At 35 weeks pregnant, you are firmly in the final stretch of your pregnancy, with only around five weeks to go until your due date. The third trimester can feel both exciting and tiring, as your baby grows steadily and your body prepares for birth. Week 35 is a good moment to check in on your baby's position, your own wellbeing, and the appointments still ahead of you.
Many parents find these final weeks bring a mixture of anticipation and impatience. Understanding what is typical at week 35 can help you feel more prepared and reassured as you move from week 34 towards the arrival of your baby.
Your baby at week 35
By week 35, your baby is now well developed and spending most of these final weeks growing bigger and stronger. At this stage, babies typically measure approximately 45 to 46 centimetres from head to heel and weigh in the region of 2.4 kilograms, though there is considerable natural variation from one baby to another.
Your baby's lungs are among the last organs to mature fully, and they continue to develop in preparation for that first breath. The kidneys are fully formed, and the liver is now able to process some waste products. A protective layer of fat is building up under the skin, which helps your baby regulate their temperature after birth and gives them a rounder, smoother appearance.
Around this time, many babies begin to settle into a head-down position ready for birth, although some will still change position in the weeks ahead. Space inside the womb is becoming more limited, so you may notice your baby's movements feel different, with more stretches, rolls and pressure rather than large kicks. Your baby's movements should still be felt regularly right up until labour.
Your body at week 35
As your baby grows, you may find the physical demands of pregnancy more noticeable in week 35. Common and generally normal symptoms at this stage include:
- Breathlessness, as your growing uterus presses against your diaphragm and lungs.
- Heartburn and indigestion, which are common in the third trimester.
- Swelling in the feet, ankles and hands, particularly towards the end of the day.
- Frequent trips to the toilet, as your baby's head may press on your bladder.
- Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes described as tightenings, which are your body's way of practising for labour.
- Trouble sleeping, back ache and general tiredness.
Sleeping on your side, rather than your back, is recommended from the third trimester onwards, as this is safer for your baby. While some swelling is typical, sudden or severe swelling of the face, hands or feet, along with a headache or vision changes, should be reported to your midwife promptly, as these can occasionally be signs that need checking.
What to keep in mind this week
Week 35 is an ideal time to make sure your practical preparations are coming together. You may wish to:
- Pack your hospital bag, or check it is ready, for both you and your baby.
- Make sure you know your birth plan preferences and have discussed them with your midwife.
- Keep an eye on your baby's movements and contact your maternity unit straight away if you notice any reduction or change, at any time of day or night.
- Continue eating well, staying hydrated and resting when you can.
According to NHS guidance, it can help to familiarise yourself with the signs that labour may be starting, such as regular contractions, a "show", or your waters breaking, so you know when to contact your midwife or maternity unit. Mapping out these final weeks with a tool such as our pregnancy journey planner can make the run-up to birth feel calmer and more organised.
Scans, tests and appointments
By 35 weeks, most of the routine NHS screening milestones are behind you. The 20-week anomaly scan takes place around 18 to 21 weeks, and if a glucose tolerance test was offered it will usually have been carried out earlier in pregnancy. The whooping cough vaccine is typically offered between around 16 and 32 weeks, and the RSV vaccine is offered from around 28 weeks, so it is worth checking with your midwife if you have not yet had these.
In the later part of the third trimester, your midwife or obstetrician may discuss group B Streptococcus with you, along with your baby's position and growth. If there is any uncertainty about whether your baby is head down, breech or lying sideways, a scan can provide clarity.
At London Pregnancy Clinic, two scans are particularly relevant at this stage. A presentation scan confirms whether your baby is head down, breech or transverse, which can be helpful information as you plan for birth. A wellbeing scan (final week) can offer reassurance by checking your baby's growth, movements, amniotic fluid and blood flow through the placenta. These scans are designed to complement, not replace, your NHS antenatal care.
Looking ahead
Reaching week 35 means you are very close to meeting your baby. Over the coming days you will move into week 36, when your baby continues to gain weight and your body carries on preparing for labour. Try to balance your practical preparations with rest, and lean on your midwife, partner and support network as your due date approaches.
If anything feels different or you have questions about your pregnancy, your maternity team is there to help. There is no such thing as a silly question in these final weeks, and it is always better to check.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about your own pregnancy.
