Pregnancy Week 35: What to Expect
Baby's development, your body's changes, common symptoms, what to eat, and what to do this week.
Baby's development at week 35
Baby's kidneys are fully developed. Baby's liver can process some waste. Baby's central nervous system matures. Baby's eyes are gray-blue at birth for most; color comes in over months. Baby's lungs are nearly mature. Baby has clear sleep/wake cycles, may have a "favorite" sleep position, and recognizes voices.
What's happening in your body
Your uterus is about 6 inches above the belly button. Increased bladder pressure. Aches in feet, hips, lower back. Sleep is short. Possible mild swelling. Possible carpal tunnel. Possible Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes regularly. Possible mild diarrhea as the body preps for labor.
Common symptoms at week 35
Increased bladder pressure. Aches everywhere — feet, hips, back. Difficulty sleeping. Possible mild swelling. Possible Braxton Hicks. Strong fetal movements. Possible mild diarrhea. Mood swings. Anticipation.
When to call your provider
Bright red bleeding — call provider immediately. Watery discharge or gush. Painful regular contractions (every 5 minutes for an hour). Severe headache/vision changes. Decreased fetal movement.
How to feel better this week
Group B Strep (GBS) test at week 35 or 36. It is a swab of the vagina and rectum to check for normal bacteria. If positive, you will get antibiotics during labor to prevent passing it to baby. It is not an STI. Continue Kegels. Side sleeping. Apply lotion. Stay hydrated. Practice deep breathing and labor positions you might want to use.
Nutrition focus for week 35
Continue all nutrients. Stay hydrated. Continue iron and calcium. Limit salt if swelling is bad. Eat the rainbow.
For your partner
Be aware of the GBS test. Drive your partner to the appointment if helpful.
This week's to-do
GBS test at week 35-36. Continue everything else.
Is this normal?
GBS is a normal vaginal bacteria found in about 25% of pregnant people. If you are positive, you will get IV antibiotics during labor — about 4 hours before delivery is ideal. Baby will be fine. It is routine.
Use the Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Confirm exactly which week you're in or recalculate based on a known conception or ultrasound date.
Open the calculator →Other pregnancy safety lookups
Or visit the Pregnancy Safety Guide to search across all 460+ lookups.