35 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Antenatal Care, Yoga, and Preparing for Birth

At 35 weeks pregnant, you are in the final stretch of your pregnancy, and the excitement of meeting your baby is palpable. As you approach your due date, your body and baby are undergoing crucial changes in preparation for the big day. This time requires careful attention to your antenatal care to ensure both your well-being and the healthy development of your baby. From antenatal appointments and prenatal care to antenatal yoga and pregnancy massage benefits, there are several aspects of this final trimester that will help you feel prepared for the birth of your baby.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what to expect at 35 weeks pregnant, the importance of antenatal support, how prenatal yoga and antenatal massage can benefit you, and how to prepare for the physical and emotional changes that come with the last few weeks of pregnancy. Let’s dive in and ensure you have all the knowledge you need to make these final weeks as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Your Baby’s Development at 35 Weeks Pregnant

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing rapidly, with only a few weeks left before birth. Here’s what you can expect regarding your baby’s size and development at this stage:

Size and Growth

At 35 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a coconut, weighing around 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) and measuring approximately 45-50 cm in length. Your baby’s body is becoming more rounded as they continue to gain weight, especially in the form of fat. This fat will help regulate their body temperature once they are born. They are now looking more like the baby you’ll meet in just a few weeks, though they still have some growing to do.

Key Developments

Lungs: The lungs are almost fully developed, and your baby can breathe on their own once born. However, the lungs will continue to mature over the next few weeks, which is why full-term delivery (around 37-40 weeks) is preferred.

Brain Development: Your baby’s brain is growing at an astonishing rate. By the time they are born, their brain will be nearly the size it will be at 2 years old. Their sensory abilities, such as hearing, are improving, and they can now recognise familiar sounds, including your voice.

Fat Storage: Your baby is continuing to store fat under their skin, which will help them regulate their body temperature and give them that sweet, chubby appearance once born.

Movements at 35 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is likely moving more fluidly at this stage, although their movements may feel different as they are running out of space. While their movements might become less forceful, you should still be able to feel kicks and rolls. If you notice a significant decrease in your baby’s movements or if the movements feel different, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.

Physical Changes and Symptoms at 35 Weeks Pregnant

As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may experience several changes to your body and feel more discomfort as your baby continues to grow. Below are some common symptoms at 35 weeks pregnant:

Common Symptoms

Increased Fatigue: With the additional weight you’re carrying, your energy levels may begin to dip. Make sure to take regular breaks and rest when needed, but also keep in mind that exercise, like prenatal yoga, can help improve your energy levels.

Shortness of Breath: Your baby is getting bigger, which may lead to pressure on your diaphragm and lungs. Shortness of breath is common at this stage, so try not to overexert yourself and practice breathing techniques.

Back Pain: The added weight can put a strain on your back, hips, and pelvis. Practising antenatal fitness, including gentle stretching and exercises from antenatal yoga, can help alleviate this pain.

Frequent Urination: Your baby’s head may be pressing on your bladder, which can make you feel the need to urinate more frequently. Keep hydrated, but try to reduce fluid intake before bedtime to avoid waking up multiple times during the night.

Swelling: Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet is common due to the pressure from your growing uterus. You can elevate your legs and avoid standing for extended periods to reduce this discomfort.

Heartburn and Indigestion: As your baby moves lower in your abdomen, the pressure on your stomach increases, which may lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods can help manage these symptoms.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: These are practice contractions that help your body prepare for labour. They can feel like tightening in your abdomen, but they are typically irregular and not painful. If you experience regular or painful contractions, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.

Pelvic Pressure: As your baby moves lower into your pelvis, you may feel more pressure in your pelvic area. This is normal as your body prepares for birth, but if the pressure becomes intense or painful, talk to your healthcare provider.

Antenatal Care and Appointments at 35 Weeks Pregnant

As you approach the final weeks of your pregnancy, attending your antenatal appointments becomes even more important. These visits help ensure your baby’s growth and development are on track and that you are both healthy.

What to Expect During Your Antenatal Appointments

Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks help detect any signs of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can arise during pregnancy. It’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly during these final weeks.

Baby’s Position: Your healthcare provider will assess your baby’s position. Ideally, by 35 weeks, your baby should be head-down, though some babies remain in a breech position. If your baby is breech, your provider may suggest methods to help turn the baby or discuss the possibility of a caesarean section.

Urine Tests: Urine samples will be tested for protein or glucose, which could indicate preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. If you have concerns about gestational diabetes or other complications, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for more information or advice.

Growth and Heartbeat Monitoring: Your provider will likely monitor the baby’s growth and heart rate. This helps ensure that the baby is developing properly and that there are no issues with their wellbeing.

Antenatal Scans

At 35 weeks, you might have another antenatal scan to check your baby’s growth, the level of amniotic fluid, and the position of the placenta. These scans can give you a clearer picture of how your baby is progressing in the final stages of pregnancy.

Preparing for Labour with Antenatal Education

As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s essential to prepare for childbirth through antenatal education and antenatal classes. These resources help you understand what to expect during labour and delivery, so you feel more confident and in control when the time comes.

The Importance of Antenatal Classes

Labour Preparation: Antenatal classes will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to cope with labour, including pain management techniques, how to handle contractions, and the stages of labour.

Breathing Techniques and Relaxation: Learning relaxation during pregnancy through breathing exercises, often taught in antenatal yoga, can be invaluable during labour. These techniques help you stay calm and focused during contractions.

Breastfeeding Support: Many antenatal classes offer support and education on breastfeeding, including how to latch your baby and the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby.

Postpartum Care: Some classes also cover what to expect in the postpartum period, such as how to care for your baby, recognise signs of postpartum depression, and manage the physical changes that occur after childbirth.

Look for antenatal classes near me through your local antenatal clinic or hospital. Many classes are now available online as well, offering flexibility in terms of when and where you attend.

Prenatal Yoga: Benefits in the Final Weeks

As you get closer to your due date, antenatal yoga can provide numerous benefits for both your body and mind. Prenatal yoga helps you stay fit, manage stress, and prepare physically for childbirth.

Benefits of Antenatal Yoga

Improves Flexibility: Yoga for pregnancy helps keep your muscles and joints flexible, making it easier for your body to adapt to the changes it is undergoing. This is particularly helpful when your body is preparing for the rigours of labour.

Strengthens Core and Pelvic Floor Muscles: Prenatal yoga focuses on strengthening the muscles that will be essential during labour, including the core and pelvic floor muscles. This can help reduce the risk of complications during delivery.

Promotes Relaxation: The mindfulness and relaxation techniques taught in pregnancy yoga classes are extremely beneficial for managing stress and anxiety. Relaxation during pregnancy also promotes better sleep and improves your overall sense of well-being.

Prepares for Labour: Through antenatal fitness, prenatal yoga provides gentle, controlled movements that help you build strength and endurance for the physical demands of labour.

Relaxation and Comfort with Antenatal Massage

As your pregnancy progresses, antenatal massage can be a great way to manage the aches and pains that come with carrying a baby. Massage for pregnancy helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve circulation.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Eases Muscle Discomfort: Prenatal massage targets common areas of discomfort, including the back, hips, and legs. This can help relieve tension and improve your range of motion.

Reduces Swelling: Gentle massage can promote better circulation, helping reduce swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands.

Promotes Relaxation: Massage for pregnancy is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your emotional well-being. It can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of relaxation and calm.