35 Weeks Pregnant

What are the Changes Happening During the Thirty-Fifth Week of Pregnancy?

Since numerous changes continue to happen while you are pregnant, here are a few components that you have to look at. They include:

Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy Symptoms

During this time of pregnancy, you might notice an increase in the frequency of Braxton Hicks Contractions. These contractions are fake signs through which your body prepares yourself for labor. However, if you find any complications, it is always beneficial to speak with your doctor. Other than that, you might feel like urinating often. It is because of the pressure from your baby's change in position. You don't have to worry about this as it is something normal. Besides, you might feel like urinating when you sneeze, cough, or even laugh. It is also due to the pressure put on your bladder. Another concern that affects most women during their pregnancy is hemorrhoids. It occurs due to the stress felt by your rectum due to the different changes happening in you. Apart from hemorrhoids, the varicose vein is yet another concern during pregnancy. You might also feel clumsiness and tiredness as you move around. It occurs due to belly growth which enhances the difficulties you have while walking. It makes maintaining balance a concern as well. Other than that, you might notice the presence of thick vaginal discharge.

Besides, you might also notice the loosening of your mucus plug. Previously, your mucus plug remained protected by the cervical opening. These are the main hormonal changes and pregnancy symptoms noticeable during the 35th week of pregnancy.

Bodily Changes

When you are 35 weeks pregnant, it is normal for you to feel uncomfortable. It is because numerous changes are happening to you and your little one as your due date is approaching. During this time, there is a high chance of acquiring more weight. Besides, there will be an increase in the size of your uterus, which can reach up to 1000 times. Even though there is a tremendous increase in the size of the uterus, it isn't something you have to be concerned about. It is because the uterus will move back to its original position soon after giving birth to your little one.

Here, your uterus will be present just below your ribcage as well, which is yet another noticeable change. When it comes to weight gain, you would have around a pound's increase during this time of pregnancy. It will be increasing in such a consistent manner over the weeks to come. In the belly, your baby will be taking up most of the space. During this time, you might feel that your little one's foot is motioning in your ribs. You might even notice that your baby is poking on your stomach. Some other noticeable changes during this stage of pregnancy include heartburn, reflex, shortness of breath, etc. Along with that, there will be an increase in the frequency of urination too, which might be a concern. It can be an issue, especially when you travel. These are the main changes happening to your body while you are on your 35th week of pregnancy.

Fetal Development

During the 35th week of pregnancy, your baby will be 46 cm long and weigh about 2.4 kg. However, your little one will continue to gain weight in the coming days. Other than that, the distribution of all the insulations will be occurring in your little one. Here, your baby's face, legs, and other body parts will have taken their position. When we look at the internal organs, your baby's brain development will be taking place smoothly. It is a process that will continue throughout your little one's childhood. Hence, you don't have to be concerned about it. Besides, there will be an increase in your baby's brain weight compared to the previous weeks. It will be showing around ten times increase and will be undergoing this transformation till your little one is 12 years old. Even though brain developments happen, your baby's skull will remain soft. At this stage, if you deliver your baby, there won't be any issues. But, when it comes to twins, you can consider 37 weeks as the completion of a full term. This week, there isn't enough space in the uterus, and your little one will be shifting its position from time to time. Your baby will also be kicking, rolling, and wiggling while in your belly. Other than that, there aren't any significant changes happening to your little one. Even though there is an increase in your baby's growth, it is in the form of fat. These are the changes that take place to your little one during the 35th week of pregnancy.

Besides, during this time, you should take the Group B Strep test. It is a test that you have to undergo as part of the third-trimester screening process. The presence of bacteria in adults is not a concern that you have to worry about. But, it can be an issue, especially when it comes to a newborn baby. Therefore, you have to take the necessary precautions to avoid any form of complications.

Things to Take Care During the 35th Week of Pregnancy

As part of improving your health and taking care of your little one, you have to take the necessary steps. They range from maintaining a healthy diet to taking good care of your physical and mental health. Now, let's have a look at them in detail.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Similar to the previous weeks, you have to ensure that you have a healthy diet. Here, you have to keep track of what you have during your day. You have to emphasize your eating habits, especially during these last stages of pregnancy. You have to include fruits, whole grain food items, and green leafy vegetables in your routine. Besides, try to have your meals at the proper timing as it can reduce the chances of having indigestion or similar issues. When you have healthy food items, you can ensure that your baby remains healthy enough during the time of delivery. Other than that, you have to drink plenty of fluids as well, especially in the form of water. Here, it is best to drink eight to ten-ounce glasses of water daily. You can also include other forms of fluids in your routine, such as smoothies, fresh juices, soups, etc. Here, you have to ensure that they don't have any additives or preservatives present in them.

Apart from that, you have to take care of yourself and your body by having smaller meals. Through this, you can reduce the chances of having heartburn or constipation. Some of the food items worth avoiding while pregnant are those having caffeine content in them, processed food products, high-fat items, etc. However, you can have food items that have low fat in them and others like beans, lean meat, fish, etc. When it comes to fish, it is beneficial to have those that have low mercury content in them.

Taking Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

While you are pregnant, you have to take your physical health seriously. Here, you have to focus on exercising regularly and also look into improving your mental health. Some of the workouts that you can include are walking, swimming, pilates, yoga, etc. For enhancing your mental well-being, try to practice meditation and other relaxation techniques. You can also seek medical assistance if you think it's essential.

Other Tips

During this time of pregnancy, there are a lot of elements you have to consider. Some other factors include: