35 Weeks Pregnant - what to expect
Now you're 35 weeks pregnant, this week is all about breathlessness, feeling nervous about the birth, retro-inspired baby names and courgette frittata!
Watch our video to see what your baby looks like this week
Your baby may already have moved into a ‘head-down’ position, ready for the trip outside (not that it’s likely to happen just yet). He or she is also adding fat and brain cells aplenty, and those tiny nails are now reaching their finger – and toe – tips.
So what's happening to your body this week?
You get breathless when you walk, breathless when you carry heavy bags – and don’t even talk about when you climb the stairs (well you couldn’t once you get to the top anyway, could you?).
It’s no fun and it makes you feel about 110 but it’s just your baby-filled womb pushing up into your diaphragm (the muscles under your ribcage) and, basically, shoving your lungs up out of the way a bit.
Your ribs also might feel incredibly sore, as the bottom ones bow out a bit to make more room. You’ll be able to breathe easier (promise) when your baby drops down into your pelvis to get into position for labour – any time from 36 weeks if this is your first baby, but probably not for a few weeks yet if you’ve had a baby before.
Our MFMer's 35-week bump of the week
Are you keeping track of your bump with weekly pics? Check out other MFMers' belfies in our 35 week bump gallery.
Did you know? Your baby's now the length of... 6 ice cream sandwiches
This week, your baby measures 46.2cm — that's around 6 ice creams sandwiches (end to end).
And is around the weight of a watermelon!
Your baby now weighs around 5lb 6oz (2.4kg)!
4 things you might need to know this week
- What does it mean if a baby's head is engaged?
- What are the signs that labour is near?
- Should you pay for the Strep B test?
- 10 of the best maternity pads
Tip of the week from our community
“I think the lady bit twinges – or fanny daggers, haha – are due to the baby pressing down toward your cervix. Sometimes they take my breath away!” said Emma, a member of our MadeForMums community.
Is it normal... to be scared about giving birth?
Yes, absolutely. Whether you're nervous about how you'll cope, what sort of noises you might make or just can't get your head around your baby coming out of that bit of your body, it's all very common.
Remember, mums are doing this every day. Mums in our community recommend thinking about your birth choices, writing a flexible birth plan and then keeping an open mind.
Some mums swear by birth hypnotherapy, others go for pain relief and some call hallelujah after having an epidural. The best thing is to find what will work for you.
Our preg recipe for week 35 - Courgette frittata
Why eating courgettes is great for your baby
It’s not a ‘leafy green’ but the courgette definitely belongs right up there with the broccolis and spinaches of this world. As well as plenty of good old vitamin C, it’s full of antioxidants and carotenoids and vitamins K and B6. And it’s rich in fibre (pause for your bowels to rejoice).
Old wives tell of its amazing effect on swollen pregnancy feet, too. We’re not sure about that but, frankly, we’d try anything to fit into our nicest shoes again!
See the full recipe and get cooking...
Baby namer - what do you think of these retro names?
As you count down the weeks now, names will most likely be top of mind if you've not chosen one yet. Vintage names have made a bit of a comeback in the last few years. What do you think of these two?
Evelyn
This lovely old English name means bird – and was hugely popular in the early 1900s. For a modern twist, it can be shortened to Evie.
Celeb baby-name-check: Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford named their daughter Evelyn.
Alfred
This old English name goes all the way back to the 9th century and Alfred the Great – a king that battled vikings. Alfred means elf council and nowadays you can shorten it to Alfie.
Celeb baby-name-check: David Walliams called his son with Lara Stone, Alfred.
Still stuck? Check out our Baby Names section for lots more ideas and inspiration.
Find out how your baby is developing and what you need to prepare in the coming weeks:
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