35 weeks pregnant: Your body is going through a lot of changes

Being Pregnant – 21 May 24 By Fiona Wright

(Image: Getty Images)

It’s a time of anticipation and preparation as you prepare to welcome your little one.

At 35 weeks pregnant, you’re probably feeling a mixture of emotions: you’re looking forward to meeting your baby, but dreading the birth. Not much longer to go now!

This stage of pregnancy brings a mix of excitement and anxiety as you prepare for the arrival of your little one.

Your body at 35 weeks pregnant

If your baby isn’t yet engaged, she and the placenta will be pushing your uterus up under your ribs and your growing baby is pressing up against your diaphragm. This isn’t the most comfortable part of pregnancy, as you may feel squashed and out of breath. Frequent trips to the bathroom are normal due to the pressure on your bladder.

You might feel a bit run down as your baby receives antibodies from you, via the placenta. A boost of probiotics and vitamin D from Perdays Probiotuc 360 & Vitamin D is worth condisering. It contains 13 probiotics strains that support pregnancy health.

Your body is also going through a lot of changes and you may feel more frequent and stronger Braxton Hicks contractions as your body practices for labour. Increased discomfort, back pain, and pelvic pressure are common as you get closer to delivery. Swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands can happen, and you might see some colostrum, the first form of milk, leaking from your breasts and preparing you for breastfeeding.

If you become aware of a reduction in your baby’s movements, head straight in for a check-up with your midwife or doctor. They may recommend you keep a kick chart where you record each movement over a specified period every day.

Beautiful pregnant woman touching her belly standing by the window — At 35 weeks pregnant, you may feel more frequent and stronger Braxton Hicks contractions as your body practices for labour *(Image: Getty Images)*

Your baby at 35 weeks pregnant

Your baby weighs about 2.5kg and is now gaining about 14g of fat a day. She’s about 33cm crown to rump long and 45cm including her legs. Her brain is developing rapidly, so if you’ve been under stress at work or home, try to relax.

They’re continuing to gain weight and build up fat, which will help keep them warm after birth. Their lungs are almost fully developed, and their brain is growing quickly with lots of new connections forming. Your baby might be settling into a head-down position, getting ready for birth, though some babies might still be in a different position and could turn in the coming weeks.

A mixed race couple is snuggling on their couch at home. The woman of Asian and Pacific Islander descent is pregnant with their first child. She is in her second trimester. The woman's husband is kissing her cheek and holding her belly. The happy soon to be parents are excited for the many adventures parenthood will bring. — The countdown is on! Not long to go until you and your partner meet your baby. *(Image: Getty Images)*

Pack your hospital bag

Now’s a good time to pack your hospital bag and finalise your birth plan, keeping in mind that flexibility is key since labour can be unpredictable. Keep up with your prenatal appointments so your healthcare provider can monitor you and your baby closely. Make sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and do gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga to stay comfortable.