Week by Week Pregnancy: 35 Week Pregnant

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 46.2 cm long from head to heel. That is approximately the size of a honeydew melon. Your baby continues to gain weight and build up fat stores as the body prepares for life after birth.

There are around 5 weeks until your estimated due date. Although space inside the uterus is becoming more limited, your baby's movements should continue. The way movements feel may change, with strong pushes, stretches, rolls and kicks becoming more noticeable.

Many babies are head down by this stage, although your baby's position can still change. As birth approaches, you may also become increasingly aware of physical changes and begin focusing more closely on practical preparations for labour and your baby's first days.

At 35 weeks:
Your baby is around 46.2 cm long from head to heel – approximately the size of a honeydew melon. Your baby continues to grow, gain weight and prepare for life after birth.

Contents

• What Does Being 35 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
• How Is Your Baby Developing at 35 Weeks?
• How Big Is Your Baby at 35 Weeks?
• What Does a Baby Look Like at 35 Weeks?
• Should Your Baby Be Head Down at 35 Weeks?
• What Should Baby Movements Feel Like at 35 Weeks?
• How Is Your Body Changing at 35 Weeks?
• Common Symptoms at 35 Weeks Pregnant
• Is Leaking Colostrum Normal at 35 Weeks?
• Preparing for Birth at 35 Weeks

35 Weeks Pregnant: At a Glance

What Does Being 35 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

At 35 weeks pregnant, you are well into the final part of the third trimester, with around 5 weeks until your estimated due date. Although your baby has already completed a substantial amount of development, the remaining weeks are still important for growth, weight gain and preparation for life outside the uterus.

Your baby is becoming larger while the available space inside the uterus becomes more limited. You may therefore notice a change in the character of movements, with stretches, rolls and strong pushes becoming more noticeable than large sweeping movements.

For you, late-pregnancy symptoms may become more prominent. Sleep problems, backache, heartburn, frequent urination and Braxton Hicks contractions are among the changes that can occur during this stage.

How Is Your Baby Developing at 35 Weeks?

Your baby continues to grow and gain weight at 35 weeks. Increasing fat beneath the skin contributes to a rounder appearance and helps prepare your baby to regulate body temperature after birth.

With less room available, your baby is likely to spend much of the time curled up, with the arms and legs held closer to the body. This restricted space does not mean that your baby should become noticeably less active.

The remaining weeks of pregnancy continue to provide valuable time for growth and maturation before birth.

How Big Is Your Baby at 35 Weeks?

At 35 weeks, your baby is around 46.2 cm long from head to heel. This is approximately the size of a honeydew melon.

Food comparisons are simply an easy way to visualise approximate size. Individual babies grow at different rates, so your baby's measurements may differ from average figures.

Baby size at 35 weeks:
Around 46.2 cm from head to heel – approximately the size of a honeydew melon.

What Does a Baby Look Like at 35 Weeks?

At 35 weeks, your baby is becoming increasingly plump and newborn-like. Continued weight gain and increasing fat beneath the skin give the body a rounder appearance.

Your baby is likely to be curled up inside the uterus because space is now limited. You may feel distinct kicks as well as stretching, rolling and strong pushing sensations against different areas of your abdomen.

Should Your Baby Be Head Down at 35 Weeks?

Many babies are head down by 35 weeks, but your baby still has some time to change position. A baby who is not head down at this stage is not automatically a cause for concern.

Position becomes increasingly important as you approach birth. If your baby remains breech later in pregnancy, your midwife or doctor can discuss the available options with you.

Your baby's head may also begin moving lower into the pelvis. This is known as engagement, but it does not mean that labour will necessarily begin immediately.

What Should Baby Movements Feel Like at 35 Weeks?

At 35 weeks, you should continue to recognise your baby's usual pattern of movement. Movements may feel different as space becomes more limited, with kicks, rolls, stretches and strong pushing sensations all possible.

Your baby should not move less simply because there is less room. There is also no set number of movements that applies to every pregnancy. Knowing your own baby's usual pattern is more important than trying to reach a universal daily kick count.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving, or their usual pattern has changed, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately.
Do not wait until the next day or delay seeking advice by trying food, cold or sugary drinks, changing position or using a home Doppler.

How Is Your Body Changing at 35 Weeks?

Your growing uterus and your baby's increasing weight can make third-trimester symptoms more noticeable. Finding a comfortable position for sleep may become more difficult, and everyday activities may require more effort.

If your baby begins moving lower into the pelvis, pressure beneath your ribs may reduce and breathing may feel slightly easier. On the other hand, greater pressure on your bladder can mean more frequent trips to the toilet.

Braxton Hicks contractions may also become more noticeable. These practice contractions are generally irregular rather than developing into a pattern that becomes progressively longer, stronger and more frequent.

Common Symptoms at 35 Weeks Pregnant

Is Leaking Colostrum Normal at 35 Weeks?

You may notice small amounts of yellowish or clear colostrum leaking from your breasts during late pregnancy. Colostrum is the first milk produced for your baby and contains antibodies.

Some people notice leaking during pregnancy while others do not. Not leaking colostrum before birth does not predict your ability to breastfeed or how much milk you will produce after your baby is born.

Preparing for Birth at 35 Weeks

With around 5 weeks until your estimated due date, this is a useful time to continue completing practical preparations for labour, birth and your baby's first days. You can check your hospital bag, organise important documents and make sure you know how you will travel to your maternity unit.

It is also increasingly important to recognise possible signs of labour and know who to contact if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, contractions become regular or your baby's movements reduce or change.

You can also organise the basic clothing your baby will need during the newborn period. A small selection of practical, seasonally appropriate clothes in suitable sizes is generally more useful than buying large quantities in one size.

In Part 2:
We will cover ultrasound scans at 35 weeks, your baby's position, movements, Braxton Hicks contractions, premature labour, waters breaking, pre-eclampsia symptoms, nutrition, exercise, sleep, antenatal care and preparation for birth.

Do You Need an Ultrasound Scan at 35 Weeks?

Being 35 weeks pregnant does not automatically mean that you need an ultrasound scan. If there is a clinical reason for additional monitoring, your maternity team may arrange a scan to assess your baby's growth, position, the placenta or the amount of amniotic fluid.

If your baby's growth needs to be monitored, measurements of the head, abdomen and long bones may be taken. These can be considered alongside your stage of pregnancy and previous measurements to assess growth over time.

Should Your Baby Be Head Down at 35 Weeks?

Many babies are head down by 35 weeks, but your baby's position can still change. If your baby is breech at this stage, it does not automatically mean there is a problem.

If your baby remains breech at around 36 weeks, your midwife or doctor can discuss the options with you. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure used to try to turn a breech baby into a head-down position.

Your baby's head may also begin moving further down into the pelvis. This is known as engagement and can happen at different times in different pregnancies.

What Should Baby Movements Be Like at 35 Weeks?

You should continue to recognise your baby's usual pattern of movement at 35 weeks. As space becomes more limited, movements may feel different, with kicks, stretches, rolls and strong pushing sensations all possible.

Your baby should not move less simply because there is less room. There is no set number of movements that applies to every baby, so knowing your own baby's usual pattern is important.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving or their usual pattern has changed, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately.
Do not wait until the next day or delay seeking advice by trying food, cold or sugary drinks, changing position or using a home Doppler.

Are Braxton Hicks Contractions Normal at 35 Weeks?

Braxton Hicks contractions can become more noticeable at 35 weeks. Your bump may tighten for a short time and then relax again.

They are generally irregular and do not develop into contractions that become progressively longer, stronger and more frequent. Regular or increasingly frequent contractions before 37 completed weeks should be assessed because they may indicate premature labour.

What Are the Signs of Premature Labour at 35 Weeks?

Labour that begins before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy is considered premature labour. Possible signs of labour at 35 weeks therefore need prompt assessment.

• Regular or increasingly frequent contractions or tightenings
• Period-type pains
• An unusual or persistent backache
• Pressure in the pelvis
• A sudden gush or continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina
• Vaginal bleeding

If you think you may be in labour at 35 weeks, contact your midwife or maternity unit urgently.
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms settle on their own.

Is Abdominal or Pelvic Pain Normal at 35 Weeks?

Mild abdominal discomfort can occur as your uterus grows, while constipation and trapped wind can also cause discomfort. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain can cause pain around the pelvis, lower back, hips, groin or thighs.

Pelvic pain may become worse when walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car. Speak to your midwife or GP if pain is affecting your mobility or everyday activities.

Severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain should be assessed. Contact your maternity team if pain occurs alongside vaginal bleeding, regular contractions, leaking fluid, fever or pain when passing urine.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal at 35 Weeks?

It is normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy discharge is generally thin, clear or milky white and should not have an unpleasant smell.

Speak to your midwife or GP if your discharge smells unpleasant, becomes green or yellow, causes itching or soreness, or is accompanied by pain when passing urine.

White, cottage-cheese-like discharge with itching or irritation may indicate thrush. Ask a healthcare professional about treatment that is suitable during pregnancy.

What Should You Do If Your Waters Break at 35 Weeks?

A sudden gush or continuous trickle of watery fluid from the vagina may mean that your waters have broken. It is not always easy to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or normal pregnancy discharge.

If you think your waters may have broken at 35 weeks, contact your maternity unit straight away.
Do not wait for contractions to begin.

Is Swelling Normal at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually can occur later in pregnancy. It may become more noticeable towards the end of the day.

However, a sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet should be assessed promptly. Seek advice immediately if this occurs with a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain just below the ribs, vomiting or feeling very unwell, as these can be symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

Can You Feel Short of Breath at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild breathlessness can occur during the later stages of pregnancy. If your baby begins moving lower into your pelvis, pressure beneath your ribs may reduce and breathing may become slightly easier.

Sudden or severe breathlessness, or breathlessness while resting, requires medical assessment. Seek urgent medical help if it occurs with chest pain, fainting, coughing up blood or pain and swelling in one leg.

What Should You Eat at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

A varied and balanced diet remains important during the third trimester. Aim to include fruit and vegetables, higher-fibre starchy foods, pregnancy-safe sources of protein, and dairy foods or suitable alternatives.

You do not need to “eat for two”. Focusing on nutritional quality and variety is more useful than substantially increasing portion sizes.

Adequate fluids and fibre can help with constipation. Continue taking any pregnancy supplements recommended for you and avoid supplements containing vitamin A in the form of retinol.

Can You Exercise at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

If your pregnancy is progressing normally and your healthcare team has not advised otherwise, staying physically active is generally encouraged. Walking and other pregnancy-appropriate activities can usually be continued.

Do not exhaust yourself. As a practical guide, you should generally still be able to hold a conversation while exercising.

Your centre of gravity changes as pregnancy progresses, so take extra care with activities where you could fall and avoid activities with a significant risk of injury to your abdomen.

How Should You Sleep at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

At 35 weeks, go to sleep on your side. You can sleep on either your left or right side.

If you wake up on your back during the night, there is no need to worry. Simply turn onto your side before going back to sleep.

Pillows between your knees or underneath your bump may help reduce pressure on your back and pelvis.

What Antenatal Care Can You Expect Around 35 Weeks?

Your antenatal appointment schedule depends on your stage of pregnancy, whether this is your first baby and your individual care needs. In England, routine appointments are generally scheduled at 34 and 36 weeks rather than specifically at 35 weeks, although additional appointments may be arranged when needed.

Your maternity team will continue to monitor your health and your baby's wellbeing. Depending on the timing of your appointments, this can include checking your blood pressure and urine, measuring the size of your uterus, discussing your baby's movements and assessing your baby's position.

This stage is also a useful opportunity to ask questions about labour, birth, pain relief, feeding your baby and your birth preferences.

Preparing for Birth at 35 Weeks

With around 5 weeks until your estimated due date, practical preparations for birth can now be brought together. Check your hospital bag, organise important documents and make sure you know how you will travel to your maternity unit.

Keep your maternity unit's contact details readily available. Make sure you know who to contact if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, contractions become regular or your baby's movements reduce or change.

You can also prepare the basic items your baby will need during the first days after birth. Practical newborn clothing, a suitable outfit for leaving hospital and other essential items can be organised in advance without buying large quantities in a single size.

In Part 3:
We will cover what may be normal at 35 weeks, when to contact your maternity team, premature labour, pre-eclampsia, reduced baby movements, waters breaking, vaginal bleeding, common myths, your 35-week checklist and frequently asked questions.

What Can Be Normal at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

At 35 weeks, regular baby movements, occasional Braxton Hicks contractions, tiredness and difficulty sleeping can all be part of the third trimester. Backache, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, leg cramps, needing to pass urine more often and increased vaginal discharge are also common.

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually can occur. However, symptoms that appear suddenly, become severe or worsen should be assessed, as should any noticeable change in your baby's usual pattern of movement.

How Can You Support a Healthy Pregnancy at 35 Weeks?

A balanced diet, adequate fluids, pregnancy-appropriate physical activity and regular antenatal care remain important. Continue to pay particular attention to your baby's usual pattern of movement as you approach your due date.

• Eat a varied and balanced diet.
• Drink regularly throughout the day.
• Follow pregnancy food-safety guidance.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Check that medicines and supplements are suitable for pregnancy.
• Stay physically active if it is safe for your pregnancy.
• Continue pelvic floor exercises.
• Take care with activities where there is a risk of falling.
• Stay familiar with your baby's usual movement pattern.
• Attend your scheduled antenatal appointments.
• Go to sleep on your left or right side.

When Should You Contact Your Midwife or Maternity Unit at 35 Weeks?

Some symptoms need prompt assessment even though many physical changes are common during late pregnancy. Contact your maternity team if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening or causing concern.

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Severe, persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
• Regular or increasingly frequent contractions
• Period-type pains
• An unusual or persistent backache
• A sudden gush or continuous trickle of watery fluid from the vagina
• Unpleasant-smelling, green or yellow vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Fever
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Pain, swelling, tenderness, redness or warmth in one leg
• Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling of the face, hands or feet
• A severe headache or changes in vision
• Your baby moving less than usual, stopping moving or showing a clear change in their usual pattern

Seek urgent medical help for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, loss of consciousness or if you feel seriously unwell.

What Are the Signs of Premature Labour at 35 Weeks?

Labour before 37 completed weeks is considered premature labour. At 35 weeks, possible signs of labour should therefore be assessed promptly.

• Regular or increasingly frequent contractions or tightenings
• Period-type pains
• An unusual or persistent backache
• Pressure in the pelvis
• A sudden gush or continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina
• Vaginal bleeding

If you think you may be in labour at 35 weeks, contact your midwife or maternity unit urgently.
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms settle on their own.

What Are the Signs of Pre-eclampsia at 35 Weeks?

Pre-eclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some people initially have no obvious symptoms, which is one reason blood pressure and urine checks remain an important part of antenatal care.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you develop:

• A sudden increase in swelling of your face, hands or feet
• A severe headache
• Blurred vision or flashing lights
• Severe pain just below the ribs
• Vomiting
• Feeling very unwell

Should Baby Movements Decrease at 35 Weeks?

No. Your baby's movements should not become less frequent simply because your baby is bigger or there is less room. The type of movement may change, but you should continue to recognise your baby's usual pattern.

There is no single daily number of movements that applies to every baby. Knowing what is normal for your own baby is more useful than trying to reach a fixed kick count.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving or their usual pattern has changed, contact your maternity unit immediately.

Do not delay assessment by eating something, drinking a cold or sugary drink or changing position to try to make your baby move. A home Doppler cannot reliably tell you whether your baby is well.

If your baby's movements reduce, stop or change from their usual pattern, do not wait until the next day to seek advice.

What Should You Do If Your Waters Break at 35 Weeks?

A sudden gush or continuous trickle of watery fluid from the vagina may mean that your waters have broken. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or normal pregnancy discharge.

If you think your waters may have broken at 35 weeks, contact your maternity unit straight away. Do not wait for contractions to begin.

Is Bleeding Normal at 35 Weeks Pregnant?

Vaginal bleeding at 35 weeks should be assessed. Bleeding does not always indicate a serious problem, but it is important to establish the cause.

Contact your maternity team if you notice bleeding or spotting. Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe pain, significant dizziness, fainting or feeling seriously unwell.

Common Myths About Being 35 Weeks Pregnant

Your 35-Week Pregnancy Checklist

• Stay familiar with your baby's usual movement pattern.
• Contact your maternity unit immediately if movements reduce, stop or change.
• Take regular or increasingly frequent contractions seriously.
• Go to sleep on your left or right side.
• Continue eating a balanced and varied diet.
• Drink enough fluids throughout the day.
• Stay physically active if it is safe for your pregnancy.
• Continue pelvic floor exercises.
• Attend your antenatal appointments.
• Seek advice if you have vaginal bleeding or think your waters may have broken.
• Seek prompt assessment for sudden swelling, severe headache or changes in vision.
• Complete your hospital bag and organise important documents.
• Prepare the basic items your baby will need during the first days after birth.

Key Takeaway at 35 Weeks Pregnant

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 46.2 cm long and continues to grow, gain weight and prepare for birth. Your baby may be head down, although their position can still change. Movements should continue in their usual pattern, and any reduction, stopping or clear change should be assessed immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a baby at 35 weeks?

At 35 weeks, your baby is around 46.2 cm long from head to heel. Individual measurements can vary.

What size is a baby at 35 weeks?

Your baby is approximately the size of a honeydew melon. This comparison is simply a way to visualise your baby's approximate size.

How many months is 35 weeks pregnant?

35 weeks pregnant is often described as being around 8 months pregnant. Pregnancy is more accurately tracked in weeks because calendar months vary in length.

Which trimester is 35 weeks pregnant?

At 35 weeks, you are in the third trimester. The third trimester begins at 28 weeks.

Should baby movements decrease at 35 weeks?

No. The type of movement may change as your baby grows, but movements should not become less frequent simply because there is less space.

Should my baby be head down at 35 weeks?

Not necessarily. Many babies are head down by this stage, but there is still time for your baby's position to change.

Can you go into labour at 35 weeks?

Yes, labour can begin at 35 weeks, but labour before 37 completed weeks is considered premature. Contact your maternity unit if you develop regular contractions, period-type pains, leaking fluid or vaginal bleeding.

Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal at 35 weeks?

Occasional irregular Braxton Hicks contractions can occur. Regular, painful or increasingly frequent contractions should be assessed, particularly before 37 weeks.

What should I do if my waters break at 35 weeks?

Contact your maternity unit straight away if you notice a sudden gush or continuous trickle of watery fluid. Do not wait for contractions to begin.

Do I need an ultrasound scan at 35 weeks?

Not everyone needs an ultrasound scan at 35 weeks. Additional scans may be arranged when there is a clinical reason to monitor your baby's growth, position, amniotic fluid, placenta or another aspect of the pregnancy.

Related Guides & Collections

• 33 Weeks Pregnant
• 34 Weeks Pregnant
• Newborn Baby Clothes
• Hospital Outfits
• Baby Rompers

References

• NHS – 35 Weeks Pregnant
• NHS – Your Baby's Movements
• NHS – Premature Labour and Birth
• NHS – Pre-eclampsia
• NHS – Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
• NHS – Swollen Ankles, Feet and Fingers in Pregnancy
• NHS – Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy
• NICE – Antenatal Care

Medical disclaimer: This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your pregnancy, your baby's movements or any symptoms, contact your midwife, maternity unit, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.