At 35 weeks, you're wrapping up month 8 with just 5 weeks until your due date! Your baby is the size of a papaya (46 cm, 2.5 kg), with lungs producing enough surfactant to breathe and kidneys fully mature. Baby should be moving 10 times per day consistently. It's time to pack your hospital bag and make final preparations for baby's arrival.
Your Baby at 35 Weeks
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Size and Development
Measurement
Details
**Length**
About 46 cm (18 inches)
**Weight**
Approximately 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)
**Size comparison**
Like a papaya
Baby's Development This Week
Lungs:
Producing enough surfactant
Nearly ready for breathing
Will be fully developed by 36 weeks
Preparing for first breath
Kidneys:
Fully mature now
Swallowing 1 liter amniotic fluid daily
Passing it as urine
Practicing for life outside
Body:
Lanugo (fine hair) shedding
Body fat regulating temperature
Vernix still protecting skin
Less wrinkly appearance
Position:
Most in head-down position
Getting cramped
Legs bent into chest
Less room to move
What's Happening to Your Body
Common Symptoms at 35 Weeks
Symptom
Why It Happens
What Helps
Headaches
Heat, stuffy rooms, hormones
Fresh air, rest, paracetamol if needed
Bad dreams
Heightened emotions, anxiety
Normal, talk about worries
Itchy rash on belly
Skin stretching
Aloe vera, moisturizer after bath
Varicose veins
Increased blood volume
Elevate legs, compression stockings
Linea nigra
Hormonal pigmentation
Fades after birth
Varicose Veins
What They Are:
Large, swollen blood vessels
Usually in legs
Can appear anywhere (even hemorrhoids)
Prevention Tips:
Keep blood flowing (elevate legs)
Don't cross legs
Flex ankles regularly
Sleep on left side
Stay active with gentle exercise
Get enough Vitamin C (helps blood vessel health)
Linea Nigra (Dark Line on Belly)
What It Is:
Dark vertical line down belly center
Due to hormonal changes
More pronounced in darker skin
Will It Go Away?
Fades after delivery
May take several months
Wear sunscreen to prevent darkening
Step-by-Step Guide for Week 35
Step 1: Pack Your Hospital Bag
For You:
Comfortable clothes for labor
Nightgown or loose clothing
Nursing bras and pads
Toiletries
Phone charger
Going-home outfit (maternity size!)
Slippers/flip flops
Snacks
Documents (ID, insurance, etc.)
For Baby:
Coming-home outfit
Blanket
Diapers (hospital usually provides some)
Hat for warmth
For Partner:
Change of clothes
Snacks
Phone charger
Camera
Step 2: Eat Foods Rich in Zinc
Why It Matters:
Supports healthy growth
Important for immune function
Higher needs during pregnancy
Indian Sources of Zinc:
Dal and lentils
Paneer
Nuts (badam, kaju)
Whole grains
Eggs
Meat (if non-vegetarian)
Seeds (pumpkin, til)
Step 3: Manage Heartburn
Tips:
Sit upright while eating
Stay upright for 2 hours after meals
Avoid bending at waist
Eat smaller portions
Avoid spicy, fatty, acidic foods
Sleep slightly propped up
Step 4: Continue Safe Exercise
Good Activities:
Walking
Swimming
Prenatal yoga
Gentle stretching
Modifications Now:
Start slowly
Increase intensity gradually
Listen to your body
Stop if pain or discomfort
Stay hydrated
Avoid overheating
Avoid lying flat on back
Step 5: Monitor Baby's Movements
Should Still Feel:
10 consistent movements daily
Baby's usual pattern
May be in smaller space but still active
If Movement Decreases:
Lie down, count movements
10 in 2 hours is normal
If fewer, contact doctor
Final Preparations
Things to Have Ready
Baby Essentials:
Diapers (newborn size)
Clothes (newborn and 0-3 months)
Blankets
Sleeping space ready
Car seat installed
Feeding supplies (bottles if needed)
Home Preparation:
Meals in freezer
Help arranged for first weeks
Pediatrician selected
Emergency contacts ready
Tips for Success
Pack hospital bag - Be ready anytime
Continue safe exercise - Good for labor preparation
Monitor movements - 10 per day consistently
Manage heartburn - Smaller meals, upright position
Eat zinc-rich foods - Important nutrient now
Rest when needed - Final weeks are tiring
Prepare home - Nesting is productive!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting to pack hospital bag - Do it now
Ignoring movement changes - Report concerns
Pushing too hard with exercise - Listen to body
Large meals before bed - Worsens heartburn
Not resting enough - Save energy for labor
Ignoring severe headaches - Could indicate preeclampsia
Standing for long periods - Worsens varicose veins
When to Seek Help
Contact Doctor Immediately If:
Decreased baby movements
Severe headache not relieved by rest/paracetamol
Vision changes
Regular, painful contractions
Vaginal bleeding
Leaking fluid
Severe swelling
Discuss with Doctor:
Persistent heartburn
Varicose vein concerns
Headaches that keep returning
Any worrying symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Hospital bag kab pack karni chahiye?
A: Ab kar lo! 35 weeks se bag ready hona chahiye. Baby kab bhi aa sakta hai. Basic essentials pack karo - comfortable clothes, toiletries, baby ka outfit, documents. Partner ka bag bhi pack karo.
Q: Baby abhi bhi bahut move kar raha hai - normal hai kya?
A: Haan! Baby less room has but should still be active. Movement type may change (more jabs, less rolls) but frequency should be consistent. 10 movements daily. If suddenly decreases or pattern changes, contact doctor.
Q: Varicose veins delivery ke baad theek ho jaati hain kya?
A: Many improve after delivery when blood volume reduces. Some may not fully disappear. Prevention now (elevate legs, don't stand long, compression stockings) helps minimize them. Severe ones can be treated after delivery.
Q: Linea nigra kitne time mein jaati hai?
A: Usually fades over several months after delivery as hormones normalize. Some women see it fade within weeks, others take a year. Sun exposure can darken it, so use sunscreen. It's purely cosmetic and harmless.
Q: Ab labor kab start ho sakti hai?
A: At 35 weeks, baby is almost ready but ideally stays put a few more weeks. If you have regular contractions, water breaks, or bleeding, contact doctor. Most babies are born between 39-41 weeks, but be prepared anytime from now.
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This article was reviewed by a healthcare provider. At 35 weeks, your baby's lungs are almost ready - just 5 more weeks until your due date!
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