35 Weeks Pregnant
What’s happening this week? How is my baby developing?
By 35 weeks, your baby’s lungs are getting ready for life outside the womb, by producing surfactant (to prevent sticking). Premature babies may need help breathing, as they don’t have enough surfactant.
If you carrying a girl, her lungs will mature faster than a boy, which means she would adapt better if born at 35 weeks pregnant. Also, suckle reflexes are developed. Your baby probably weight around 2.4 kg and measures 46-47 cm from head to heel.
How is my body changing?
You’re 35 weeks pregnant and your uterus is now sitting about 15 cm above your navel. You should have your hospital bag packed and maybe tried a couple of practice runs to the hospital to find the best route!
You’re probably starting to worry about your impending motherhood. This may cause some crazy mood swings to add to the long list of aches and pains you’re experiencing.
Don’t worry, as your instinct will let you know what to do with your baby. At 35 weeks pregnant, you may also be experiencing a nest instinct which is a sudden urge to clean your house meticulously. You probably gained around 30 pounds by 35 weeks pregnant.
Stages of labour
Unless you’ve opted for planned c-section, you need to think about labour.
- Stage 1 early labour:Labour starts with you cervix slowly dilating, with contractions similar to Braxton-Hicks (every 10-15 minutes, lasting 30 seconds).
- At this stage, you may notice a mucous bloody discharge, which is called a show. This stage is often the longest, and the cervix will dilate up to 3 cm.
- Stage 2 active labour:Contractions are now getting closer, longer and stronger, and your cervix continues to dilate.
- If you’re having contractions every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds, it’s time to go to the hospital, where you can ask for some pain relief. This stage may last 6-8 hours.
- Stage 3 transition:This may be the most painful stage of labour, with contractions lasting one minute every 2-3 minutes. The cervix will dilate to 8-10 cm. If you want an epidural, now is the time to get it. This stage may last only a few minutes or a few hours.
- Stage 4 delivery of your baby: This is when your baby starts travelling down the birth canal, and you need to start pushing. Your baby may descend rapidly, or he may take his time.
- Your baby will descend head down, and when his head becomes visible is called “crowning”. Only a few more contractions and your baby will be born!
- Stage 4- delivery of the placenta: The last stage involves delivery of the placenta. Your uterus continues to contract, but these are mild contractions. It usually takes about 15-30 minutes to expel the placenta.