Week 35 of Pregnancy

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs approximately 5.3 pounds and measures about 18.2 inches long. Your baby is now considered "late preterm" if born this week, meaning they would likely do well with some NICU support but would generally have excellent outcomes. The lungs are nearly fully mature, with surfactant production continuing to increase. Your baby's kidneys are fully developed and the liver can process some waste products. Fat accumulation continues, with your baby gaining about half a pound per week. The sucking reflex is strong, preparing your baby for feeding after birth. There is very little room left in your uterus, so movements feel more like stretches and rolls than the acrobatic kicks from earlier weeks. Your baby likely has established a consistent sleep-wake pattern that you can predict based on when they are most active.

Focus on rest and self-care in these final weeks. Delegate whatever you can and do not feel guilty about it. Take short walks to maintain circulation and ease swelling, but do not push yourself. For carpal tunnel symptoms, try sleeping with wrist splints and shake out your hands throughout the day. Keep snacking on protein-rich foods to maintain your energy. Finalize logistics: who will drive you to the hospital, who will watch your pets or other children, who should be notified when labor begins. Review your birth plan with your support person so they can advocate for you during labor. Consider packing a playlist of relaxing music or podcasts for early labor. Write down questions for your provider as they occur to you - pregnancy brain is real and it is easy to forget what you wanted to ask.