At 35 weeks pregnant, you are getting close to the end of the third trimester. Most babies are head down by now, movement is still important to follow, and the body is preparing for birth in more visible ways.
This week follows 34 weeks pregnant and leads into 36 weeks pregnant. If you want to compare dates or due date estimates, use the pregnancy calculator.
The baby may be about 45 cm long and weigh around 2.5-3 kg, although estimates vary. The body is fuller, the skin is smoother, and the baby is usually taking up most of the available space in the uterus.
Many babies are already in a head-down or vertex position, which is the most common position for birth. The baby may have a clear sleep-wake rhythm, stronger movement bursts and less room for big rolls.
The lungs, liver and kidneys are mature enough for a baby born now to have a good chance of doing well with neonatal support, but pregnancy is still ideally continued until birth happens naturally or at the recommended time.
Contractions may be more noticeable, but irregular Braxton Hicks are still not the same as labour. Tiredness, swelling, bladder pressure, heartburn, pelvic pressure and back pain are all common as the baby drops lower and the uterus keeps growing.
You may need to urinate more often because the bladder is under more pressure again. Standing for long periods can feel harder, and the bump may make balance and movement less comfortable.
Call your maternity provider if contractions become regular, painful and closer together, or if you have bleeding, fluid leakage, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling or reduced movement later in pregnancy.
Vertex position means the baby is head down and in the most common position for birth.
Braxton Hicks are irregular practice contractions that can happen in late pregnancy.
Preterm labour means labour that starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.
Thirty-five weeks pregnant is often described as about 8 and a half months pregnant, but weeks are the better way to track pregnancy.
35 weeks pregnant is in the third trimester.
Most babies are head down by 35 weeks, but some still change position. Your provider will keep checking, especially if the baby has not settled yet.
Irregular Braxton Hicks can be normal, but regular painful contractions, bleeding or fluid leakage should be checked right away because preterm labour is still possible.
Tiredness, swelling, bladder pressure, back pain, pelvic pressure, heartburn and trouble sleeping are all common in late pregnancy.
