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Can a Pregnant Woman Give Birth at 35 Weeks

At the 35-week mark, you're wrapping up month 8 of your pregnancy with one month left to go.

Your little one may be starting to make an exit plan by shifting to the heads-down position, all while working on important preparations such as building body fat and brain matter.

Your body is also in prep mode: You may feel some Braxton Hicks contractions as your uterine muscles practice for the big day.

Your Baby at Week 35

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At week 35, your little bundle isn't so little any more. She's pretty much maxed out in the length department at about 20 inches. But at five and a half pounds, your bambino still has some ounces to gain — and those will pile on quickly. In fact, she'll likely pack on a whole pound or two or more before she heads down the exit ramp.

Back in mid-pregnancy when baby's physique was more birdlike than brawny, only two percent of that itty-bitty body was fat. Now that percentage has grown to 15 percent, and by birth will double to 30 percent. As that all-important insulation distributes across her body, your little one's legs, arms, torso and face are filling out nicely. Bye-bye birdie...hello cherub!

Fetal brain development is also moving at a cracker jack pace…and will continue to do so throughout childhood. In this last trimester, your baby's brain weight increases by almost ten times and by age 12, that same brain will be more than three times the size it was at birth. Just in time for pre-algebra!

As your baby fills out and her uterine confines get tighter, her movements will feel less like individual kicks and more like slithers and rolls. Don't be surprised if the contours of your tummy change from time to time — it's not an alien you're gestating, just your baby shifting position!

Got twins in the tank? Uterine conditions are getting pretty cramped by now, and you should expect to deliver earlier than if you were just carrying one baby — in the next couple weeks. In fact — 37 weeks is considered full term for twins — so get ready mama!

At a Glance

Snug as a bug

With less space in your uterus now, your baby's movements have shifted from kicks and punches to rolls and wiggles.

Padding up

The majority of your baby's growth now is fat. His shoulders in particular are padding up for the journey south.

Head down

By this week, almost all babies are positioned with their heads facing down toward your cervix, ready for their trip out.

35 weeks pregnant is how many months?

If you're 35 weeks pregnant, you're in month 8 of your pregnancy. Only 1 month left to go! Still have questions? Here's some more information on how weeks, months and trimesters are broken down in pregnancy.

How big is my baby at 35 weeks?

Your baby is standing tall this week at about 18 inches. But at about 5¼ pounds, he's continuing his steady weight gain: He'll pack on anywhere from 1 pound to several, including large amounts of baby fat, up 'til delivery day.

Fetal weight gain

Your baby's once skinny arms and legs are now quite plump…and irresistibly, squeezably soft.

Baby's skull remains soft

Something else that's developing at a mind-boggling pace these day: your baby's brainpower. Luckily, the part that surrounds that amazing brain — the skull — remains soft. And for good reason: A soft skull will allow your baby to squeeze more easily through the birth canal.

Your Body at Week 35

35 Weeks Pregnant

Cheat sheet

Did you know that the measurement in centimeters from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus is roughly equivalent to the number of weeks of pregnancy?

So when you're 35 weeks pregnant, your practitioner will likely be measuring about 35 centimeters on the tape measure. It's an easy way to remember how far along you are — as if you'd ever lose track.

Frequent urination and urinary incontinence

Something else that'll remind you just how far along you are in your pregnancy: frequent urination. Yep, it's first trimester déjà vu all over again, but this time, instead of pregnancy hormones to blame, it's the position of your baby's head.

Now that your baby is head-down in preparation for delivery, his noggin is pressing squarely on your bladder. The result? A need to pee all the time.

As if that's not enough, you may also experience urgency — gotta go now! — or a lack of bladder control when you cough, sneeze or even laugh (though there's nothing funny about it).

Whatever you do, don't cut back on fluids. Instead, empty your bladder as completely as possible by leaning forward — just be careful not to tip over — wear a panty liner if you need one and practice your Kegel exercises, which will strengthen the pelvic muscles and prevent or correct most cases of pregnancy-induced incontinence.

Finding a doula

What's a doula? The literal translation is "woman's servant." Now, if only you could find a chef, massage therapist and chauffeur…

A doula can do double duty when you need it the most. First, there's the birth doula, a companion who's professionally trained to provide support — and a hand to hold — during labor. The other is a postpartum one (read more about them in week 42).

A birth doula knows all about breathing and relaxation techniques for labor, as well as the best positions to alleviate the pain. Some laboring women actually find they need less pain medication — or none at all — when a doula is present, although a good birth doula will explore all pain relief options with you and help you choose what's right for your situation.

But a doula's most important role may be the emotional comfort provided during a potentially frightening time, and that might be just what the doctor — or midwife — ordered.

To find a doula, consult an agency, ask other moms for recommendations and consult our article on hiring a doula.

Pregnancy Symptoms Week 35

Occasional headaches

If your head is pounding, it could be for a number of reasons, including being overheated or stuck in a stuffy room. Go out for some air or open the window. And ask your practitioner which pain reliever is safe in moderation during pregnancy. Most doctors will okay acetaminophen, as long as you don't overdo it. If acetaminophen isn't working, or if you're getting a headache every day, call your doctor. Severe headaches that don't respond to pain relievers like acetaminophen can be a sign of preeclampsia. Read More

Varicose veins

Have the varicose veins in your legs begun to ache or itch? Though support hose probably don't help cultivate that hot mama look you were going for, they can give the veins in your legs a little extra upward push to counteract the downward pull your belly is giving them. Read More

Hemorrhoids

Varicose veins can pop up anywhere — and the ones in your rectum are called hemorrhoids. To soothe them, gently wash with warm water and wipe with toilet paper. If toilet paper is too harsh, switch to wipes. Read More

Bleeding gums

Your gums may still be bleeding or tender now. To boost gum strength, get plenty of vitamin C. Drink an extra glass of OJ, sprinkle berries on your oatmeal or cereal and toss tomatoes in your salad. Read More

Skin rashes

If you've suddenly got an itchy, bumpy rash on your stomach, you could have PUPPP, which stands for "pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy." The rashes are benign and cause no risk to your baby or to you, but they're annoying. To soothe the itch, try applying aloe vera gel after a shower or bath. Read More

Increasing clumsiness

Balancing your body gets harder this week as you waddle toward the finish line — just a few more weeks to go! Continue to play it safe. If you need to reach for something on a high shelf, ask your partner instead of climbing on a chair to get it. Read More

Pregnancy brain

You're probably getting more absentminded as you count down the weeks. Your brain cell volume really is shrinking and your bouts of sleeplessness don't help, either. Expect the fog to lift a few months after your baby is born. Read More

Braxton Hicks contractions

You may be experiencing some contractions as your body gets ready for the real thing during labor. Haven't felt one yet? First-time moms-to-be may not notice the flexing of their uterine muscles, which feels like your abdomen is tightening. Read More

Tips for You This Week

Research your pain options

These days, there are plenty of safe and effective medical options that can take some of the labor out of labor and delivery. It is possible to create a birth plan that ensures little or no pain while you remain awake during the entire process and are able to greet your newborn as he emerges.

Make sure you know about all your labor pain relief options, including local anesthesia and breathing techniques. You may change your mind about the particulars as the time nears.

Stock up on nasal strips

The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone can make the mucus membranes in your nose swell, making you feel all stuffy. (Little wonder this symptom is known as pregnancy rhinitis.)

To combat congestion, buy a box of nasal strips that open up your nostrils. If your nose is extra dry, dab a little petroleum jelly in each nostril.

Prepare a birth plan

You've read all you can about pregnancy and childbirth, you've prepped for labor and delivery as well as anyone can and you're pretty sure you know exactly how you'd like the birth of your baby to go — from the first contraction to the last push.

That's where a birth plan comes in. Like the name suggests, a birth plan is a written plan that clearly states your preferences for before, during and after labor and delivery. After all, the best plan is to have a plan, so start thinking now about how you'd like the experience to go.

Remember to be flexible, though. Even the best-laid plans can change at the last minute — so you'll need to check your childbirth ideals at the hospital and let the doctors, nurses or midwives make the best decisions for you and your baby's health.

Prevent pregnancy insomnia

Pregnancy insomnia affects an estimated 75 percent of moms-to-be — and it can hit especially hard in the third trimester (just when you need sleep the most!).

What's more, even if you are tired, your burgeoning belly — and active baby — can prevent you from getting comfortable again and falling back to sleep.

Before you go to bed, try to wind down with a soothing bedtime routine: Do some light reading, take a warm bath and try meditation or relaxation exercises.

If you can't drift off after 20 to 30 minutes, get out of bed and find a small, boring task to do — like sorting baby onesies. Then try to nod off again.

Relieve heartburn

Nearly half of all moms-to-be have heartburn during pregnancy — so if you're feeling the burn, rest assured you're in good company.

Rule number one: Make sure to sit upright while eating and stay that way for a couple of hours after you eat if possible. Lying down, slouching, slumping and stooping will do you in. When you have to bend, do it with your knees instead of your waist — otherwise, you'll send all that acid for a repeat ride up your esophagus.

While you're eating, do your body a favor and eat slowly. Chewing is the first step in the digestive process, but it's the one that's most often neglected when eating's done on the run. The more you chew, the less work your stomach has to do.

Another chew that's good for you: sugarless gum, which will increase saliva and help neutralize acid in the esophagus. Just don't overdo it — too much can cause a laxative effect thanks to the sugar alcohols in it.

Lastly, try to leave stress off the menu whenever possible (easier said than done, we know) — anxious eating compounds digestive distresses of all kinds, including heartburn.

Keep hitting the gym

How's this for a payoff? Babies of pregnant exercisers tend to sleep through the night sooner, are less prone to colic and are better able to soothe themselves.

Scientists attribute the positive link to babies being stimulated through changes in heart rate and oxygen levels, as well as the sounds and vibrations they experience in the womb during workouts. But who cares about the science? Pass the sneakers and lace 'em up!

Watch for sneaky sources of sugar

You think you're being healthy by having a strawberry yogurt, but it turns out a lot of fruit-filled yogurts contain almost as much sugar as a small candy bar (though admittedly, some of it isn't added sugar, it's sugar from the fruit and milk).

Look for yogurts with under 20 grams of sugar per serving on the label, and if possible, even less (as low as 10 to 12 grams).

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

  • What to Expect When You're Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.
  • What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Heartburn During Pregnancy, November 2020.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Insomnia During Pregnancy, December 2020.
  • WhatToExpect.com, How to Create a Birth Plan, June 2021.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Stuffy Nose and Nosebleeds During Pregnancy, April 2021.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Your Labor Pain Management Options, May 2021.
  • American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Anesthesia Options for Labor and Delivery, 2021.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Exercise During Pregnancy, July 2019.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy, August 2020.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Medications for Pain Relief During Labor and Delivery, 2017.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Problems of the Digestive System, June 2020.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Skin Conditions During Pregnancy, June 2020.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Urinary Incontinence, July 2020.
  • American Heart Association, CPR and First Aid Training Courses, 2021.
  • American Red Cross, CPR Training, 2021.
  • DONA International, How to Hire a Doula, 2021.
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine, Birth Plans, 2021.
  • Mayo Clinic, General Anesthesia, December 2020.
  • National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Symptoms & Causes of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence), June 2018.
  • National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, The Effect of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum on Gastro-Esophageal Reflux, November 2005.
  • National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Newborn Head Molding, June 2021.
  • National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, The Influence of Prenatal Exercise on Offspring Health: A Review, October 2016.
  • National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Your Baby in the Birth Canal, June 2021.

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Can a Pregnant Woman Give Birth at 35 Weeks

Source: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-35.aspx