Medically reviewed by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, and Emiliana Hall, the founder of The Mindful Birth Group®.
At thirty-five weeks pregnant, it's nearly time to give birth to your beautiful baby! Now you’ve reached 35 weeks, your baby is bigger than ever, and your body and symptoms just keep on changing.
With only around five weeks to go until you meet your new arrival, they're busy developing that chubby baby look, building up their body fat before they say hello to the world. You might be thinking about starting your maternity leave, with so much to do to prepare for little one's arrival! And there's lots going on with your body right now that may be making you feel the struggle of these last few weeks all the more.
Find out what you need to know at this exciting stage about your baby and your body, including what symptoms to expect, and other things you should be doing at 35 weeks pregnant.
According to Emiliana Hall, they say: "At 35 weeks, you are around eight months pregnant. You are now in the final stretch of the third trimester, with only about five weeks to go until your estimated due date. Some babies born at this stage may need a little extra support, but their chances of thriving outside the womb are very high, says Emiliana.
Baby development at 35 weeks pregnant
At 35 weeks, your baby is growing rapidly and fine-tuning their development for life outside the womb. They now weigh around 2.4kg (5.3lbs) and measure about 46cm (18 inches) long—roughly the size of a honeydew melon, says Emiliana.
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Lung maturity – Your baby’s lungs are nearly fully developed and producing more surfactant, which helps them breathe independently.
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Brain and nervous system – Their brain is continuing to develop at an incredible rate, and their reflexes are becoming more coordinated.
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Fat stores are increasing – They are gaining fat under their skin, helping them regulate their temperature after birth.
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Hearing and response – Your baby can now recognise familiar voices and may respond to sounds with movement.
If your baby is still breech, your midwife may discuss gentle techniques to encourage them to turn, such as positional exercises or, in some cases, an external cephalic version (ECV) around 37 weeks.
35 weeks pregnant symptoms
At 35 weeks, you may experience some familiar pregnancy symptoms as well as new ones as your body prepares for birth:
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Braxton Hicks contractions – These ‘practice’ contractions may become more frequent, but they should not be painful or regular.
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Pelvic pressure – If your baby has moved further down into your pelvis, you may feel a heavier sensation or occasional sharp twinges.
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Backache – Your growing bump puts extra strain on your lower back, making good posture and support essential.
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Swollen feet and hands – Fluid retention can make your ankles and fingers feel puffy, especially at the end of the day.
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Heartburn and indigestion – As your baby grows, they press against your stomach, which can make acid reflux more noticeable. Eating smaller meals and sitting upright after eating may help.
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Increased fatigue – Your body is working hard, and interrupted sleep is common. Napping during the day can help you manage tiredness, says Emiliana.
Your body at 35 weeks pregnant
Your body is making final preparations for birth, and you may notice changes such as:
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Increased weight gain – Most people gain around 1-2lbs per week at this stage. Your midwife will continue monitoring your weight and overall health.
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Looser joints – The hormone relaxin is softening your ligaments in preparation for labour, which can cause some aches and discomfort, particularly in the pelvis.
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Colostrum leakage – Some people notice their breasts leaking small amounts of colostrum (the first form of breast milk). This is completely normal.
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More discharge – Vaginal discharge may increase, and some people notice a thick, jelly-like plug of mucus (known as the mucus plug) as their cervix prepares for birth, says Emiliana.
Your bump at 35 weeks pregnant
At 35 weeks, your bump is likely feeling full and heavy. You may notice:
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Changes in movement – Your baby still moves frequently, but their movements may feel more like rolls and stretches rather than big kicks due to the limited space.
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Tightness and discomfort – As your skin stretches, you might feel some itching or sensitivity around your bump.
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Fundal height changes – Your midwife will measure the height of your bump to ensure your baby is growing as expected.
If you notice a sudden drop in movements or anything that feels different from your baby’s usual pattern, contact your midwife right away.
Looking after you at 35 weeks pregnant
As you near the end of pregnancy, looking after yourself is just as important as preparing for your baby’s arrival.
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Rest as much as possible – Your body is working hard, and broken sleep is common. Nap when you can, and try a pregnancy pillow for support.
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Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps with swelling and prevents dehydration-related Braxton Hicks contractions.
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Keep moving – Gentle exercise, such as walking or pregnancy yoga, can help ease discomfort and keep you feeling strong for birth.
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Pelvic floor exercises – Strengthening your pelvic floor now can help with birth and recovery.
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Nutrition – Eating iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, beans, and lean meats can help prevent anaemia and boost your energy, says Emiliana.
Other things to consider at 35 weeks pregnant
Emotional well-being – The final weeks of pregnancy can bring up mixed emotions. Talking to your partner, friends, or a birth professional can help you feel more prepared and supported.
Birth plan – Now is a good time to discuss your birth preferences with your midwife and ensure they are written down.
Hospital bag – Many people pack their hospital bag around 35-36 weeks so it is ready if labour starts early.
Maternity leave – If you have not already, you might be preparing to start your leave soon. This is a good time to slow down and prioritise rest.
Baby’s position – Your midwife may check if your baby is head-down. If they are still breech, there is still time for them to turn naturally, or your midwife may discuss options with you, says Emiliana.
And according the Dr. Deborah Lee, they say: "Your baby is almost fully grown by 35 weeks. However, the brain is continually developing and at 35 weeks it only weighs two thirds of what it weighs at full term. Brain growth continues in order for the baby to develop the ability to think, and have memory and language, says Dr. Lee.
Don’t worry if your baby is breech – head up, bottom down. They still have plenty of time to turn around before labour.
They will be developing surfactant in their lungs – a specific type of protein that reduces surface tension in the alveoli – the tiny air spaces in the baby’s lungs. At this time, a baby is also swallowing one litre of amniotic fluid per day, says Dr. Lee.
This is the time a baby’s skin starts to mature, ready for delivery, becoming less opaque and less wrinkled. The baby also starts losing their white vernix – the sticky white covering they have in utero which protects their skin from amniotic fluid in pregnancy, says Dr. Lee.
35 weeks pregnant symptoms?
Pregnancy symptoms are likely to be much the same as 34 weeks. Tiredness, as you may not be sleeping well, indigestion, acid reflux, needing to pee all the time, back pain, joint pain, swollen hands and feet and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. Not a lot of fun really, but all power for the course. Speak to your midwife if you are having problems, says Dr. Lee.
Your body at 35 weeks pregnant?
You are probably feeling heavy and slow. This is natural as your body is coping with carrying this extra little person and slowly gearing up for labour. Take it as easy as you can and rest as much as possible.
At 35 weeks your breasts start making colostrum – early breastmilk which is so good for your baby. Colostrum contains antibodies which helps protect your baby from infection plus antioxidants and good bacteria the baby needs for a healthy microbiome. Ou might notice a yellowish stain inside your bra. This is normal. You might like to put a disposable breast pad in your bra to catch the leaks. Now is the time to get measured for a breastfeeding bra, although your breasts will enlarge when breastfeeding, says Dr. Lee.
Your bump at 35 weeks pregnant?
Your bump is hard and round. You may see a little arm or leg pushing out from inside the uterus as your baby moves around, now with increasingly little space. Be aware of fetal movements which should occur every hour. If you ever feel movements are tailing off, you must contact your local maternity unit without delay, says Dr. Lee.
Looking after you at 35 weeks pregnant?
If you haven’t done this already, it’s time to get informed about labour. How to recognises it, what to do about it, and what could be an emergency. You should have a birth plan you have discussed with your midwife. Many women find it beneficial to attend antenatal classes run by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), says Dr. Lee.
Make sure you get enough sleep. At this stage of pregnancy, you should have 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Always sleep on your side as this better for the placenta.
Make sure you are eating a healthy nutritious diet. You only need an extra 200 calories a day at this stage of pregnancy, which is not a lot, so take care not to overdo it, and concentrate on getting good nutrition rather than too many carbs! says Dr. Lee.
Pregnant women should take a 10 mcg vitamin D supplement from October to March. This is very important for the health of both mother and baby. It is even more important for anyone with dark skin, or those who don’t go outside very often.
Pregnant women should do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This is any exercise that makes you feel slightly sweaty and out of breath. It includes, brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming,
For example: You are entitled to free dental care when pregnant so make sure this is up to date.
The best advice is not to smoke, drink alcohol or have no more than 200 mg per day of caffeine (that’s about 2 cups of instant coffee). If you need help to do this, talk to your midwife. There are many support mechanism to help you. It’s never too late to give up, says Dr. Lee.
Other things to consider at 35 weeks pregnant?
The RSV vaccination is offered at 28 weeks, but if you haven’t had it, you have another chance at 34 weeks. This is safe vaccine which stimulates production of anti-RSV antibodies and reduces the chance of your baby having severe bronchiolitis in the first 6 months of life.
If you haven’t had the whooping cough vaccination, usually offered at 28 weeks, you can have this at this stage. The vaccination is highly protective in stopping babies getting whooping cough in the first 8 weeks of life, until they have their own whooping cough vaccination.
It’s a good idea to also have the influenza vaccination if this is offered. Pregnant women are more susceptible to flu and are more likely to be admitted to hospital if they get it, says Dr. Lee.
Meet the expert
Emiliana Hall is the founder of The Mindful Birth Group® and continues to teach Mindful Natal® courses and support families as a birth and postnatal doula and hypnobirthing expert. An experienced antenatal educator and hypnobirthing practitioner with a robust professional background in supporting expectant parents through their pregnancy and postnatal journeys. With almost a decade of experience, Emiliana has dedicated her career to providing compassionate and evidence-based guidance to families, ensuring they feel empowered and prepared for childbirth and beyond. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor in the field of prenatal education, known for her reassuring, respectful and knowledgeable approach.
Dr Deborah Lee, Having worked for many years in the NHS, mostly as Lead Clinician within an integrated Community Sexual Health Service. Dr Deborah Lee now works as a health and medical writer, with an emphasis on women's health, including medical content for Dr Fox pharmacy. She has published several books and remains passionate about all aspects of medicine and sexual health. After completing her Medical Degree at University of Southampton Medical School in 1986, Dr Lee trained as a GP and after a number of years specialised in Sexual & Reproductive Health (S&RH).
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships and loving yourself.