Pregnancy at week 35

Your baby

Your baby is quite cramped in your uterus by now, their legs are likely bent up into their chest, but they can still change position and should continue to move around in their normal pattern.

Your baby’s kidneys are now mature. They will be swallowing about a litre of amniotic fluid every day, which they later passed back out as urine.

Don’t worry if your baby is still in the breech position (head up, feet down) – most babies will gradually turn into the head-down position during the last month. If your baby is still in the breech position during the next week or two, your doctor or midwife may recommend a procedure known as external cephalic version (ECV).

Your body

You may be having Braxton Hicks contractions. They feel like a tightening or cramping in your tummy, and can happen as often as every 10 to 20 minutes in late pregnancy. They are your body’s way of preparing for birth and are nothing to be worried about. You can tell if they’re Braxton Hicks and not real contractions because they normally go away if you move position.

They may be real contractions if:

• they get stronger or closer together
• they last longer as time goes by
• they are stronger when you walk
• you feel pain or pressure in your pelvis, abdomen or lower back

If you went into labour now it would be considered premature labour and you would need medical attention straight away. If you’re in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife.

Things to remember

If you have complications during your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will probably want to see you more often from now on.

One serious complication that can develop in late pregnancy is pre-eclampsia. This is usually diagnosed if your doctor notices you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine.

See your doctor straight away if you develop:

• a bad headache
• pain in the tummy
• blurry vision
• sudden swelling of your hands or feet

Whether you’re planning to have your baby at home, hospital or a midwife led birth centre, it’s a good idea to get a few things ready a few weeks ahead of time. If you haven’t already you can use our handy checklist.

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:

• maternity care in Australia
• having a healthy pregnancy
• exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
• checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
• common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
• looking after your mental health and wellbeing

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.