Pregnancy at week 35 is when the baby reaches maximum length and a gains a few ounces. In this final trimester the baby runs out of room to do somersaults and symptoms of discomfort may (or may not) escalate.
Your baby´s changes at week 35
As far as the baby is concerned your little bundle is no longer so little. The baby reaches the size of a spaghetti squash with the iris turning blue and fingernails growing in place.
The baby at this stage of the pregnancy will approximately attain 18 inches in length and a weight of 5 ½ pounds. You can expect a gain of 1 to 2 pounds up until the day of childbirth.
If you are wondering what the percent of body fat is for the baby in the womb it is calculated at 15 percent. By the time he or she is born expect this percentage to double at term.
The big change that takes place at this stage is the baby´s lungs fully developing, gearing up for the big day. In addition, the fetal brain development increases particularly at this specific state of the pregnancy and the kidneys reach maturity as they begin to process waste.
By the time you meet the baby after labor you will find the legs and the arms to be quite plump–not to mention irresistibly squeezable!
What changes or symptoms does the body have?
From the start of the first trimester to the last the body undergoes constant changes, so there’s still a couple more to experience. Naturally, since the baby gains body weight expect to gain somewhere between 24 to 29 pounds yourself.
Given the increase in overall body weight, swelling of the feet and ankles become frequent, so get that much needed rest to relieve pain.
The baby´s position will start to cause frequent visits to the bathroom. Why? The position of the head is directly resting and pressing against the bladder. In other words, there is a noticeable lack of bladder control that means at times when you sneeze or even cough you will be forced to go.
On the other hand, if the baby´s fetal position is is downward it is a positive sign and is ready to make the trip down the exit ramp.
It is very possible from this critical phase in the pregnancy that you will be visiting your doctor or practitioner on a weekly basis. This is in the event of any abnormalities or unexpected changes if they should occur.
While you are at the doctor´s office you will be checked for bacteria known as Group B streptococci (GBS). This procedure is just a swab and is pain free. It ensures the safety of the mother and child since 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women can have the bacteria without knowing it, according to Babycenter.com.
Not every pregnancy goes according to plan. If for example the baby has not gotten into the optimal position for birth, which happens to be head facing down, there are techniques to facilitate this process. For example, Bounty.com suggests the following strategies:
- Spending time on all fours
- Wriggling hips to encourage baby to turn
- Bounce on a birthing ball to aid in getting the pelvis to open
- Scrub floors and sit backwards on a seat
These are just a few tips and do consult your medical professional for additional insights. Ask as many questions as possible because there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Your pregnancy week 35 tips
By the time you reach this point you should have made preparations and plans of how you will be having the baby. Specifically, have all of the necessary provisions like baby clothes, equipment, baby car seat and furniture. This can make the eventual post-birth experience less stressful and more productive.
Depending on the relationship status you find yourself with, have the support system and people you want to look after you. This is pivotal since the physical task alone of having a child will take a significant toll on your body, but is worth it after all the sacrifices.
Depending on your healthcare provider, start to narrow down a list of pediatricians since you are just a few weeks out from having a baby. When it comes to food stock up for a few weeks out so you avoid unnecessary trips to the supermarket or the local grocery store.
Finally, the birth of a baby is complex and at the same time a unique human event. Formulate at your own discretion a birth plan that is tailored to your needs. This includes what people will be authorized to be present, what pain management techniques you want utilize during childbirth, etc. Giving birth to a human being can be unpredictable and be conscious that everything can change at the last minute.
Featured photo credit: Thomas van Ardenne via flickr.com
