Your baby is the size of a honeydew melon 2.4kg and measures 47cm (head to heel)…
YOUR GROWING BABY
Your baby now has less room to manoeuvre around so somersaults may be a thing of the past. Kicking, however, remains very common! Keep a check on your baby’s movements – a change or loss of movement could indicate a problem, which should never be ignored as it could mean your baby is in distress.
The nervous and immune systems are still finishing off their development but everything else is fully formed from the hair on the head to the tiny toenails. The kidneys are fully functional and the liver is now processing some waste products.
The next few weeks are mainly about your baby putting on weight.
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU
Your uterus is crowding your internal organs and this explains why you need to visit the loo so frequently. Your womb expands upwards under the ribcage causing heartburn or gastric discomfort for most women.
If Group B streptococcus (GBS) is detected during pregnancy in a vaginal swab or in your urine, intravenous antibiotics may be offered to you during labour to prevent the bacteria being passed on to your baby. Your midwife or GP will be able to give you more information.
The pregnancy hormone relaxin, coupled with the weight of your baby, causes your pelvic joints to expand in readiness for the birth. You are likely to be experiencing pregnancy related aches and pains in this area.
NEED TO KNOW
Things for you to consider during week 35 of your pregnancy:
- You may want to discuss your birth preferences now with your partner and midwife.
- If you need more information about how the birth will work in the place you have chosen to have your baby (home/birth centre/hospital) speak to your midwife.
- Bags should be packed for labour and for after the birth. Even if you are having a home birth it’s a good idea to have everything you want in one place.
- The measurement in centimetres from the top of your pubic bone to the top of your uterus is roughly equivalent to the number of weeks of pregnancy.
- Keep practising your pelvic floor exercises.
- Talk to your midwife about pain relief options. Even if you plan to have a drug-free birth it’s good to know what your choices are in case you change your mind.
- If your breasts have started leaking, place breast pads inside your bra to mop up any further leaks.