At 35 weeks pregnant, you’re well into the third trimester and likely feeling both physically aware of pregnancy and mentally tuned into what’s ahead. While the finish line still feels slightly ahead, many parents describe this time as a blend of steady anticipation and comforting familiarity — you know your body well now, and your baby’s presence is unmistakable.
This week is less about milestone leaps and more about refinement, confidence, and continued preparation. Baby is adding those final layers of strength and vitality, and your body is weaving together the rhythms that will carry you toward labor and birth.
Here’s a grounded look at what’s new with your baby, how your body may be responding, and supportive ways to care for yourself this week.
Shop the Article:
What’s New With Baby
Your baby is continuing to grow and prepare, mostly by refining systems and packing on weight rather than dramatically increasing in length.
At 35 weeks, your baby weighs around 5½–6 pounds (about 2.5–2.7 kg) and measures roughly 18 inches from head to heel, about the size of a papaya.
Fat stores and temperature regulation:
Much of the change this week involves adding baby fat, which will help regulate body temperature after birth. This increased fat also contributes to smoother skin and a rounded newborn appearance.
Brain and organ maturation:
Your baby’s brain is continuing to grow and develop deeper folds and connections, even though the major structures are already in place. Hearing remains well developed, and your baby may respond to familiar voices, music, or rhythms.
Surfactant and lung readiness:
By this point, it’s likely that your baby has produced significant surfactant, a protein critical for proper lung function after birth. While full lung maturity is typically reached closer to 36–37 weeks, this build-up supports independent breathing when the time comes.
Space is getting cozy:
With less room to move, you might notice movements feel more like rolls, stretches, and wiggles rather than sharp kicks. This simply reflects baby’s growing size and is an expected shift in sensation.
Together, these refinements support your baby’s transition to life outside the womb, with organs that are functional and strengthening every day.
How You’re Feeling
At 35 weeks, your body is continuing the sustained work of third-trimester pregnancy, and you may notice a combination of familiar sensations along with some new ones.
Common Physical Sensations
Pelvic pressure and urinary frequency:
Your uterus now reaches high into your abdomen but also sits low enough to press on your bladder, which can make frequent bathroom trips feel even more familiar.
Fatigue:
Carrying additional weight week after week—often 25–35 extra pounds total—can leave you feeling tired, especially if sleep is interrupted by discomfort or the need to pee at night. Resting when you can, and valuing sleep preparation routines, can make a difference.
Sore hips and pelvic discomfort:
Relaxin and other pregnancy hormones continue to soften ligaments in preparation for birth. This can create a sensation of looseness or soreness around the hips or pelvis.
Braxton Hicks contractions:
Irregular and often mild tightenings of the uterus, sometimes called “practice contractions," are common now. These typically feel like brief firmness across your belly and aren’t usually painful.
Heartburn and indigestion:
Hormonal influences on digestion, combined with upward pressure from your uterus, can make heartburn more noticeable. Smaller meals and upright posture after eating may help ease symptoms.
Sleep challenges:
Difficulty finding a comfortable sleep position continues to be common in late pregnancy. Side-lying, supportive pillows, and consistent bedtime routines can help improve rest.
Stretching and rib discomfort:
Some people notice ribs aching as the uterus pushes upward, especially if baby is active in that region. If pain is severe or localized under the ribs, it’s a good idea to mention it to your clinician to rule out conditions like pre-eclampsia.
Emotional and Mental Experiences
Emotionally, this stage can be rich with anticipation, reflection, and even occasional impatience. It’s normal to feel excited, nervous, or quietly introspective as you think about the weeks ahead, the arrival of your baby, and the shift into motherhood. All of these feelings are valid and reflect your investment in this journey.
Many people also find themselves thinking about routines—sleep, feeding, support, logistics—without needing to have allthe answers yet. This blending of preparation and acceptance is part of the third-trimester experience.
Your To-Do List
The focus at 35 weeks is on support, presence, and intentional preparation, not panic or pressure. Here are supportive tasks for this week:
1. Stay Attentive to Baby’s Movements
Fetal movement remains one of the most reassuring indicators of wellbeing. Even if motions feel different now—more squirms or gentle shifts than sharp kicks—regular activity is expected. If you notice a consistent and significant change, your clinician will want to check.
2. Continue Prenatal Appointments
Around this point in pregnancy, visits are typically every one to two weeks. These check-ins are a stable way to monitor blood pressure, fundal height, and your overall wellbeing. Bring any questions; there is no such thing as too simple or too small when it comes to your care.
3. Review Signs of Labor (in Context)
While full-term is generally considered starting around 37 weeks, understanding the difference between normal tightening (Braxton Hicks) and true labor contractions is helpful for peace of mind. True contractions tend to become regular, more intense, and don’t ease with movement or hydration. If you’re ever unsure, calling your provider is always the best next step.
4. Focus on Rest and Sleep Habits
Sleep may be interrupted, but prioritizing rest still matters. Gentle bedtime routines, supportive pillows, and daytime rest breaks can help your nervous system and physical recovery.
5. Hydrate and Nourish Now
Your body still benefits from balanced meals and plenty of fluids. Focus on proteins, fiber, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense foods that support energy and digestion. Staying hydrated also supports circulation and can help ease swelling.
6. Finalize Practical Items (At Your Pace)
You might find this a good time to check off or finalize:
- Hospital bag essentials
- Car seat installation and safety check
- Birth preferences documented
- Contacts for your care team and support system
These tasks don’t need perfection; completion at a comfortable pace is what counts.
The Takeaway
At 35 weeks pregnant, both you and your baby are in a period of thoughtful refinement and quiet growth. Baby continues to gain weight, refine systems, and prepare for birth, while your body remains intricately engaged in support, nourishment, and adaptation. This week isn’t about rushing toward the end; it’s about steady presence, responsive care, and nurturing your wellbeing in ways that will carry you into the final weeks with confidence and compassion.You’re navigating a remarkable chapter, and every step forward is part of the preparation that supports you both.
1. Mayo Clinic. 3rd trimester pregnancy: what to expect.
2. What to Expect. 35 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Babylist. 35 Weeks.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
