Pregnancy week 35

What’s happening to your baby?

Your baby is as big as a honeydew melon at 35 weeks pregnancy. He looks almost like how he would at birth. His systems are fully formed and he’s busy padding up fat and gaining weight. There isn’t much room in the womb now to turn around the way he likes and have fun. Nevertheless, he is trying as much as he can to move and kick.

Most babies by now have their heads down, in a process called engagement. Some pregnant moms can feel when the baby inside comes to the engaged position though not all can identify. The head down position is a sign that the baby is coming in alignment with natural birthing. It doesn’t mean that you are ready to go into labor but just that baby and your body are gearing up to the D-day slowly. Some babies can engage even at the last minute, after labor starts. A few babies might not turn head down at all. They’ll have their legs towards the cervix, a position called breech.

What’s happening to your body? Are you becoming forgetful?

You might have already experienced pregnancy brain or momnesia. But as you near the end of your pregnancy, it may become aloud. You open the refrigerator and stand still not knowing what you opened it for. You may have to remind yourself a ten times before you check out each of the tasks in your to-do list. Nevertheless, continue to maintain a list of to-do and to-buy things.

Is peeing becoming more frequent?

Not that it is anything new to you. But with the baby dropping down in the pelvis, there is additional pressure to your bladder. And you may get constantly troubled by frequent peeing trips. Yes, we understand how annoying it could be. Try to empty your bladder to the last drop by leaning forward a little. Reduce your water intake in the late evening if you do not want to wake up too many times from the middle of your sleep. However, make sure you continue to take plenty of fluids for that is important to keep you stay hydrated. Dehydration at this stage is known to cause preterm labor.

Have been waddling too much lately?

Your gait has long changed to something which isn’t yours. If you could see yourself in a mirror as you walk, you might laugh at your new funny style. Your body has to balance the shift in the centre of gravity and the extra load. That is why you might have to project this clumsiness while you move. But, it is a cute thing now mommy and something which makes even strangers to offer courteous deeds for you.

Tips and advice for Pregnancy Week 35 Group B Strep Test

Between 35 to 37 weeks, your OB might suggest you to do a Group B Strep test. Group B Streptococcus is a bacterial type found in 25% of pregnant women. It is usually present in the vagina or rectum. Though a pregnant women carrying the bacteria may not suffer an infection, there are chances it may be passed to the baby during delivery, causing an infection in the newborn. Hence, screening for Group B Streptococcus is recommended. It is commonly done 5 weeks before the expected due date. The test is done by taking a swab of vagina and rectum to culture in the laboratory. If the presence of Group B Streptococcus is identified, the pregnant mother might be administered antibiotics.

Nursery bras

If you choose to breastfeed your baby, get a couple of feeding bras which you might need at the hospital. Remember that your bust size may further expand once you begin breastfeeding. So, you shouldn’t be buying too many at this point.

Baby hasn’t engaged yet? Go on all fours!

Most babies in the womb come to their head down position by week 35. However, some babies may not decide yet to turn around. If you have checked your baby’s position through an ultrasound scan or with the help of a doula and you know that baby hasn’t dropped down yet, you can try to gently go on all fours on the floor like how you would to scrap dirt on the floor. This position is said to help your baby to get closer to how we want him to get positioned. However, take care not to overdo anything. If giving a gentle try doesn’t help, it is better to wait. The little one isn’t ready yet. He still has time until you are at least halfway through your labor to decide on it.