35 weeks pregnant cramps in lower abdomen
Pregnancy at week 35 | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
Pregnancy at week 35 | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content4-minute read
Listen
Your baby
Your baby now weighs more than 2.3kg and measures about 32cm from head to bottom. They are quite cramped and their legs are bent up into their chest, but they can still change position and kick you. They can swallow about a litre of amniotic fluid every day, which is passed 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 try to turn them using a procedure known as External Cephalic Version (ECV).
Your baby at 35 weeks
Length: | 32cm (head to bottom) |
Weight: | 2.3kg |
Your body
You may be having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions by now. They feel like a tightening or cramping in your tummy, and they can happen as often as every 10 to 20 minutes in late pregnancy. They are your body’s way of preparing for the 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 your pregnancy is high risk, 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 or 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
Read next
Your pregnancy at 36 weeks
Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.
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.
Sources:
Raising Children Network (Pregnancy week-by-week), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Breech Presentation at the End of your Pregnancy), NHS (You and your baby at 35 weeks pregnant), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Labour and birth)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2020
Back To Top
Need more information?
Pregnancy at week 34
As at the start of your pregnancy, you’re probably feeling tired and emotional. The baby doesn't have much room to move, but you might feel them kick and roll.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Perineal massage
Perineal massage is a technique that can be used during pregnancy to help to stretch the perineum, to reduce the risk of tears when giving birth.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Pregnancy at week 39
Your baby's weight gain should slow down since they are now ready to be born. You might soon start to notice the early signs of labour.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Pregnancy and travel - Better Health Channel
Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Multiple birth - triplets or more
If you are pregnant with triplets or more, the birth will need careful planning. The main risk is that your babies will be born prematurely. Find out more here.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Perineal massage | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government
Read more on Queensland Health website
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is a procedure performed during labour to assist with the delivery of your baby.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
The role of exercise in improving fertility, quality of life and emotional wellbeing
Being in the healthy weight range reduces the risk of infertility and improves the chance of conceiving spontaneously and with assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Read more on Your Fertility website
Undescended testicles - Better Health Channel
Undescended testicles means that one or both testicles are missing from the scrotum.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Disclaimer
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
OKNeed further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 882 436
Video call
- Contact us
- About us
- A-Z topics
- Symptom Checker
- Service Finder
- Subscribe to newsletters
- Linking to us
- Information partners
- Terms of use
- Privacy
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.
This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.
Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site
- Internet Explorer 11 and lower
We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:
- Chrome by Google
- Firefox by Mozilla
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari by Apple
You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.
Pregnancy Risk Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is defined as labor that begins before completion of 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Early warning signs of preterm labor may be subtle and develop slowly. Many symptoms are present during a normal pregnancy. You may not always be able to identify a specific problem; you may just feel that something is different from what you have previously experienced.
As you read the list of signs and symptoms, the question to keep in mind is whether a change has appeared from what has been usual for you:
- Menstrual-like cramps -You may feel dull, aching cramps in the lower part of your abdomen. They may be continuous or come and go in a rhythmic pattern.
- Low backache - The backache you experience in preterm labor is usually located in the lower back. It may come in waves and may travel to the front of your abdomen. This ache is not relieved by changing your position. It may come and go, or seem different from the normal backache you have felt at other times during your pregnancy.
- Abdominal cramps: Abdominal or intestinal cramps, with or without diarrhea. Persistent diarrhea may cause irritation of the uterus, which can lead to excessive uterine contractions.
- Pelvic pressure: Sometimes described as a feeling that the baby will “fall out”. You may feel you need to move your bowels, but with no result. This feeling of pressure may be constant or may come and go. You also may need to urinate more frequently.
- Increase or change in vaginal discharge: Any of the following changes may be a sign of preterm labor:
- Change in type of discharge
- Change in consistency or feel of discharge
- Increased amount of discharge
- Change in color, especially to a brown or pink
- Contractions: A contraction is the tightening of the uterine muscle. The type of contractions that you feel in preterm labor may be different from those felt in term labor. You may feel only a tightening of the muscle. Sometimes, you may feel the contraction only if you have your fingers on the uterus to feel for the tightening.
Occasionally, you may see the uterus tighten and appear to rise up like a ball. Contractions are normal during pregnancy, but you need to watch for an increase in frequency or contractions that come at regular intervals.
You should not have five or more contractions or tightenings in 1 hour, or contractions should not be less than 15 minutes apart while you are lying down. If you have fewer than five contractions an hour, this uterine activity is probably normal and needs only your careful observation.
How to monitor:
- Lie down
- Tilt toward your left side
- Put a small pillow under your hip to support your back, if needed
- Using your fingertips, gently feel your uterus for tightening. (Ask your provider to work with you in practicing the steps until you have learned “the feel” of your own uterus and its contractions)
- Think of your uterus as divided into four sections, and feel over each of the four sections. You are monitoring especially to detect contractions that feel uniformly firm over all four sections of your uterus.
- When the uterus is relaxed, you will be able to indent it with your fingers.
- During a contraction, the uterus will feel firm to the touch. You will notice a definite pressure change.
- Sometimes you may feel the baby move.
- The uterus may feel firm on one side while the opposite side remains soft. You may also have localized contractions that cause a bulging on only one side of the uterus. This type of contraction does not cause equal pressure within the uterus and does not cause your cervix to change.
If you feel uterine tightening, try to determine how often it is coming and how long it lasts. Start counting minutes from the time the uterus begins to tighten. The time from the beginning of a tightening until the uterus becomes soft again is the length, or duration, of a single contraction. The number of contractions in any given time period (for example, one hour) is the frequency of contractions.
What to do if you have frequent contractions
If you have five or more contractions in an hour, or the time between the beginning of one contraction and the beginning of the next is less than 15 minutes, do the following:
- Empty your bladder
- Drink some fluids
- Rest on your left side for an hour while re-checking your uterine activity.
If this uterine activity persists while you are resting, then you may be in preterm labor and you should contact your provider.
Remember, it is often not possible to determine true labor from false labor over the phone, so you may be asked to come into the clinic or hospital for observation and/or to have your cervix checked.
Adapted from: Preventing Preterm Birth: A Parent’s Guide, Editors: Michael Katz, Pamela Gill, Judith Turiel (Pages 28 – 32)
Pregnancy Problems
What happens to the baby and mother
The 35th week of pregnancy has come: what sensations are observed in the mother, and how does the baby feel?
35 weeks pregnant? Are you worried about endless delicate questions and worries about the baby’s condition, but is it embarrassing to open up to a gynecologist? You can dive into the vastness of the Internet and read our useful, informative article that reveals all the questions. First of all, we can say that there is very little left before meeting with the long-awaited baby, very soon pleasant moments and chores will come.
Contents:
- 35 weeks is what month of pregnancy?
- What changes happen to the baby at 35 weeks?
- How many times does the fetus move?
- Presentation
- Is the baby ready for birth?
- How does twins feel at 35 weeks?
- Ultrasound examination
- CTG indicators
- What is happening with mom: feelings
- How to distract from bad thoughts
- pain
- Possible dangers
- Proper nutrition of mom
- Sex at 35 weeks of pregnancy
- Exercises
- Tonus of the uterus
- Tips for future mothers
Women's tummy are more heavier, difficult to move around, it is difficult to look close . If the expectant mother is still working at work, then it's time to think about the decree! There are only a few weeks left before the birth, you need to have a good rest in order to gain strength and prepare a dowry for a small bag. It must be remembered that 35 weeks is the time when a baby can be born unexpectedly, so a medical policy, an outpatient observation card and a passport must be prepared in advance.
35 weeks is what month of pregnancy?
35 weeks means that 8.5 months of pregnancy is over. According to the calculations of the usual calendar months, the beginning of the 9th month of pregnancy has come.
A woman's weight increases by 10-13 kg by this period. The tummy drops noticeably.
What changes happen to the baby at 35 weeks?
The fetus continues to grow and develop. All organs work in harmony. The heart pumps blood, and the lungs prepare for the first breath by producing a substance called surfactant. It will help the lungs to fully open up and not stick together at the time of the first cry of the newborn.
The immunity of the fetus is being strengthened, but it still cannot resist some infections, so the mother must take care of her health so as not to harm the development of the baby.
Fat mass builds up on the body, due to which the folds on the body of the fetus are smoothed out, and the skin becomes denser and no longer translucent. The color of the skin acquires a pinkish tint, the shoulders are rounded, and cheeks appear on the face.
It's amazing, but the little man living in the womb has already formed an individual pattern on his fingers. It remains for life and does not change. Facial features become more perfect and acquire individuality.
At 35 weeks, the primordial fluff that covers the body, ears, face of the baby begins to disappear. Nails and hair are actively growing, so heartburn often worries mom. Pigment accumulates in the hair, on which the color of the hairline will depend. The iris of the eyes is not yet fully formed, there is practically no pigment in it. Almost all babies are born with gray-blue eyes, which will change over time and acquire the color laid down by the genes.
The bones of the skull have not yet fused, which allows them to deform during childbirth.
How many times does the fetus move?
As the baby grows, there is less and less space in the uterus. Mom is hard to tolerate the daily exercise of the baby. After all, he manages to kick, push, turn around more and more. The rate of movements in this gestation period is 10 times in 12 hours. During this period, a woman should responsibly monitor the movements of the crumbs: stirring less or more than 10 times is a sign of going to the doctor.
Presentation
You can already see that the tummy is starting to sink. The child takes a comfortable position for him upside down. There is no need to worry, being upside down, he is very comfortable, and most importantly - this is the correct posture that contributes to easy childbirth.
If the baby is lying across or upside down, then you should not worry, the baby can change position before the birth. Otherwise, the gynecologist will prescribe a caesarean section.
Is the baby ready for birth?
The baby is warm, comfortable, the nutrients are supplied constantly, the heartbeat is normal, so we can say with confidence that everything is in order with him. The organism of the fetus is preparing for a new habitat: the process of existence in the womb is completed:
- the original feces, meconium, have accumulated in the intestines. Its composition is dominated by skin cells and bile. As a rule, the mass leaves the intestine after a few hours;
- the amount of original lubrication decreases - thick white or yellow mucus that protects the skin of the child in the womb;
- liver removes waste products;
- kidneys have completed their development;
- fat that grows on the baby's body will provide him with good thermoregulation after birth;
- baby's eyes are still closed;
- adrenal glands continue to develop and produce hormones, active substances;
- internal organs perform their functions like clockwork. The child is preparing to live independently, i.e. extrauterine;
- patterns on the feet increase;
- The brain controls the first innate reflexes.
Delivery at 35 weeks is too early. But there are certain indications that indicate early delivery. Preliminary doctors assess the viability of the baby after childbirth.
All babies at 35 weeks of development are born different. Some can breathe on their own, while others need intensive resuscitation. Thanks to special medical equipment, babies born at this time have every chance of a successful outcome. In addition, they do not have deviations in physical and mental development.
How are twins feeling at 35 weeks?
Prenatal development of twins does not differ from normal pregnancy. Babies have already taken the position in which they will be born, so the doctor prescribes an additional ultrasound examination to schedule a caesarean section if the children are not lying correctly.
Expectant mother should be prepared that future babies at 35 weeks are rapidly gaining weight. This will affect the condition of the pregnant woman. Twins behave unpredictably, so you need to be prepared for anything.
Ultrasound
Why is a fetal ultrasound necessary? Features of the procedure:
- the stage of placental maturity is assessed. If the stage of its development is the second, then it loses all its resources, therefore, urgent hospitalization of the pregnant woman is required;
- ultrasound examination at 35 weeks once again convinces doctors and mom that there are no pathologies in the fetus;
- baby's activity, weight, height, heartbeat are diagnosed. The weight of the child should be 2500 kg, height 45-47 cm.
- checking the condition of the uterus, amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord;
- location of the fetus.
CTG parameters
At the 35th week of fetal development, CTG (cardiography) is prescribed. It checks the heartbeat and signs of fetal hypoxia.
CTG result:
- 8-10 points - norm;
- 6-7 points - the fetus suffers from hypoxia;
- 5 points or less 5 - critical condition of the fetus. The reason for hospitalization, urgent delivery is carried out.
Heartbeat indicators:
- in the moving state of the baby, there are 130-190 beats;
- at rest of the fetus - 110-160 strokes.
What happens to the mother: sensations
At the 35th week of pregnancy, a woman is constantly tormented by weakness. But how could it be otherwise, when the stomach has almost reached its maximum size! It is impossible to rest calmly, because it is very difficult to get into a comfortable position for sleeping.
Walking is also difficult, the legs are swollen, they feel pain. A large belly clamps the lungs, so shortness of breath worries and fatigue sets in. The uterus causes discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, which provokes the appearance of annoying heartburn, causeless nausea. The bladder from the very beginning of pregnancy begins to disturb the pregnant woman, but at 35 weeks she has to run to the toilet again and again at short intervals. The problem is that after a night of "running" on a small woman can not sleep.
The tummy grows and stretches the skin, so it starts to itch and stretch marks appear. The navel sticks out funny, the "track" from the navel to the pubis takes on a dark shade. There is a marked change in gait.
At this period of development, the child takes calcium from the mother's body. Therefore, you need to eat healthy food rich in vitamins and minerals.
How to distract from bad thoughts
Due to discomfort, the expectant mother feels exhausted, she wants to see her baby sooner and regain her former ease. A pregnant woman is constantly tormented by bad thoughts associated with childbirth. I would like to note that women in a position feel like unnecessary hippos to anyone, so relatives should surround her with care and love. You need to often walk in the fresh air, listen to pleasant music, read interesting books and watch positive TV shows.
In your free time, you can think about the upcoming task - how to name the baby. You can think about who the child will look like, imagine his eye color, hair, smile. Classes on the arrangement of the children's room and the preparation of diapers, sliders, undershirts, necessary accessories helps to tune in to a positive wave. Frequent conversations with the stomach allow you to establish a close bond between mother and child.
Discharge
Light, mild vaginal mucus is a sign of normal condition. If the consistency and color of the mucus are disturbed, an unpleasant pungent odor appears, then you need to consult a doctor. Perhaps this indicates an infection in the genitourinary system, which must be eliminated before the onset of childbirth. Bloody discharges are the most dangerous.
Premature birth is a precursor to the emission of amniotic fluid. They come out immediately or periodically leak. They are distinguished by the absence of color, smell. Such a phenomenon should be accompanied by an immediate call to the emergency department of the maternity hospital.
Pain
It is not surprising that in the later stages there is aching pain in the lower abdomen. This is due to the sprain and the heavy weight of the uterus. At 35 weeks, the stomach, as if, gathers into a bundle and turns to stone. This feeling is called training contractions, the uterus is preparing for childbirth.
If abdominal tension becomes regular and with severe pain, and the interval between them decreases, then this is no longer a “training” of the uterus, but real contractions.
A pregnant woman is accompanied by chest pains. After all, it pours, hardens, gets heavier. It's time to get a special bra for nursing mothers. It lifts the chest, eliminating discomfort.
In addition, the head, back, legs, perineal and pelvic areas hurt. The child kicks the mother in the hypochondrium, which also causes severe pain. There is also discomfort in the anus, especially in the presence of hemorrhoids.
Possible hazards
Late gestosis may appear at week 35, manifested by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increased blood pressure, edema and sudden weight gain. It is dangerous for both women and children. In addition to disruptions in the functioning of numerous internal organs, the nervous system and vision, the following problem arises - premature detachment of the placenta, leading to early birth and fetal asphyxia. Timely failure to provide medical assistance can lead to disastrous consequences - a child's lag in physical and mental development. If at least one of the symptoms appears, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Expectant mothers need to take care of their health from viral infections, because the baby's immunity still cannot resist some diseases: measles, rubella, hepatitis.
Proper nutrition of the mother
In the late stages of an interesting situation, the expectant mother begins to feel pain in the stomach due to disruption of the digestive system. Therefore, doctors advise to follow proper nutrition and diet to reduce stomach pain and prevent heartburn.
What you can
Eat healthy foods rich in calcium and iron. The diet should contain fruits and various vegetables, low-fat broth, cereals. They will help the intestines cope with digestion, and vitamins have a good effect on the development of the internal organs of the fetus. For the body of the mother and child, red meat, dairy products, liver will be useful.
Do's and Don'ts
It is necessary to give up sweet, smoked, salty, fried foods. It contributes to a significant weight gain, which negatively affects the course of childbirth.
Water balance
It is necessary to monitor the water balance, because edema appears at the late stage of pregnancy. Water should be consumed little by little, but often. You should not drink a large amount of liquid before going to bed, so that in the morning you do not wake up swollen and tortured from the endless running around to the toilet.
Advice
Do not lie down immediately after eating. It is necessary to walk a little so as not to provoke the appearance of heartburn.
Sex at 35 weeks of pregnancy
Sex can be dangerous for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, but if there are no obvious contraindications, then doctors do not prohibit intimate relationships.
When is intimacy allowed?
Modern research shows that male sperm has a beneficial effect on the elasticity of the cervix. If the spouse is sure that the husband is 100% “clean”, then you can safely practice unprotected sex.
It must be remembered that sex must be neat and many positions must be avoided due to the size of the tummy. Many "pregnant" couples prefer positions with penetration from behind, and doctors have nothing wrong with this position.
In what cases is intimacy prohibited?
- threatened preterm labor;
- placenta low;
- most recent days of pregnancy;
- expectation of twins;
- sexual intercourse is accompanied by pain;
- the partner has diseases of the genital organs;
- the protective plug has come off.
Physical exercise
The 35th week of pregnancy should force the expectant mother to follow moderate physical activity. You should not stand up or sit down abruptly, strain. It is not necessary to completely eliminate physical activity. You can attend yoga classes, swimming. You should train your lungs every day with deep exhalations and inhalations - this will come in handy during childbirth. Exercises on a large special ball are considered the best in the later stages of an interesting position.
Uterine tone
Determination of uterine tone:
- the abdomen becomes hard;
- predominant pain in the groin and lower abdomen;
- brown discharge appears.
During the examination, the gynecologist quickly determines the tone of the uterus and, if necessary, prescribes Papaverine.
Tips for expectant mothers
- Proper diet is the key to an easy delivery;
- bowel movements should occur every day. With constipation, dried apricots, prunes, beets, kefir will help;
- cereals, jelly do not provoke heartburn;
- should not be in one position for a long time, so that swelling of the legs and arms does not occur;
- contrast shower of the lower extremities relieves swelling;
- frequent walks in the fresh air;
- for sleeping you need to take the most comfortable position, you can put a pillow under the lower back, stomach or between the knees;
- gymnastics should not be forgotten;
- correct posture! You can not cross your legs in a sitting position, so as not to worsen blood circulation;
- there is a need to take care of the skin with special ointments for stretch marks during pregnancy;
- leaving the house, you must take a bag with documents. Contractions can start at any moment;
- advice about continuing intimacy would be helpful.
Pregnancy is a miracle of nature that makes a woman beautiful and happy. But by the 35th week of pregnancy, a woman does not have the strength left to endure colossal loads day and night. But nothing, there is very little time left before the birth of the long-awaited blood. Maybe in a month, or maybe in a couple of weeks or in general, in 2-3 days, so you need to be ready to meet the newborn.
33-36 weeks pregnant
33 weeks pregnant
How does the baby develop?
This week, the baby continues to actively grow and gain weight, his height is already about 44 cm, and the weight of a tiny body is approximately 1800-1900 g. During this period, the baby is no longer so easy to turn around, he takes up more space, which is why and his movements. This week, the baby sleeps a lot and therefore moves less, and the amplitude of his movements also decreases. The muscles become stronger, so the pushes, although rare, are quite strong and more concentrated. For a mother, baby movements can be very sensitive and painful, causing internal organs to suffer. The blood vessels of the baby are already expanding and contracting, their walls are becoming thicker, and the tone is higher. Brain cells undergo a process of adhesion. The skin of the crumbs turns pink, and due to the increase in subcutaneous fat, all wrinkles on the body are smoothed out. On the head of the crumbs, the hairs become darker and thicker, and the hairs covering the body become less and less. This fluffy hairiness is called lanugo. At 33 weeks, the baby's skin is covered with a special lubricant that protects it and ensures an easier delivery. Lubrication most of all covers the face, back, folds under the arms, groin and neck.
How does mother feel?
The uterus of the expectant mother rises higher and higher, up to 34 cm from the pubis, and the tummy grows significantly. This is due to the large weight of the crumbs, amniotic fluid and placenta. At the same time, it is harder for the mother to squat and make other movements. Strong and sharp jolts of the baby, as well as an enlarged uterus, can cause pain. But the expectant mother can already determine what exactly pushed her baby: with her knee or fist. If the tremors are light, this may indicate that the baby is hiccuping. At this time, a woman is recommended light physical activity, which allows you to take frequent breaks. Walking or fitness is best. Due to the fact that the enlarged uterus puts pressure on many organs, the mother may experience temporary discomfort, which is not related to any diseases. A high load is placed on the spine, causing pain in the sacrum, lower back and pelvis. In a pregnant woman, the volume of circulating blood increases by a liter, which has a strong effect on the functioning of the kidneys, oppressing the bladder and causing frequent urination. Sometimes mom can get up to six times a night. The cause of heaviness in the stomach, heartburn and nausea is the pressure of the uterus on the stomach. In this case, frequent meals in small portions will help to alleviate the condition.
34 weeks pregnant. How does the baby develop?
At this time, the baby has grown significantly, the weight of his little body reaches 2100 g, and the length is 45 cm. The body of the baby is already proportional and it is difficult to distinguish it from a newborn child. There are no wrinkles and folds on the face, the skin is smooth and even. The baby already often sucks his finger, developing a sucking reflex, so his cheeks are already formed and visible. Bones become denser, muscle mass also grows significantly. You can already see even the facial muscles on the face. By this time, the baby has already finally settled down in his mother's tummy and he is unlikely to be able to change the position of the body now. The bones of the skull, which are filled with connective tissue, remain very soft.
The baby's internal organs continue to develop. He swallows amniotic fluid many times throughout the day. Water passes through the digestive tract and stimulates the muscles. The pancreas and liver process the dense part of the amniotic fluid, which consists of vellus hairs, lubrication, and small skin flakes. The liquid component of the water is excreted by the kidneys. The body thus processes about half a liter of water. Bile continues to accumulate in the gallbladder, providing preparation for the activities of the organs after birth. There is an intensive preparation for the appearance of the crumbs into the world, his head shape may change. With the onset of childbirth during this period, the lungs of the baby are able to provide the body with the necessary amount of oxygen.
How does mother feel?
This week of pregnancy requires conscientious control of the condition of the expectant mother. This is just the period when a woman can feel false contractions. Painful sensations appear in the upper part of the uterus and gradually subside. With the increase in the duration of pregnancy, contractions become more pronounced. They resemble short muscle contractions lasting from a few seconds to five minutes. Thus, the body prepares for the upcoming birth. This process with varying intensity accompanies the pregnancy of every woman. Experts call it Braxton-Hicks contractions. How can a future mother distinguish labor pains from precursors, especially if she is expecting a baby for the first time?
Consider the main differences:
- Preparatory contractions are characterized by a high interval between them, which varies in duration. And prenatal contractions are regular, with a gradually decreasing interval.
- Preparatory contractions may stop immediately after rest or a change in the body position of the expectant mother, and labor gradually intensifies regardless of the change in position.
- Pain sensations are also different. Labor pains are accompanied by severe pains that become more and more noticeable. Preparatory contractions are characterized by either sharp pain, or they can be completely painless.
- False contractions may stop with the use of medically approved antispasmodics. While such drugs will not have any effect on labor pains or it will be minimized.
- A woman can feel false contractions in various places. This may be the lower abdomen, the side walls of the uterus, the entire abdomen. Pain during labor pains can resemble premenstrual pain. Also, pain can begin in the lower back, gradually covering the front of the abdomen.
It is very important for a woman with such symptoms to ensure a sense of security, in case of any contractions, it is necessary to inform the gynecologist of the pregnant woman.
35 weeks pregnant. How does the baby develop?
Each baby reaches their weight and height this week. Approximately, his body weight is approximately 2,300 g, and his height is up to 47 cm. Starting this week, the height and weight of the crumbs will gradually increase by 250 g. But these parameters depend on genetics and individual characteristics of the organism. By this period, the formation of all systems and organs of the baby is already ending, and cardinal changes in the body are not expected. The amount of mucus that covers the baby's skin gradually decreases. The hair fluff practically disappears from the body, and even if it remains, it completely disappears after birth. The body becomes pink, the muscles are stronger, and the shoulders become rounded. The baby already almost completely occupies the uterine cavity, its arms and legs are in a bent state. The baby is already very crowded and the mother can feel his every movement. The baby often changes his facial expression, closing his eyelids and contracting facial muscles. Small nails appear on the fingers. This week, the formation of the genitourinary and nervous system ends. The fact that the bones of the skull have not yet fused will make it easier to pass through the birth canal. It is important during this period to control the number of movements of the baby. For half a day, approximately 10 movements should be recorded. If the movements are much more or less, the mother should consult a doctor.
How does mother feel?
Mom has difficulty breathing during this period. This is caused by the growing uterus, which pushes the lungs first. The lungs cannot fully expand, making breathing difficult. Also, an enlarged uterus pushes the bladder and intestines aside. This week, almost every pregnant woman feels short of breath, she has shallow and rapid breathing and a constant desire to take a deep breath. The cause of shortness of breath during this period can be a long walk or climbing stairs, as well as a long stay in the supine position. Proper alternation of rest and physical activity will help to alleviate the condition. The bottom of the uterus rises 35 cm from the pubis and 15 cm from the navel, this is the highest point for the entire period of bearing a baby. It feels like one of the hardest weeks of pregnancy. The body of the expectant mother is actively preparing for the upcoming birth, all ligaments become more extensible and elastic. It can also lead to an increased risk of injury and falls. During this period, doctors do not recommend flights and long trips. If you need to go somewhere, the presence of a loved one and a mandatory change of position approximately every 15 minutes is important. Mom needs to rest more often this week. Special physical exercises that will help reduce back pain will be useful.
36 weeks pregnant. How does the baby develop?
This week the baby begins to actively prepare for the birth. All organs of the baby are already almost completely mature and can function independently. The weight of the baby reaches 2,500 g, and its height is approximately 46 cm. This period is preparatory for the birth of the baby. By the beginning of this week, the baby is already in its final position in the uterus. In the vast majority of cases, it is located facing the back of the mother and head down. This position is the safest during the passage of the birth canal and the most convenient. If there is a breech presentation of the baby, a caesarean section is possible. In this case, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. But this week, it is possible to change the position of the body only from the pelvic to the head, since the baby's head is heavier and this part of the body outweighs. The baby constantly sucks his finger and his cheeks become chubby. The baby also receives oxygen through the umbilical cord and also makes respiratory and swallowing movements. The baby at this time looks the way it is born, and the bones of the skull still remain pliable and soft to facilitate passage through the birth canal.
How does mother feel?
During this period, a pregnant woman feels very tired. The tummy becomes heavier, making it difficult to choose the position of the body. The baby begins to sink lower, preparing for childbirth, and it becomes easier for the mother to breathe. But this increases the pressure on the bladder, causing more frequent urination. The uterus is located at a distance of 36 cm from the pubis. This is the highest point throughout the entire period of pregnancy. The body of the expectant mother is being rebuilt, leading intensive preparation for childbirth. Hormonal changes cause an increase in hormone levels. The pelvic bones soften under the influence of hormones, trying to make it as easy as possible for the baby to pass through the birth canal. At the same time, contractions intensify and more abundant vaginal discharge appears. A pregnant woman needs to listen more to her body this week and carefully monitor it. With pulling pain in the lower abdomen, as well as pain in the lower back, attention should be paid to its duration and frequency. If you have all the indicators, you should immediately contact a gynecologist: premature birth this week is not uncommon, so it is important to respond to body signals in time.