Week 35: Baby Is Almost Ready

Most of the physical development is now complete! Your baby is using the final weeks to put on weight and fine-tune the organs. The brain is growing impressively fast — it increases by one-third in weight just in the last weeks of pregnancy.

With only five weeks until your due date, you're approaching the finish line. Weekly prenatal appointments may start from now, and birth preparations should be in their final stage. Your hospital bag should soon be ready by the door.

Baby's Development

Brain: Growing rapidly and forming new neural connections at a fast pace — brain weight increases by almost a third in the final weeks
Kidneys: Fully developed and working well — baby produces up to 500 ml of urine daily
Liver: Can now handle some waste processing independently, although the placenta still does most of the work
Weight and length: Baby weighs around 2.4–2.6 kg and measures about 46 cm
Lungs: Almost fully mature — surfactant production is at a good level
Head position: Most babies have now settled head-down, ready for birth
Fat storage: Baby is putting on about 200–250 grams per week now — mostly fat for energy and temperature regulation
Immune system: Antibodies from you are being transferred in ever-increasing amounts through the placenta

Fat Storage and Temperature Regulation

In the final weeks, baby is busy building up fat stores. This white fat is important for temperature regulation after birth — newborns lose heat much faster than adults because they have a much larger body surface area to weight ratio.

Baby also has brown fat, a special type found between the shoulder blades and around the kidneys. Brown fat produces heat directly and is an important part of a newborn's thermoregulation in the first weeks.

Your Body

Lightening: Some people feel baby drop into the pelvis now, which makes it easier to breathe
Pelvic pressure: If baby has dropped, you'll feel more pressure downward toward the pelvis and bladder
Frequent urination: Bladder pressure increases, and you may need to urinate even more often than before — including several times at night
Sleep difficulties: Between bathroom trips, discomfort, and thoughts about birth, many people sleep poorly now
Swelling: Feet, ankles, and hands may swell. Elevate your legs and wear compression socks if it helps
Fatigue: Your body is using a lot of energy. Rest when you can and accept that you can't do as much as usual
Pelvic-related pain: Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) and sciatica-type pain can become more pronounced

When Baby Drops

For some first-time parents, baby drops into the pelvis as early as week 34–36, while for those who've given birth before, this often doesn't happen until labor starts. When baby drops, you notice:

Easier to take a deep breath
Less heartburn
More pressure on the pelvis and bladder
More frequent urination
A visible change in belly shape (more downward-pointing)

This is a good sign, but it doesn't mean birth is just around the corner. It can still take several weeks.

Good to Know

GBS (Group B Streptococcus) testing policies vary by country. About 20–30% of women carry GBS without knowing it, and if GBS is detected, IV antibiotics are given during labor to protect baby. Ask your midwife whether testing is recommended for you based on your risk factors.

Now is a good time to think about who you want with you during labor. Your partner, a doula, your mother — choose someone you feel safe with and who can support you.

Many notice that their legs and feet swell more now, especially on warm days or after standing for a long time. Elevate your legs when resting, and wear compression socks if they help. Drink plenty of water — it actually helps against swelling.

Eat nutritious food with a focus on protein, iron, and calcium. Your body needs extra energy now, but choose quality food over empty calories. Small, frequent meals are better than a few large ones, especially if heartburn is a problem.

More Frequent Appointments From Now

According to guidelines from the WHO, AAP, and ACOG, prenatal appointment frequency increases toward the end of pregnancy:

From week 36: Weekly appointments until your due date
At appointments: Blood pressure, urine, fundal height measurement, baby's position and heartbeat are all checked

What Your Midwife Checks Now

Baby's position: Is baby head-down (cephalic)?
Engagement: Has baby's head descended into the pelvis?
Amniotic fluid level: Assessed by feeling the abdomen
Blood pressure: Extra important now to detect preeclampsia early
Urine test: Checking for protein (sign of preeclampsia) and sugar

Antenatal Classes

Antenatal (birth preparation) classes are recommended and widely available. Classes are ideally taken between week 28 and 36.

What the Class Covers

Stages of labor: the latent phase, active phase, pushing, and delivery of the placenta
Breathing techniques and relaxation during contractions
Pain relief options: epidural, gas and air, acupuncture, TENS, warm water
Your partner's role and support techniques
Breastfeeding and the first days with baby
A tour of the labor ward
Cesarean section — what happens and when it's used

Pain Relief During Labor

You'll have access to various forms of pain relief during labor:

Epidural: Local anesthesia in the back that provides effective pain relief
Gas and air (Entonox): Inhaled gas you control yourself
Warm water: Bath or shower to ease contractions
TENS: Electrical nerve stimulation
Acupuncture: Offered at some birth centers
Medications: Opioid injections and similar

Write down your preferences in your birth plan, but stay open to changing your mind — that's completely fine.

Nutrition in the Final Weeks

Good nutrition is especially important in the final weeks. Baby is putting on about 200–250 grams per week, and you need about 300 extra calories per day.

Important Nutrients

Iron: Baby is building up iron stores. Choose red meat, beans, lentils, and leafy greens. Combine with vitamin C for better absorption
Calcium: Important for baby's bone development. Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified products
Omega-3 (DHA): For brain development. Fish 2–3 times per week
Protein: Increased need for baby's growth. Lean meat, fish, eggs, beans
Fiber: Combats constipation. Whole grains, fruit, vegetables
Water: At least 2 liters daily

Energy for Labor

In the final weeks, it's worth thinking about your body needing energy for the upcoming birth:

Eat regularly and nutritiously
Have healthy snacks available (nuts, fruit, whole grain crackers)
Fill the freezer with nutritious meals for the postnatal period
Don't skip meals

Mental Preparation

The final weeks of pregnancy can be emotionally intense. It's completely normal to experience a mix of excitement, nervousness, and impatience.

Tips for Mental Preparation

Antenatal classes: Provide knowledge and confidence
Breathing exercises: Practice techniques you can use during labor
Visualization: Imagine a positive birth experience
Talk about worries: Share your thoughts with your partner, midwife, or a friend
Acceptance: Stay open to plans changing — flexibility is a strength

If You're Afraid of Birth

Birth anxiety is common and help is available. Speak with your midwife if you experience:

Strong anxiety or fear related to birth
Sleep problems due to worry
Avoidance behavior (avoiding talking about or preparing for birth)
Thoughts that you won't be able to do it

Many hospitals offer appointments with a midwife or psychologist for people with birth anxiety. You're not alone, and good support is available.

Hospital Bag — Final Check

Your hospital bag should now be packed and ready. Have it standing by the door.

Important Things Not to Forget

ID and health/insurance documents
Phone charger
Comfortable clothes for labor and afterward
Baby's clothes for the journey home
Car seat (must be in the car)

Signs of Labor — What You Should Know

With only five weeks left, it's wise to know the signs that labor is approaching.

Early Signs (Can Come Weeks Before)

Show/mucus plug coming away (gel-like plug, possibly blood-streaked)
Baby dropping into the pelvis (easier to breathe, more pelvic pressure)
More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions
Loose stools or diarrhea
Energy surge (nesting instinct)
Increased vaginal discharge

Signs That Labor Is Starting

Regular contractions that get stronger and more frequent
Contractions don't ease with rest
Waters breaking
Bloody mucus show

Use a contraction timer app to track contractions. Call your maternity unit when contractions come every 5 minutes, last about 60 seconds, and this pattern has continued for an hour. If your waters break — always call immediately.

Work and Practical Matters

Practical Things That Should Be in Place

Hospital bag packed and ready
Car seat installed and tested
Nursery set up with the essentials
Route to the hospital planned
Contact details for the maternity unit easily accessible
Birth plan written

For Your Partner

Go through the route to the hospital together — test it on a day you're out driving
Talk through the birth plan and what's important to both of you — it creates confidence for the big day
Make sure all the practical things are in place: car seat, cot, diapers, and the first baby clothes
Read about the partner's role during labor — massage, breathing techniques, and emotional support
Attend an antenatal class together if you haven't done so yet

Tips for Week 35

Car seat: Make sure the car seat is correctly installed — many fire stations or baby stores can help you check
Signs of labor: Read up on the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions so you know what to look for
Relaxation: Try a warm bath (not too hot) or a swim — it can ease pain and help you relax
Hospital bag: Double-check your hospital bag is packed and ready — you don't have long left
Leave from work: If you haven't already, start planning when to stop working
Pelvic floor exercises: Continue daily. Strong pelvic floor muscles help during birth and speed up recovery
Antenatal class: Last chance to sign up if you haven't attended one yet

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact your doctor or midwife if you experience:

Severe or sudden swelling in face and hands (sign of preeclampsia)
Severe abdominal pain that doesn't ease
Fluid leaking from the vagina (could be amniotic fluid)
Significantly fewer fetal movements than usual
Persistent headache with visual disturbances
Regular contractions that get stronger and more frequent
Vaginal bleeding
Intense itching without a rash (may indicate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy/ICP)

Intense itching without a rash, especially on hands and feet, is a symptom that should be investigated. ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) is a liver condition that requires monitoring and may affect the timing of birth.

Did You Know...?

Baby's brain grows by almost one-third in weight in just the final weeks of pregnancy. The intense brain development continues after birth and throughout the first year of life
Baby now produces up to 500 ml of urine a day, which forms part of the amniotic fluid. The kidneys are fully functioning and ready for life outside the womb
About 20–30% of all pregnant women carry Group B Streptococcus (GBS) without knowing it. GBS is completely harmless to you but can in rare cases cause infection in newborns
Your baby can now grip with their hands, suck their thumb, and even hiccup — skills that are important for life after birth
Brown fat, which baby has between the shoulder blades and around the kidneys, is a special type of fat that generates heat and is vital for newborns

Common Questions About Week 35

What is GBS, and will I be tested?

GBS (Group B Streptococcus) is a bacteria that about 20–30% of women carry without symptoms. Testing policies vary by country — some routinely test all women at 35–37 weeks, others only test based on risk factors. The test is a simple swab from the vagina and rectum. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to protect baby.

Is it normal that baby is moving less now?

Baby has less space to move, so the large kicks may become less frequent. You should still feel movements daily — they may just feel different, more like twists and nudges than powerful kicks. Contact your midwife immediately if you notice a significant decrease in movements.

When should I stop working?

Most people stop working between week 34 and 36, but it depends on your job and how you feel. If you have a physically demanding job or a long commute, it may be wise to stop earlier. Check what mandatory leave periods apply before your due date in your country.

What is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)?

ICP is a liver condition that causes intense itching, especially on the hands and feet. It affects about 1–2% of pregnancies. The condition is detected with blood tests and requires monitoring because it can affect baby. Treatment is available, and birth is often planned a little earlier.

Should I attend an antenatal class?

Yes, antenatal classes are recommended. They provide valuable information about the stages of labor, pain relief, breastfeeding, and the first period with baby. It's also a great opportunity for your partner to prepare and learn support techniques.

What happens if baby is in breech position?

Your midwife monitors baby's position at appointments. Most babies turn head-down by week 36–37. If baby is still in breech position after week 36, an external cephalic version (ECV) may be offered — an attempt to turn baby by gently pressing on the abdomen. Discuss the options with your midwife.

What is external cephalic version (ECV)?

ECV is an attempt to turn baby from breech to head-down by pressing gently on the abdomen from the outside. It's usually done at week 36–37 in hospital, with monitoring of baby's heartbeat. The procedure succeeds in about 50% of cases. It's safe but can feel uncomfortable.

Is it normal for baby's movements to hurt?

Yes, as baby gets bigger, movements can feel powerful and sometimes painful — especially kicks to the ribs or pressure on the bladder. Try changing position to give baby more room. Contact your midwife if the pain is persistent or you notice anything unusual.

Should I prepare for breastfeeding now?

Yes, it's helpful to read about breastfeeding before birth. According to the WHO and AAP, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months. Read about breastfeeding positions and latching, sign up for a breastfeeding class if your hospital offers one, and get a nursing bra and nursing pads. Remember that breastfeeding can take time to learn — be patient with yourself.

What happens to the body after birth?

After birth, the body goes through major changes. You can expect afterpains (contractions that help the uterus shrink back), postnatal bleeding for 4–6 weeks, and soreness in the perineum (especially if there were tears or an episiotomy). Hormones change rapidly, and many experience an emotional rollercoaster. It's normal to feel exhausted and emotional in the first weeks. Seek help if you feel persistently sad or anxious.

Next week: Baby is putting on the final fat and preparing for life outside the womb.