may experience slight blood in their underwear, heightened vaginal discharge, or a mildly bloody mucus discharge before entering into labor. (Note: Your water breaking may not be immediately evident, often occurring during labor itself.)
Once you reach full term, your healthcare provider might suggest checking your cervix. They will monitor changes such as dilation and effacement, indicating the softening, thinning, and opening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth.
Contractions serve as the most unmistakable sign of labor. These contractions become regular, intensify, and grow longer and more frequent, causing the cervix to dilate. Familiarize yourself with the sensations of contractions.
When contractions become more pronounced and frequent, begin timing them and adhere to your healthcare provider’s guidance on when to reach out. If uncertain about the timing, don’t hesitate to make the call!
Ensure your baby’s car seat is properly installed. It’s essential to have the correct car seat for your baby and position it in the back seat. If you encounter difficulties or wish to have an expert review the installation, consult the Safe Kids website for car seat safety events or certified technicians.
Launder your baby’s clothing and bedding to eliminate any potential irritants in the fabric. Opt for a gentle, baby-friendly detergent or one that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Steer clear of detergents with anti-static and fabric softening properties, as they may contain ingredients that could irritate newborn skin.
Engage in safe exercise. As you approach the end of pregnancy, strive to stay active with necessary modifications. Gradually increase intensity, pay attention to your body’s signals, and reduce activity if experiencing pain, overheating, or breathlessness.
During the third trimester, avoid risky activities such as contact sports, skiing, and snowboarding that may lead to falls or trauma to the uterus. Warm up and cool down properly, wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent overheating, and stay well-hydrated during exercise.
If you were highly active before and during the first and second trimesters, you may not need to make drastic adjustments to your routine now. However, be patient and prioritize your well-being, as a gradual and steady approach is key.
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