35 Weeks pregnant: Baby development, symptoms & signs

Your Body at Week 35

Linea nigra

Most women will see a dark line, or linea nigra, develop vertically across your belly as it grows in the latter half of pregnancy [1]. The exact reason for skin darkening, or hyperpigmentation, during pregnancy is not well understood, but scientists believe it is a combination of hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and your overall UV exposure [1]. The development of linea nigra is related to the development of dark spots on your skin, like face and nipples, during pregnancy. 

While you cannot prevent these changes, know that they are completely normal and will likely fade, sometimes completely, after you give birth [1]. Be sure to keep wearing sunscreen and avoid waxing these areas as skin might be more sensitive.

Frequent urination

Your baby is growing a ton during the last trimester - which is great news! The downside is that if you’re already experiencing frequent urination or urinary incontinence (leaking when you cough or sneeze), these are likely to get worse, not better, in the coming weeks. You might consider wearing a sanitary pad, if this helps you feel more comfortable or less stressed going about your day-to-day activities. Although frequent urination is disruptive, it is still very important to stay hydrated.

Vision changes

Pregnancy affects all the systems of your body - including your eyes. It is not uncommon for women to experience changes in vision, like blurry vision or dry eyes, particular in the second half of pregnancy [2]. Most changes are mild or temporary and will not require treatment [2]. In most cases, the eyes go back to normal after giving birth [3].

While mild or small changes are considered normal, large changes or severe vision disruption could be the sign of a more serious issue. If you experience double vision, temporary eye loss, or flashing lights, contact your healthcare provider immediately [4].

Your baby’s development at 35 weeks

In these final weeks, your baby is in its last stages of development. Gaining fat and preparing the various body’s systems for life in the outside world is the most important thing for your baby in the eighth month of pregnancy. Your baby is still protected in the womb by amniotic fluid, which supports and cushions its movements and provides a warm, temperature controlled environment. After week 34, the amount of fluid will steadily decrease until birth. But don’t worry, the baby will still have about 600ml, or 20 oz of fluid at the end of its term [5].

At 35 weeks, your baby’s kidneys have reached full development [6]. The kidneys are important because they work to remove waste and extra fluid in our bodies. Believe it or not, your baby has actually been peeing in the womb since about week 13, but now their first poop (known as meconium) is starting to build in their intestines [6].

At 35 weeks, your baby is as big as a spaghetti squash! They are about 17 to 18 inches long (43 to 46 cm) and can weigh between 5.5 and 6 lbs (2.4 to 2.7 kilograms) [6].

You might be wondering whether your baby is fully developed at week 35, or if you gave birth this week, would your baby be healthy? In pregnancy, 37 weeks is considered full term. If your baby were born this week, it would be considered premature and likely require some extra time in the hospital. With proper care, premature babies born after week 32 tend to have high survival rates and often have no long-term complications [7]. Babies born after 34 weeks also tend to have the same long-term health prognosis as babies who are delivered at 40 weeks [8].

Pregnancy symptoms in Week 35

Heartburn

As your baby has grown, your uterus has probably expanded upwards under your ribs. This crowds the internal organs and can cause gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, indigestion, gas, and bloating. Even if you have been dealing with these symptoms for months, the final weeks of pregnancy can intensify these symptoms further, as your baby keeps growing and getting ready for birth. 

While you might not be able to avoid heartburn, there are things you can do to help ease your symptoms. Some foods that are more acidic like carbonated drinks, citrus, tomatoes, and red meat can make heartburn worse [9]. Similarly foods that are especially fatty, spicy, fried or have a lot of seasoning can sometimes worsen indigestion [9]. Some foods that can help ease heartburn are similar to the foods you might eat if you have an upset stomach, like oatmeal, yogurt, banana, and bread [10].

Headaches

You might be noticing you are getting headaches more in these final weeks of your pregnancy. Headaches are commonly brought on by tiredness, hunger, and dehydration - all things you are especially prone to at this time! Try to ensure you are eating small balanced meals regularly, drinking plenty of water (particularly if it is hot or dry outside), and resting as much as you can. Exercise, if it is safe to do so during your pregnancy, can also provide some headache relief.

Should you all of a sudden experience a severe headache that does not go away, contact your midwife, OBGYN, or nurse immediately [4]. A severe headache late in pregnancy can sometimes be a symptom of preeclampsia, which is a serious pregnancy complication that requires immediate treatment [11].

Constipation

Constipation is another unfortunate symptom of pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Constipation means that your poop is very hard, which can make it difficult to pass, and you might be having bowel movements less often than usual. Constipation makes not only pooping uncomfortable, but can also cause cramps and gas. Pregnancy constipation is likely caused by a combination of pregnancy hormones, which slow digestion, and the pressure caused by your growing baby [12]. Iron supplements, which many women are advised by their healthcare team to take during pregnancy, can also worsen constipation [12]. Like many pregnancy symptoms, constipation can intensify through the end of the third trimester.

To help, drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make constipation worse. Activity, like walking, swimming, and yoga, can also help constipation symptoms. Consuming enough fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain bread or porridge, can help to improve the consistency and weight of your bowel movements [12].

Braxton Hicks contractions

It is common to start experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, or practice contractions, in the latter half of your pregnancy. Like labor contractions, they will feel like tightenings of the muscles in your lower abdomen. Though they can be painful, and worrisome, Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of labor. It is important to remember that unlike labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions [13]:

• Last anywhere from 15 seconds to 2 minutes
• Come at irregular intervals and are unpredictable 
• Do not get more frequent or intense
• Can disappear completely

Remember that not everyone will experience Braxton Hicks contractions, so not getting them is also noneed to worry. If you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, try to change positions to ease discomfort and ensure you are staying hydrated, as dehydration can bring on Braxton Hicks contractions [13].

Tips in Week 35

• Learn about the basics of caring for a newborn: whether you have a lot of experience with babies, or not, doing some research ahead of time on newborn care can help you feel more calm and less stressed when it is time to bring your baby home. These basics include how to change a diaper, knowing what a diaper rash looks like, what to expect with your baby’s first bowel movements, signs babies are hungry, and ways to soothe a crying baby [14].
• Wash your baby’s new clothing and bedding: it is recommended to wash your baby’s new clothes, including hand-me-downs, and bedding before using them with your newborn. Fabric can carry dirt and chemicals that irritate the sensitive skin of a newborn. 
• Have your Group B strep test: in the next week or two, you will probably have your Group B strep test. This will involve swabbing your vaginal area and rectum to test for a certain type of bacteria. Though this bacteria is common, it can be harmful for your baby. If you test positive, you will be given antibiotics during labor.
• Use your pregnancy pillow: as getting a good night sleep becomes challenging, remember to use your pregnancy pillow to help relieve pressure on your hips and can help keep you comfortable on your side. After your baby is born, pregnancy pillows also make for great feeding pillows, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
• Eat more salads: salads are a great way to add more fiber to your diet and help with constipation! If a green salad is not appealing, try adding spinach or kale to a smoothie.
• Consider some gentle yoga for helping relieve constipation symptoms: there are safe, gentle moves from yoga like side stretch, cat cow pose, and child’s pose, which can help if you are suffering from bloating and gas brought on by constipation. 

Supporting your pregnancy & postpartum journey with Natural Cycles

Natural Cycles, the first FDA Cleared birth control app, can support you through your pregnancy and help you transition to postpartum. When you become pregnant, use the NC° Follow Pregnancy mode of the app to receive weekly updated guides with information about your baby’s development and explanations of pregnancy symptoms and changes you are experiencing in your body. You can also use the Follow Pregnancy mode to track your pregnancy symptoms and research different topics regarding your health and pregnancy. After giving birth, switch to NC° Postpartum to track how you are feeling physically and mentally after childbirth and access expert guidance on caring for yourself and your newborn as you transition to motherhood.