35 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Things to Avoid, To-Dos & More

After this week, it’s only about a month until your due date. This means you’ll get to meet your little one soon! Of course, all babies are different, so yours could arrive a little earlier or later than expected.

Baby Size, Development, and Milestones at 35 Weeks Pregnant

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a honeydew melon. They measure around 18.2 inches from head to toe and may weigh about 5.7 pounds.

From this point on, your baby won’t get much longer, but they’ll keep gaining weight.

Their skin is getting smoother. As they put on fat, it plumps up their skin, making it less wrinkled.

Common 35 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Your future baby is growing and so are you! As they get bigger, you may notice symptoms crop up or become worse.

Pregnancy Heartburn

Pregnancy heartburn is common, and you may be more likely to get it at this point in your pregnancy. This is likely because your uterus is pushing up on your digestive system, making it more difficult for stomach acid to stay where it should. This can be particularly difficult when you lie down to go to sleep or after eating spicy or acidic meals.

Headaches

Headaches can happen at any time during pregnancy. During the third trimester, they’re often due to posture changes or tension caused by the extra weight you’re carrying. Other common causes are dehydration and stress.

If you have a mild headache, you can usually take Tylenol (acetaminophen) if your doctor has approved it. But tell your provider if you get a severe headache or one that won’t go away. This could be a sign of a risky pregnancy complication called preeclampsia.

Hemorrhoids

Veins in or around your anus can become swollen and uncomfortable. This can be caused by constipation and/or downward pressure from your growing uterus. These are called hemorrhoids.

To feel better, it may help to:

• Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
• Apply witch hazel pads or ice.
• Soak in a warm (not hot) tub.
• Eat lots of foods with fiber (fruits and vegetables).
• Drink plenty of water.

Nausea and Diarrhea at 35 Weeks Pregnant

If you’re 35 weeks pregnant and feeling sick, there can be a variety of causes. You could have caught a stomach bug or eaten something that doesn’t agree with you. Also, your baby can start to crowd your stomach and intestines, making you feel queasy.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also be early signs of labor. If you’re having flu-like symptoms, talk to your provider about it. They may be able to help you figure out what’s causing your stomach upset.

35 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms Not to Ignore

Some discomfort is considered normal at this stage, but it’s important to look out for symptoms that are sudden, severe, or unexpected. They include:

• Belly pain that’s severe or doesn’t go away
• Breathing problems
• Burning while peeing
• Decreased fetal movement
• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Chest pain or fast heartbeat
• Contractions that are regular or won’t go away
• Gaining more than 1 pound per day
• Headache that doesn’t go away or gets worse
• Leaking vaginal fluid or sudden increase in discharge
• Nausea or vomiting that’s severe or doesn’t go away, or you can’t keep food down
• Swelling that’s extreme and in the hands or face
• Vision changes, like blurry vision or seeing spots

Call your provider any time you have a symptom that worries you or that you think doesn’t seem right.

Your Body and Mind at 35 Weeks Pregnant

Here’s what else you may be experiencing this week.

Baby Getting Lower

Around this time, your baby may drop lower into your pelvis. This is called lightening. It means they’re getting into position for birth, but it doesn’t predict when you’ll go into labor.

Some people feel lighter since the baby doesn’t put as much pressure on the diaphragm after they drop. You may find yourself going to the bathroom more often or walking differently. Sometimes, this makes the symptom of heartburn better.

Getting Braxton Hicks Contractions

At 35 weeks pregnant, cramps or tightening in your belly may happen. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Think of them as practice contractions getting your body ready for labor.

You can tell Braxton Hicks contractions apart from labor contractions because they’re mild, irregular, and eventually go away. Labor contractions will become more intense and will keep happening, even if you rest or change positions.

Leaking Breasts

Your body is getting ready for your baby in many ways. This includes making colostrum, the yellow breast milk that will be your baby’s first food if you choose to chest/breastfeed. You may even notice some of it leaking before they arrive.

Feeling Stress or Worry

You may feel stress or pressure during this time. You may feel that you have many things to do before your baby arrives. You may also feel worried about being a good parent or about the changes that are happening in your life. Many people worry about giving birth, as well.

Worry is common, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming. Be sure to talk to someone you trust about the things that are bothering you. It could be a friend, partner, doctor, therapist, or doula. Also, ask for help with anything that feels hard right now.

Things to Avoid at 35 Weeks Pregnant

At this time in pregnancy, there are a few things you may need to avoid. For example, many airlines won’t allow pregnant people to fly after 28 to 35 weeks for international flights, or after 36 weeks for domestic flights. It’s important to stay close by in case you go into labor or experience an emergency.

You don’t need to avoid exercise. In fact, you should be getting regular physical activity. Exercise can help you stay healthy and prepare for labor. However, you should avoid any exercise with a risk of falling or injury.

You may need to adjust your exercise routine. In late pregnancy, you may need to do less intense exercise than in the past.

Preparation and Tips at 35 Weeks Pregnant

There are a few things you can do right now to get ready for doctor appointments and for your baby’s birth.

Pack Your Hospital Bag

Now is a good time to start packing a bag for the hospital or birthing center. Keep this bag somewhere handy—maybe by the door or in the trunk of your car. That way, you’re ready to go whenever your baby’s ready!

See our hospital bag checklist for what to pack.

See Your Doctor or Midwife

You likely have been seeing your provider every other week. Starting next week, you should see them about once a week until you give birth.

Ask About the Flu and Tdap Vaccines, If You Haven’t Already

The Tdap vaccine is given in the third trimester by week 36. Influenza can be given in any trimester during flu season (usually September through May). Both vaccines can help keep your baby healthy after they’re born. If you haven’t had these vaccines and are interested, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Plan Ahead for Group B Strep Screening

Between weeks 36 and 38, your doctor or midwife will likely make sure you’re screened for group B strep. This is a bacterium that lives on the outside of about 30% of people’s vaginas. It doesn’t cause an infection for you, but it can make a newborn sick, so it’s important to have this checked and to get treatment in labor if you have it.

Line Up Childcare and/or a Pet Sitter

If you have a child or pet, make sure they’ll have care when you deliver the baby. Line up care for your child or pet now so you’re ready no matter when the baby arrives.

Write a Thank-You Note

Pregnancy hasn’t been easy, but there have likely been plenty of bright spots. In the week 35 activity, you’ll write a thank-you note. It could be for anything that’s helped you along the way.

You’ll be able to look back on this entry in a few months or years and remember what you were grateful for.

What Others Are Talking About at 35 Weeks Pregnant

• Any Tips or Tricks for Getting Ready for Labor?
• An Expert Shares Affirmations for Giving Birth

Want to know more about your pregnancy week by week?

• Look ahead to 36 Weeks Pregnant
• Go back to 34 Weeks Pregnant