Pregnancy Week 35
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Find out how your baby is growing while you are 35 weeks pregnant, and learn how to relieve swelling and other aches and pains.
How big is baby?
At 35 weeks, baby is the size of a honeydew melon. In preparation for birth, he is now upside down in your uterus.
Baby's Development
Your baby should be positioned with his head facing down toward the cervix and vagina. About 97 percent of babies have adopted this position by this point; the rest remain in what's known as breech position — when the butt or feet are in place to come out first. If your baby's among this minority, it does increase your odds of needing a C-section, but there's a good chance your healthcare provider can correct the problem by turning him around manually with pressure applied on your belly. Called an external version, this process has about a 65 percent success rate.
Baby Week 35
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Week 35 Ultrasound
This closeup shot of your baby-to-be's ear shows how fully developed his facial features have become. He now looks like the newborn that you'll be welcoming into the world in a few weeks (only five more to go!). Your baby is also maturing on the inside, too. He continues to practice his breathing movements, which move amniotic fluid in and out of his lungs to aid in their development.
Read MoreWatch Baby's Growth
What Week 35 of Your Pregnancy is Really Like
Mom's changing body
Another labor signal to watch for is extra-thick vaginal discharge that's pink or even a bit blood-tinged. This is the start of your mucus plug dropping. The mucus plug is a ball of tissue that's been blocking your cervical opening during pregnancy to keep your uterus safe from germs. Losing your plug doesn't mean that labor's starting ASAP, though. Many women lose their plugs up to two weeks before labor officially begins.
Weekly Tip
If you have a dog or cat, you'll need to help it adjust to the baby. You can try taking a new baby blanket to the hospital. Wrap your baby in it for a few hours so it has his scent. Then have your partner bring it home to let the dog get used to the baby's scent before you and Baby come home from the hospital. You'll also want to make sure your pets are up-to-date with vaccinations. And if your pet has picked up some bad habits, like biting or pouncing, use this time to break him of these habits before the baby arrives.
Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
A Sneak Peek at Your Future Sex Life
A couple of episodes ago, we talked the ins and outs of having sex when you're very pregnant, and reminded you that now is a good time to get in that nooky before a baby arrives—but as the big day approaches, you may be wondering what those bedroom antics will look like after you give birth. There's a lot to think about: Your recovery, the baby, the logistics, the lack of sleep, your body image... It's easy to get overwhelmed and worry that you'll be waving goodbye to your sex life. We're here to reassure you that while that's not true (think about how many mamas you see with two under two), things might change and shift a little, both physically and emotionally, and not always for the worst.
Must-Reads
Your Baby Is Almost Here: Week 35 of Pregnancy to Birth
At long last, you're about to meet your son or daughter! Watch the miraculous journey your baby will go through as he (or she) exits your uterus and enters the world.
Week 35 Ultrasound: What It Would Look Like
Now that you're 35 weeks pregnant, it's time to talk to your doctor about your baby's position. Plus, learn other fetal developments specific to this week of pregnancy!
Pregnancy Confidential Podcast Week 35: A Sneak Peek at Your Future Sex Life
Find out what's going on in week 35 of your pregnancy on this podcast episode of Pregnancy Confidential.