35-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 35th week of your pregnancy! Birth is now very close, and your baby is making the final preparations to enter the world. This week, significant progress is made in your baby's growth and development.

Size and Weight:
At 35 weeks, your baby is approximately 46 cm long and weighs around 2500 grams.

Organ Development:
Your baby's organs continue to mature. The lungs are nearly fully developed, with sufficient surfactant production. The heart beats stronger, and circulation is improving. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow is still producing red blood cells. The immune system is maturing, and antibodies from the mother provide protection against certain infections. The liver and kidneys continue to mature. Your baby's nails have grown, hair has thickened, and the skin is becoming smoother. The white, creamy substance called vernix caseosa is starting to decrease.

Sensory Development:
Your baby's senses are further developing. The eyes can now open and close, and the pupils respond to light. Eyes are starting to focus on nearby objects. Hearing is improving, and your baby can distinguish different sounds, reacting to music and especially to the voices of the mother and father. Taste buds are developed, allowing your baby to taste the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also improving, and your baby can feel the uterine wall, umbilical cord, and its own body.

Movements:
At 35 weeks, your baby occupies less space in the uterus, so movements may be felt less frequently compared to previous weeks. However, the intensity and type of movements can vary. Your baby may still kick, turn, and hiccup. Tracking your baby's movements is important, and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.

Position:
Your baby usually begins to settle in a head-down position, which is ideal for birth. However, some babies may not have assumed this position yet. If your baby is not head-down, your doctor may suggest exercises or techniques to encourage turning.

At 35 weeks of pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your abdomen continues to enlarge, stretching your skin. Your navel may protrude outward.
• Weight gain: Gaining an average of 12–17 kg by this week is normal.
• Breast growth: Breasts continue to grow, and colostrum production increases.
• Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or visible veins.
• Hair and nails: Hair may become thicker and shinier, and nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: Varicose veins, swelling (edema), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, insomnia, palpitations, anemia, pelvic pressure, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort may occur.

Emotional Changes:

• Mood swings: Hormonal changes can cause emotional fluctuations.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel anxious about your baby’s health, labor, and parenting.
• Nesting instinct: The nesting instinct may motivate you to organize and clean your home in preparation for the baby.
• Maternal instinct: Maternal instincts continue to develop, and your desire to bond with your baby increases. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this connection.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s development.

Essential Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake supports your baby’s rapid growth. Sources include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
• Calcium: Essential for your baby’s bone development. Sources include milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods.
• Iron: Your iron needs increase due to higher blood volume. Sources include red meat, dried legumes, leafy greens, and dried fruits.
• Folic Acid: Important to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Sources include leafy greens, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Crucial for your baby’s brain development. Sources include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
• Fiber: Helps prevent constipation. Sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Vitamin C: Enhances iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-containing fish: Avoid swordfish, shark, mackerel, and similar fish.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: Increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: May contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Can harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications.
• Excessive caffeine: May contribute to miscarriage.
• Processed foods: High in sugar, salt, and saturated fat and are unhealthy.

Your baby’s gender should already have been determined in earlier ultrasound scans.

At 35 weeks of pregnancy, routine ultrasound scans are generally not performed. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to evaluate your baby’s development, check the amount of amniotic fluid, assess the placenta’s position, or diagnose any potential issues. Ultrasound can also be used to determine your baby’s birth position.

At 35 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and support your baby’s development.

Signs of Labor:
Some indications that labor is approaching include:

• Mucus plug discharge: When your cervix begins to soften and thin, the cervical mucus plug is expelled. This may appear as bloody or pinkish discharge.
• Water breaking: The rupture of the amniotic sac can cause a sudden large flow of fluid or a slow leak.
• Contractions: Labor contractions are regular, increasingly intense, and frequent.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor immediately.

Preterm Labor Signs:
At 35 weeks, the risk of preterm labor is still present. Be alert to the following signs and contact your doctor if they occur:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Water breaking
• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
These are practice contractions of the uterus. They are usually irregular, painless, and brief. They are not a sign of labor, but if they become regular and painful, consult your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
If you haven’t had gestational diabetes screening between weeks 24–28, you can do it now. If diagnosed, blood sugar levels can be managed through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It is serious for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headache, vision changes, swelling of the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: This can compress major blood vessels, causing dizziness or fainting. Lie on your left side.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort.
• Choose comfortable shoes: Prefer flat and comfortable shoes over high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Skin dryness and itching are common in pregnancy.
• Maintain dental hygiene: Hormones can make gums sensitive; brush regularly and use dental floss.
• Sexual activity: Continue unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Track baby movements: Monitor your baby’s movements and contact your doctor if you notice a decrease or change.
• Participate in pregnancy exercises: They help prepare for labor and maintain fitness.
• Take childbirth education classes: These classes provide knowledge about labor and delivery.
• Start buying baby essentials: Preparing supplies helps in readiness and excitement.
• Prepare the baby’s room: Ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
• Make a birth plan: Decide your preferences for labor and communicate with your healthcare team.
• Spend quality time with your partner: Helps both of you prepare and support each other.
• Take time for yourself: Relaxation, reading, music, baths, or meditation can be beneficial.
• Prepare your hospital bag: Include comfortable clothes, slippers, sanitary pads, nursing bras, baby blankets, etc.
• Plan for postpartum support: Consider home help, breastfeeding guidance, or caregiver options.
• Consult your doctor if you experience shortness of breath: The growing uterus can press on the diaphragm.
• Pay attention to sleep positions: Lying on your left side increases blood flow to the baby and supports kidney function.
• Accept body changes: Pregnancy brings many physical changes; embrace and care for yourself.
• Learn about labor signs: Recognize cues like mucus discharge, water breaking, and contractions.
• Read books about childbirth and parenting: Gain knowledge and feel prepared for the new stage.
• Join postpartum support groups: Connect with other mothers to share experiences and advice.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetrics and gynecology specialists who are experts in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy care services to expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Obstetrics and gynecology specialist examinations
• Ultrasound imaging (including detailed ultrasound scans)
• Prenatal tests (such as first-trimester screening, triple test, glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Childbirth preparation courses
• Labor and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care training

Experience a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!