35 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby's Development & What to Expect

How Is My Baby Developing at 35 Weeks?

At 35 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 2.4 kilograms (5.3 pounds) and measures about 47 centimeters (18.5 inches) from head to heel. The baby has accumulated significant fat deposits, making the skin thicker, less transparent, and smoother. Most babies are now positioned head-down in preparation for birth.

Week 35 marks an important milestone in your baby's development as they continue to grow and prepare for life outside the womb. The fetus is now gaining weight rapidly, adding about 200-300 grams (7-10 ounces) each week during these final weeks of pregnancy. This weight gain is primarily due to the accumulation of fat beneath the skin, which will help your baby regulate body temperature after birth and provide energy reserves for the first days of life.

The baby's skin has undergone remarkable changes during the third trimester. Earlier in pregnancy, the skin was thin and translucent, with blood vessels clearly visible beneath the surface. Now, the skin is significantly thicker and has taken on a smoother, less wrinkled appearance as subcutaneous fat fills out the baby's body. The skin is covered with a thick layer of vernix caseosa, a waxy, cheese-like protective coating that shields the baby's delicate skin from the amniotic fluid. If your baby were born now, you would notice this white, creamy substance covering their skin.

The fine, downy hair called lanugo that previously covered your baby's body has largely disappeared by week 35. This soft hair served to help the vernix adhere to the skin, but as the baby gains more fat and the vernix becomes more abundant, the lanugo is no longer needed. Some babies may still have traces of lanugo on their shoulders or back at birth, which is completely normal and will fall out within the first weeks of life.

Lung Development and Breathing Practice

Your baby's lungs are undergoing critical final development at 35 weeks. The fetus regularly practices breathing movements, drawing amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs. These practice breaths are essential for strengthening the respiratory muscles and preparing the lungs for breathing air after birth. The lungs are producing increasing amounts of surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs from collapsing and is crucial for normal breathing.

While the lungs at 35 weeks are considerably more mature than earlier in pregnancy, they are not yet fully developed. Babies born at this gestational age may require some respiratory support, though most do quite well. The final weeks of pregnancy are important for continued lung maturation, which is one reason why full-term delivery (39-40 weeks) is ideal when medically appropriate.

Baby's Position in the Womb

By 35 weeks, most babies have assumed a head-down (cephalic) position in preparation for birth. This is the optimal position for vaginal delivery, as it allows the baby's head to lead the way through the birth canal. About 96-97% of babies will be head-down by the time labor begins.

However, some babies may still be in a breech position (buttocks or feet down) at 35 weeks. If your baby is breech, there is still time for them to turn naturally. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain exercises or positions that may encourage the baby to turn, such as forward-leaning inversions or pelvic tilts. If the baby remains breech, your doctor may discuss external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure typically performed around 36-37 weeks where a healthcare provider attempts to manually turn the baby from outside the abdomen.

What Symptoms Are Common at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

Common symptoms at 35 weeks include rib pain from the expanding uterus, lower back discomfort from loosening ligaments, difficulty breathing, trouble sleeping, and practice contractions (Braxton Hicks). Many women also experience increased pelvic pressure and more frequent urination as the baby grows larger.

The third trimester brings a unique set of physical challenges as your body accommodates your growing baby and prepares for labor. At 35 weeks, you are likely experiencing several symptoms that, while uncomfortable, are completely normal parts of late pregnancy. Understanding what to expect can help you manage these discomforts and know when something might warrant medical attention.

Rib Pain and Discomfort

Many pregnant women experience discomfort or pain in the rib area during week 35. This occurs because the uterus has grown so large that it now reaches up to the rib cage, putting pressure on the lower ribs. You may feel sharp pains when the baby kicks or moves, or a constant dull ache under your ribs. The discomfort is often more pronounced on one side, depending on how your baby is positioned.

To find relief from rib pain, try these strategies: sit and stand with good posture, stretching your torso upward to create more space; wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't constrict your midsection; practice gentle stretching exercises approved by your healthcare provider; and use pillows for support when sitting or lying down. Many women find that the rib pain improves significantly when the baby "drops" into the pelvis closer to delivery, though this may not happen until just before or during labor for first-time mothers.

Back Pain and Pelvic Discomfort

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints during late pregnancy, and week 35 is no exception. At this stage, the ligaments and muscles in your lower back and pelvis are softening and loosening under the influence of pregnancy hormones, particularly relaxin. This hormone helps prepare your pelvis for childbirth by allowing the joints to become more flexible, but it can also lead to instability and pain in the lower back and sacroiliac joints.

The growing weight of your baby and uterus also shifts your center of gravity forward, causing many women to unconsciously adjust their posture in ways that strain the back muscles. You may find yourself leaning backward to compensate for your forward-heavy belly, which can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort.

Managing back pain during this time often involves a combination of approaches: practicing proper posture, using supportive footwear, applying heat or cold to sore areas, gentle stretching and prenatal exercises, and getting adequate rest. A prenatal massage from a qualified therapist can also provide significant relief. If your back pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like contractions or vaginal bleeding, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Shortness of Breath

As your uterus expands upward, it compresses your diaphragm and lungs, making it more difficult to take deep breaths. You may feel winded after minimal exertion or notice that you can't breathe as deeply as you used to. This is a normal consequence of the growing baby taking up more space in your abdomen.

The good news is that shortness of breath often improves in the final weeks of pregnancy when the baby descends lower into the pelvis (a process called "lightening" or "dropping"). In the meantime, practice slow, deep breathing exercises, maintain good posture to give your lungs more room, and don't hesitate to slow down or rest when you need to. Sleep with your upper body slightly elevated using pillows, which can make breathing easier at night.

Sleep Difficulties

Getting comfortable enough to sleep can become increasingly challenging at 35 weeks. The combination of your large belly, back pain, frequent urination, leg cramps, and general discomfort can make restful sleep elusive. Many women also experience vivid dreams or anxiety about the upcoming birth, which can further disrupt sleep patterns.

To improve your sleep quality, establish a relaxing bedtime routine; sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and under your belly; limit fluid intake in the evening to reduce nighttime bathroom trips; keep your bedroom cool and comfortable; and consider a pregnancy pillow designed to support your body. While sleeping on your left side is often recommended to optimize blood flow to the baby, either side is acceptable if you're more comfortable.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

By 35 weeks, you are likely experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as practice contractions. These irregular tightenings of the uterine muscle help prepare your body for labor. They typically feel like a tightening or hardening of your belly that may be accompanied by mild discomfort similar to menstrual cramps.

Braxton Hicks contractions are different from true labor contractions in several important ways: they are irregular and do not follow a predictable pattern; they don't increase in frequency, duration, or intensity over time; they often stop if you change position, rest, or drink water; and they are generally not painful, though they may be uncomfortable. If you experience contractions that are regular (coming at consistent intervals), increasing in intensity, or occurring more than four times per hour, contact your healthcare provider to rule out preterm labor.

What Happens If My Baby Is in Breech Position?

If your baby is in breech position (buttocks or feet down) at 35 weeks, there's still time for them to turn naturally. Your healthcare provider may recommend exercises to encourage turning, or discuss external cephalic version (ECV) - a procedure to manually turn the baby around 36-37 weeks. About 3-4% of babies remain breech at full term.

Breech presentation occurs when the baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to come out first during delivery, rather than the head. While most babies naturally move into a head-down position by the third trimester, some remain in breech position as delivery approaches. At 35 weeks, approximately 7% of babies are still breech, but many of these will turn on their own before labor begins.

Several factors can influence whether a baby remains in breech position. These include the shape of the uterus, the location of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid, whether the woman has had previous pregnancies (the uterus tends to have more room in subsequent pregnancies), and whether the woman is carrying multiples. In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.

Options for Turning a Breech Baby

If your baby is breech at 35 weeks, your healthcare provider may discuss several options. The first approach is often "watchful waiting," as many babies will turn on their own before 37 weeks. Your provider may suggest certain positions or exercises that may encourage the baby to turn, such as spending time on hands and knees, pelvic tilts, or inversions (with proper guidance).

If the baby hasn't turned by 36-37 weeks, your provider may offer external cephalic version (ECV). During this procedure, a healthcare provider uses their hands on the mother's abdomen to gently guide the baby into a head-down position. ECV is typically performed in a hospital setting where the baby's heart rate can be monitored, and emergency cesarean delivery is available if needed. The success rate for ECV is approximately 50-60%, though it varies based on factors such as the amount of amniotic fluid, the position of the placenta, and whether this is a first pregnancy.

Delivery Options for Breech Babies

If your baby remains in breech position at the time of delivery, your healthcare provider will discuss your options. In many healthcare systems, cesarean section is recommended for breech babies due to the potential complications of vaginal breech delivery. However, vaginal breech delivery may be an option in some circumstances with an experienced provider. About half of all twin pregnancies include a breech delivery of the second twin.

How Can I Prepare for Birth at 35 Weeks?

Week 35 is an ideal time to finalize your birth plan, pack your hospital bag, and discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider. Consider your preferences for labor environment, pain relief, and immediate postpartum care. Flexibility is key, as birth doesn't always go according to plan.

With only about five weeks until your due date, the reality of childbirth is becoming increasingly tangible. This is an excellent time to focus on preparing for the birth experience, both practically and emotionally. Preparation can help you feel more confident and in control, even though it's important to remain flexible since birth can be unpredictable.

Creating Your Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that communicates your preferences for labor and delivery to your healthcare team. It's not a rigid script but rather a way to share your wishes and open a dialogue with your providers. Many people find that the process of creating a birth plan helps them think through their options and feel more prepared.

Your birth plan might include preferences about your labor environment (lighting, music, who you want present), mobility during labor (walking, using a birthing ball, water immersion), pain management options (natural techniques, nitrous oxide, epidural), positions for pushing and delivery, immediate postpartum care (skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, breastfeeding), and newborn procedures (vitamin K injection, eye ointment).

Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider during a prenatal visit. They can provide information about what options are available at your birth facility and help you understand the implications of different choices. Remember that while your preferences are important, circumstances during labor may require flexibility, and the ultimate goal is a safe delivery for both you and your baby.

Understanding Pain Management Options

There are many options for managing pain during labor, and understanding them in advance can help you make informed decisions. Natural pain management techniques include breathing exercises, movement and position changes, water immersion (showers or tubs), massage and counterpressure, and visualization and relaxation techniques.

Medical pain relief options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which you inhale through a mask and can help take the edge off contractions; opioid medications, which can be given through an IV or injection; and epidural anesthesia, which is the most effective form of pain relief and involves medication delivered through a catheter in your lower back.

Each option has benefits and considerations, and many women use a combination of techniques throughout labor. There is no "right" way to manage labor pain - the best choice is the one that feels right for you after understanding your options.

Packing Your Hospital Bag

If you haven't already, now is the time to pack your hospital bag. Having it ready reduces stress as your due date approaches and ensures you're prepared if labor starts unexpectedly. Essential items include comfortable clothes for labor and postpartum, toiletries, phone charger, snacks, entertainment, going-home outfit for you and baby, car seat (required for discharge), and any special items that provide comfort.

What If I'm Expecting Twins at 35 Weeks?

Twin pregnancies often result in earlier delivery than singleton pregnancies, with many twins born between 35-37 weeks. About half of twin deliveries are vaginal and half are cesarean. If you're carrying twins at 35 weeks, your healthcare team is closely monitoring your pregnancy for signs of labor and any complications.

If you're pregnant with twins, week 35 is a significant milestone. Twin pregnancies are more likely to result in preterm delivery than singleton pregnancies, and many twins are born between 35 and 37 weeks. By this point in your pregnancy, your healthcare team is monitoring you closely for signs of preterm labor and other complications that are more common in multiple gestations.

Your babies have likely reached weights that would allow them to thrive if born now, though spending more time in the womb continues to be beneficial for their development. Each twin typically weighs somewhat less than a singleton baby at the same gestational age, due to space constraints in the uterus. At 35 weeks, each twin might weigh around 2 kg (4.4 lbs), though there can be significant variation.

The mode of delivery for twins depends on several factors, including the position of both babies, the type of twin pregnancy (whether the babies share a placenta), and your health and pregnancy history. If the first twin is head-down, vaginal delivery may be possible. However, many twin pregnancies result in cesarean delivery, particularly if either baby is in a breech position or there are concerns about the babies' health.

When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience regular contractions (more than 4 per hour), vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from your vagina, severe headache or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, or signs of preeclampsia (high blood pressure, severe swelling, protein in urine).

While many pregnancy symptoms are normal and expected, certain signs require immediate medical attention. At 35 weeks, you should be aware of the warning signs of preterm labor and other complications that could affect you or your baby.

Counting Fetal Movements

Monitoring your baby's movements is an important way to check on their well-being. By 35 weeks, you should be familiar with your baby's typical pattern of activity. While the specific movements may change as your baby gets larger and has less room to move, you should still feel regular activity throughout the day.

If you notice a significant decrease in your baby's movements, don't wait - contact your healthcare provider or go to the hospital for monitoring. While changes in movement are often normal, decreased movement can sometimes indicate that the baby is in distress and requires prompt evaluation.