Baby Development at 35 Weeks

Baby Development at 35 Weeks

As you approach the final stretch of your pregnancy, your little one is growing rapidly and preparing for their grand entrance into the world. At 35 weeks, both you and your baby are undergoing significant changes. This guide will walk you through what’s happening with your baby’s development, what you might be experiencing, and how to prepare for the exciting weeks ahead.

Quick Answer

At 35 weeks, your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon, weighing around 5.5 to 6 pounds and measuring 17-18 inches long. Their major organs are nearly fully developed, and they’re gaining weight rapidly in preparation for birth.

Your Baby’s Growth and Development

Size and Weight

Picture this: your baby is now about as big as a honeydew melon! At 35 weeks, most babies measure between 17 and 18 inches from head to toe and tip the scales at around 5.5 to 6 pounds. It’s amazing to think that just a few months ago, your little one was the size of a poppy seed!

From this point on, your baby won’t grow much longer, but they’ll continue to pack on the pounds. This weight gain is crucial – it’s mostly baby fat that will help your little one regulate their body temperature once they’re born.

Brain Development

Your baby’s brain is in high gear, growing and developing at an impressive rate. At 35 weeks, it weighs about two-thirds of what it will at full term. The cerebral cortex – the part of the brain responsible for complex functions like language, thought, and consciousness – is becoming more intricate by the day.

Neurons in your baby’s brain are firing away, forming crucial connections that will continue to develop throughout childhood and beyond. It’s like a tiny supercomputer being wired up, getting ready to take in all the sights, sounds, and experiences of the world outside the womb.

Lung Maturation

Your baby’s lungs are nearly ready for their first breath of air. They’re practicing breathing movements, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. This helps strengthen the muscles they’ll need for breathing after birth. The lungs are also producing surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs in the lungs inflate properly.

If your baby were to be born now, they’d likely be able to breathe on their own, though they might need a little extra support at first. Every day in the womb gives those lungs more time to mature, increasing the chances of problem-free breathing after birth.

Digestive System

Your baby’s digestive system is almost fully formed and ready to go. The intestines have developed the ability to contract, which will help move food through the digestive tract once your baby starts eating. The liver is busy producing bile, and the pancreas is gearing up to produce important digestive enzymes.

Interestingly, your baby is also building up a store of meconium in their intestines. This dark, sticky substance will form your baby’s first bowel movement after birth. It’s like your baby’s body is doing a full dress rehearsal for life outside the womb!

Skin and Fat

Remember that wrinkly appearance your baby had in earlier ultrasounds? Well, at 35 weeks, those wrinkles are starting to smooth out as your baby puts on weight. A layer of fat is developing under the skin, giving your baby a more rounded, “baby-like” appearance.

The skin itself is becoming less translucent and taking on a more opaque look. The vernix caseosa, that creamy white substance that has been protecting your baby’s skin from the amniotic fluid, is starting to shed. Some babies are born with patches of vernix still on their skin, while others have shed it all by the time they’re born.

What You Might Be Experiencing

Frequent Urination

If you feel like you’re spending half your life in the bathroom these days, you’re not alone! As your baby drops lower into your pelvis (a process called “lightening” or “engagement”), they put more pressure on your bladder. This can lead to more frequent trips to the restroom.

While it might be frustrating, try to look on the bright side – each bathroom break is a chance to get up and move around, which can help with circulation and reduce swelling. Plus, staying hydrated is important for you and your baby, so don’t cut back on fluids. Instead, try these tips:

• Lean forward when you pee to help empty your bladder completely
• Avoid caffeine, which can increase urination
• Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles

Sleep Challenges

Getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a distant dream at 35 weeks pregnant. Your growing belly, frequent bathroom trips, and anticipation about the upcoming birth can all interfere with restful sleep. Here are some strategies to help you catch those much-needed Z’s:

• Use extra pillows to support your back and belly
• Sleep on your left side to improve blood flow
• Take short naps during the day if possible
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down

Swelling and Pain

Swollen ankles and feet are common at this stage of pregnancy. It’s caused by a combination of factors, including increased blood volume, the weight of your growing uterus, and hormonal changes that cause fluid retention. While some swelling is normal, sudden or severe swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia, so always check with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned.

To manage swelling:

• Elevate your feet whenever possible
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
• Avoid standing for long periods
• Stay cool and drink plenty of water

Back pain is another common complaint at 35 weeks. Your growing belly shifts your center of gravity, putting strain on your back muscles. Try these tips for relief:

• Practice good posture
• Use a support belt
• Try prenatal yoga or gentle stretching
• Apply heat or cold to sore areas

Heartburn

If you’re feeling the burn, you’re not alone. Heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint, especially in the third trimester. It happens because pregnancy hormones relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to creep up.

To ease heartburn:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
• Stay upright for at least an hour after eating
• Sleep with your head elevated

Preparing for Birth

Recognizing Signs of Labor

As you approach your due date, it’s important to be aware of the signs that labor might be starting. While every woman’s experience is different, common signs include:

• Regular contractions that increase in frequency and intensity
• A change in vaginal discharge, possibly including the passing of the mucus plug
• Your water breaking (though this doesn’t always happen before labor begins)
• A dull ache in your lower back
• A feeling of pressure in your pelvis

If you notice any of these signs, or if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They can guide you on whether it’s time to head to the hospital or birthing center.

Packing Your Hospital Bag

At 35 weeks, it’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. You never know when your little one might decide to make their grand entrance! Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:

• Comfortable clothes for labor and recovery
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Going-home outfit for you and baby
• Car seat for baby’s first ride home
• Camera or phone for those first precious photos
• Snacks and drinks for you and your partner
• Any important documents or your birth plan

Prenatal Appointments

At 35 weeks, you’ll likely be seeing your healthcare provider every week or two. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your health and your baby’s progress. Here’s what you might expect:

• Measurement of your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus)
• Checking your baby’s heart rate
• Monitoring your blood pressure and checking for signs of preeclampsia
• Possibly a Group B Strep test, if not done already
• Discussion about your birth preferences and any concerns you might have

A Personal Journey: Sarah’s Story

Sarah was 35 weeks pregnant with her first child when she woke up one morning feeling different. “I can’t explain it,” she said, “but something had changed. My belly felt lower, and I suddenly had this burst of energy.”

What Sarah was experiencing was her baby dropping into the pelvis, a sign that her body was getting ready for labor. “I cleaned the entire house that day,” she laughed. “My husband came home and thought I’d gone crazy!”

But along with the energy came new challenges. “I was running to the bathroom every five minutes, it felt like,” Sarah recalled. “And sleeping comfortably? Forget about it. I built a fortress of pillows every night just to get a few hours of rest.”

Despite the discomforts, Sarah found joy in feeling her baby move and watching her body change. “Every kick, every hiccup, it was a reminder that I was growing a little person,” she said. “It was uncomfortable at times, sure, but also kind of magical.”

Conclusion

At 35 weeks pregnant, you’re in the home stretch! Your baby is nearly fully developed and gaining weight rapidly, while your body is preparing for the upcoming birth. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as you approach your due date.

Keep attending your prenatal appointments, stay active as much as you comfortably can, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns. This is an exciting time – you’re just weeks away from meeting your little one!

Remember, you’ve got this, mama! Your body knows what to do, and soon you’ll be holding your precious little one in your arms. Here’s to the amazing journey of pregnancy and the adventure of parenthood that lies ahead!