At 35 weeks pregnant, you probably have many questions whirling around your head. How big is my baby? How big should my belly be? What are the 35-weeks pregnant symptoms? This article will answer all these questions and attempt to put you in the best mindset to tackle the final weeks of your pregnancy.

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35 Weeks Pregnancy Symptoms

Most women experience intense pregnancy symptoms in the third trimester, and they are likely to worsen as you get closer to the final day. Here are the most common signs of pregnancy at 35 weeks.

• Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels that mainly effect the legs during pregnancy, though they can appear anywhere. They are, fortunately, quite harmless, but they can cause some intense discomfort for the duration of their presence. Around one fifth of pregnant women experience pain as a result of varicose veins and the best way to ease it is to keep moving and keep an eye on your weight (weight gain is recommended, but the average weighing person should not gain more that 35 to 40 pounds during pregnancy).

• Pregnancy Brain

One of the most infamous pregnancy symptoms at 35 weeks, and throughout the whole of the gestation period, is pregnancy brain. If you’re feeling disoriented, confused, and forgetful, this is a normal symptom and you shouldn’t worry too much. Your body is constantly drained of its energy sources as it tries to accommodate the growth of another human life. This, along with the sleepless nights, extra weight, and increased pregnancy hormones, can impact your cognitive abilities severely.

• Bleeding or Sore Gums

It may seem that there is no part of your body that pregnancy doesn’t affect, and it’s probably true. Even your gums aren’t exempt from the changes that are happening to your body. A normal symptom of pregnancy at 35 weeks is to experience some swelling and bleeding in the gums. It is a result of several factors, including the surge of hormones, changes to eating habits, hypersensitivity, and a reaction to morning sickness.

• Skin Rash

Although rare (one in every 150), some pregnant women may suffer from pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP for short. PUPPP is a rash that develops on the skin of the abdomen, arms, buttocks, and thighs. They are, although and uncomfortable, harmless. Some people apply cold compresses or wear soft cotton clothes to alleviate the effects of PUPPP during pregnancy.

Your Body at Week 35

After 35 weeks of pregnancy, you’ve probably got used to looking pregnant by now. Your baby bump has become a part of your overall aesthetic, along with the extra pregnancy pounds. Another bodily change that you may be less willing to get used to is the frequent urination. The bigger the baby grows, the more it presses against your bladder. Now that the fetus is 35 weeks-old, it is developing strength in all of its muscles and, when it tests them, it can press against your bladder even further.

If you have felt your uterus tightening through irregular contractions, you may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions can be seen as a dress rehearsal for the actual day of delivery. They are caused by pregnancy hormones and typically intensify in the third trimester. Not every woman experiences Braxton Hicks contractions, though, so don’t worry if you haven’t noticed any. If these contractions begin to happen in a regular, patterned manner, you should see medical advice immediately.

Baby Size at Week 35

At this stage, your baby is the same size as a honeydew melon. The fetus has grown a lot in the last few weeks and now measures between 45 to 50 cm and weighs around 2.3 to 2.5 kg. Other fetal developments include the strengthening of muscles and the production of new brain and fat cells. Your baby’s skull will still be soft, though, to make the journey though the birth canal easier.

Most baby’s will be in the head down position by now, with their heads pointing towards the cervix. Some baby’s, however, may still be in the breech position (bottom-down), though this should correct itself in the coming weeks.

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Week 35 Pregnant Ultrasound

An ultrasound in week 35 will not be scheduled by a medical practitioner unless there are concerns with the development of your baby. Some parents, however, choose to have an independent 3D/4D ultrasound that allows them to see their baby in real time. Oftentimes, they will hear and even see the baby’s heartbeat.