Week 35 of Pregnancy

At the 35-week mark, you’re wrapping up month 8 of your pregnancy with one month left to go. Your little one may be starting to make an exit plan by shifting to the heads-down position, all while working on important preparations such as building body fat and brain matter. It may feel like your due date is fast approaching. It’s normal to have mixed feelings right now. You might be excited to meet your little one, and nervous about birth and delivery all at once. It can certainly be an overwhelming time. Continue reading the blog to learn more –

Pregnancy Developments and symptoms at 35 Weeks Pregnant:

  • Occasional headaches:
    • If your head is pounding, it could be for a number of reasons, including being overheated or stuck in a stuffy room. Go out for some air or open the window. And ask your doctor which pain reliever is safe in moderation during pregnancy.
    • Most doctors will okay acetaminophen, as long as you don’t overdo it. If acetaminophen isn’t working, or if you’re getting a headache every day, call your doctor. Severe headaches that don’t respond to pain relievers like acetaminophen can be a sign of preeclampsia.
  • Bad dreams: Lots of people have dreams or nightmares about their pregnancy, labour and the baby at this stage of pregnancy.
    These dreams don’t mean there’s anything wrong– it’s just your mind’s way of dealing with any heightened emotions. This is a time of huge change. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling overwhelmed. They may be able to reassure you.
  • Some women find that a bumpy, itchy rash appears on their stomach during the later stages of pregnancy. Although this is uncomfortable and unpleasant, it is not harmful to you or your baby. Aloe-vera lotion can help to sooth the itching, especially if it is applied after having a bath or shower.
  • Varicose Veins:
    • Varicose veins are the large, swollen blood vessels found predominantly in the legs, but that can show up almost anywhere in the lower half of your body—even your rectum or vulva. In fact, hemorrhoids are nothing more than varicose veins in the area around your rectum.
    • There are some tricks you can try that may help minimize any varicose veins that make an appearance while you’re expecting, or at least keep them under control-
      • Keep your blood flowing: Get off your feet whenever you can, and keep your legs elevated when sitting. When standing, put one foot on a low stool and alternate legs. Flex your ankles every so often, and break the habit of sitting with your legs crossed.
      • Sleep on your left side: This helps avoid pressure on your main blood vessels and keep circulation going strong.
      • Get your daily dose of vitamins: A balanced pregnancy diet can help keep your veins healthy. Make sure to eat lots of foods with vitamin C, which your body uses to produce collagen and elastin, connective tissues that repair and maintain blood vessels.
  • Linea nigra:
    • Most expecting moms develop a dark, vertical line down the center of their belly called the linea nigra. If your hair or skin is dark, this line is likely to be more pronounced. The “pregnancy line” appears because of hormones: Increased progesterone and estrogen act on melanocytes, the cells that determine the pigment of your skin.
    • The linea nigra is just one of the ways that skin can change during pregnancy. You can’t prevent these pregnancy skin changes, but any darker areas will fade after you give birth and likely return to their pre-pregnancy color. To keep areas of darker skin from becoming more pronounced, wear sunscreen, use hypoallergenic skin care products, and don’t wax the affected areas.

Baby Development:

  • Your growing baby now measures up to 46 cm from crown to heel and weighs approximately 2.5 kg. Your baby should be consistently moving 10 times a day. Your baby is as big as a Papaya.
  • Your baby is quite cramped in your uterus by now; their legs are likely bent up into their chest, but they can still change position and should continue to move around in their normal pattern.
  • Your baby’s kidneys are now mature. They will be swallowing about a litre of amniotic fluid every day, which they later passed back out as urine.
  • At this stage, it’s likely that your baby has produced enough of a substance called surfactant to be able to breathe well after birth. It’s a protein that’s key for healthy lungs. Your little one’s lungs will be fully developed very soon—by 36 weeks—and ready to take their first breath after birth.
  • Body fat has now accumulated sufficiently that the lanugo – the hair that covered the entire body – is no longer needed to help control body temperature and is usually completely shed by this stage. In addition to body fat, the vernix – the greasy coating that covers the skin – provides a further method of temperature control.

35 Weeks Pregnant: What you should be preparing for

  • Eat foods with zinc : Zinc supports healthy growth and development during pregnancy. The recommended dietary allowance is slightly higher when you’re pregnant, so make sure you’re eating lots of zinc-rich foods. The richest sources of zinc are meat, fish, and seafood. You can also get zinc from beans, nuts, and whole grains. Whether you eat a plant-based diet or not, you may want to consider taking a zinc supplement to make sure you’re getting the right daily intake. If this is the case, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor first.
  • Relieve heartburn : Nearly half of all moms-to-be have heartburn during pregnancy. Make sure to sit upright while eating and stay that way for a couple of hours after you eat if possible. Lying down, slouching, slumping and stooping will do you in. When you have to bend, do it with your knees instead of your waist—otherwise, you’ll send all that acid for a repeat ride up your esophagus.
  • Pack your hospital bag : If you haven’t already, it’s time to pack your labour and baby bags so you’re ready to go, whenever your baby decides to arrive. It’s a good idea to keep your hospital bag handy.
  • Exercise safely : As you get closer to the end of pregnancy, do your best to stay active. To keep exercising safely, you might need to make a few modifications. It’s always a good idea to start slow and increase your intensity as you feel comfortable. Listen to your body and back off if you’re feeling pain, overheating, or getting breathless.

Conclusion

Always consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Enroll in our free lactation webinar to understand more about pain suffered during breastfeeding, possible causes, and solutions for the same.