Congratulations on reaching 35 weeks of pregnancy! You’re almost there, and here’s what you can look forward to during this stage.
Changes in Your Body
At this point, your uterus has grown significantly, approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) from your belly button to the top. You might have gained between 24 to 29 pounds (10.9 to 13.2 kg) by now. If you have concerns about your weight gain or uterine height, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor.
If you’ve been experiencing shortness of breath, it’s likely because your uterus is now pressing against your ribcage. As you approach the end of your pregnancy, your baby will begin to “drop” or engage in the pelvis, which may relieve some of the pressure on your diaphragm. However, this can lead to increased pressure on your bladder, resulting in more frequent trips to the bathroom.
How Big is Your Baby?
Your baby continues to grow and may measure between 17 to 18 inches (43.2 to 45.7 cm) long and weigh around 5 ½ to 6 pounds (2.5 to 2.7 kg).
What’s Happening with Your Baby
By 35 weeks, most of your baby’s development is complete. Their kidneys are fully functional, and the liver is starting to process waste. You may notice a change in your baby’s movements as they have less space to maneuver, but this doesn’t mean they’re less active. The pattern of kicks should remain consistent.
Planning for This Week
As you enter the 35th week, your healthcare provider will likely want to see you weekly until your baby arrives. They may also recommend that you start counting your baby’s movements if you haven’t begun already. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises that you should monitor how long it takes to feel 10 kicks, flutters, or rolls.
Consider these tips when tracking movements:
- Aim to feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours.
- Keep a log of your baby’s movements using a notebook or a kick count chart.
- If you don’t reach 10 movements by the end of the second hour, wait a few hours and try again.
- If movement is still low, contact your healthcare provider.
- If you notice a significant decrease in movements over several days, reach out to your doctor.
Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy
If you observe a notable drop in your baby’s movements, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. This is also a great time to ask about policies regarding nurse lines, vaccinations, and scheduling or canceling appointments.
Partner Involvement
How involved do you want your partner to be in the birth process? Discuss options with your partner and your healthcare provider. Would they like to cut the umbilical cord or record the birth? Getting these details sorted ahead of time will help ensure everything goes smoothly.
For couples considering at-home insemination, resources like Make a Mom offer unique options, including reusable kits. Additionally, the How It Works page provides a detailed overview of the insemination process. For those seeking sperm donation services, Vegas Pregnancy is a free matching service available in Las Vegas.
For more information on understanding your baby’s behavior, check out our blog post on the baby witching hour.
Finally, if you’re looking for further guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline offers a wealth of knowledge. For more expert insights, Modern Family Blog is a reputable resource on family planning and pregnancy topics (Modern Family Blog).
Summary
At 35 weeks pregnant, your body is preparing for the arrival of your baby. Keep an eye on movement patterns, maintain communication with your healthcare provider, and consider how you and your partner want to approach the birthing experience. Resources are available to assist you along the journey, whether it’s for at-home insemination or understanding your baby’s needs.