Being 35 weeks pregnant is a very big achievement and a sign that labor will soon follow. At this point, your body is preparing itself for birthing, while your unborn child is growing, gaining weight, and practicing all the necessary life skills that they will need in their new environment.
This week is about finalizing the preparation – from packing your hospital bags to participating in your 35-week delivery. The experience of many women enhanced pelvic pressure, strong Braxton-Hicks contraction, and an acute nesting urge at this level.
We need to go over whatever you want to know about the pregnancy week 35, including the symptoms and development of your baby, as well as the items in your to-do list.
35 Weeks Pregnant at a Glance
Gestational age: 35 weeks (near the third quarter and full period).
Months: You are in your eighth month.
Child size: This baby-shaped stroller measures the same dimensions as a honeydew melon.
Baby Weight Range: Between 2.3 kg and 2.6 kg (5-5.7 pounds).
Child length: 46–47 cm (18 inches).
The due date is coming fast: only 5 weeks (35 days).
Many pregnant mothers are surprised: How big will my child be in 35 weeks? By this stage, your younger should have received enough fat, and wrinkles have reduced to prepare it or be born out of the womb.
Your Baby’s Development at Week 35
Week 35 pregnancy marks an important turning point: Your unborn baby is rapidly getting ready for delivery.
Lung Development: Surfactant production increases to help keep lungs open when taking in air.
Brain Development: Your baby’s mind continues to expand daily as new neural connections form and increase her intelligence.
Fat storage: Fat storage adds cushion to hands and feet, helping to regulate temperature after birth.
Skin changes: Vernix caseosa (a protective coating) becomes thicker while lanugo (fine body hair) starts falling out.
Strengthen the immune system: Antibodies from your body directly move to your child, strengthening their immunity.
In 35 weeks of the womb, most children change to a head-down (safe) position. If breech or transverse, your doctor might discuss options like external cephalic version (ECV).
Your little one has now become very active and may respond to light, touch, and sound.
Is 35 Weeks Considered 9 Months Pregnant?
Not entirely. Pregnancy generally lasts around 40 weeks, and most women enter their ninth month by week 36. At 35 weeks pregnant, you are still in the 8th month. Next week will mark your official transition into 9 months of gestation!
35 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
At 35 weeks pregnant, your body is bearing the full burden of late gestation. Common symptoms during this stage include:
Pelvic Pressure (Baby Dropping Lower). Back pain caused by carrying your baby can be quite uncomfortable. Heartburn and Indigestion, Frequent Urination (Baby Pressing on Bladder), Swelling of feet, hands, and ankles. Braxton Hicks contractions (stronger practice contractions) Leakage of Colostrum from Breasts (Early milk produced from breastfeeding). Problem sleeping and fatigue. Nesting instinct (an urge to clean and organize). These symptoms are all part of your body preparing to give birth.
35 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Boy or Girl
Some parents may wonder if symptoms can help predict their baby’s gender. It can be fun to speculate, but this type of advice has no scientific backing:
Boy Myths: Carrying Low, Craving Salty Foods, and having Dry Skin
Girl Myths: Carrying High, craving Sweets, and boasting Glowing Skin
35 weeks pregnant symptoms are more often caused by hormones, the baby’s position, and individual health not by gender.
35 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms of Labour
At week 35 of gestation, you are considered late preterm. Babies may arrive earlier than expected, so it’s wise to know the signs of true labour:
Regular contractions: Painful and consistent contractions that grow stronger over time.
Breakage of Water: Sudden release or trickle of fluid.
Bloody display: Loss of mucus plug mixed with blood.
Feeling pressure on my pelvis: Baby seems to be pressing down hard!
Back pain: Sharp, rhythmic, or cramping.
If you experience these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
35 Weeks Pregnant Pelvic Pressure When Walking
Pelvic pressure has become one of the most noticeable symptoms this week. This occurs for various reasons, such as:
The baby may enter your pelvis through engagement. As relaxing levels in your blood increase, so too do ligaments loosen. Extra blood flow contributes to pelvic area heaviness.
Advice for relief:
Consider wearing a maternity support belt. Sleep with a pillow between your knees for maximum comfort. Take frequent short breaks when walking. Practice prenatal yoga or stretching safely during your gestation period.
35 Weeks Pregnant Pelvic Pressure When Walking
Your body is gearing up for birth: it has all of the tools it needs in place.
Cervical Changes: Gradual softening and thinning of the cervical vertebrae may begin.
Breast changes: Heavier, more tender, and possibly leaking.
Swelling: Most commonly in the ankles and feet.
Weight Gain: An approximate gain of approximately 0.5 kg (1 lb).
Shortness of breath: Baby pressing against the diaphragm.
Mood swings: An unpredictable mix of excitement, fatigue, and anxiety.
Remind yourself that these changes are normal and signs your body is moving closer towards giving birth.
Your 35-Week Prenatal Visit & Checklist
Your week 35 pregnancy prenatal visit is extremely important as doctors begin seeing you more frequently (maybe weekly soon!).
What to Expect during a Visit:
Blood Pressure Check (to exclude preeclampsia). Urine test to check protein and sugar levels. Belly measurement (fundal height). Baby Position Check (Head Down or Breech). Group B Strep screening (a routine test)
35-Week Pregnancy Checklist
Pack your hospital bag with essentials. Install your baby’s car seat (most hospitals require it). Prepare the crib or bassinet for the baby. Finalize maternity leave plans. Discuss your birth plan with your doctor. Keep emergency contacts handy. Wash and organize newborn clothes. Start thinking of this week as your “prep week,” to help ensure the process runs more smoothly once labour commences.
As you wrap up week 35, your body is just finishing its preparation for the main event: ovulation. The journey is just beginning, and what happens next is crucial.
Ready to find out about ovulation, fertilization, and the very first signs of development?
Continue to Week 36 Pregnant: Your Next Steps and What to Expect
FAQs About 32 Weeks Pregnant
At 35 weeks of gestation, what size baby do I expect to give birth to?
Around 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). 18 inches.
Am I at 35 weeks pregnant yet, or in my eighth month?
At 35 weeks pregnant, what are some signs of labor?
Am I safe to give birth at 35 weeks?
Why do I feel pelvic pressure when walking at 35 weeks?
Your baby is moving lower into your pelvis and your ligaments are loosening.
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