Pregnancy Week 35

What’s your baby up to?

Your baby now weighs about 2.5kg and measures about 46cm long from head to toe. At about the size of a pineapple, he doesn’t have much room to do flips and somersaults, but he is still very active and kicking as before.

His kidneys are functioning, liver is processing waste, lungs are fully mature, and the heart and blood vessels are complete.

With every passing day, your baby’s development gets more mature for the outside world. He keeps increasing his weight, as he piles on more fat.

How are you doing?

Your uterus is now 6 inches above your popping belly button. Can you imagine that your uterus is now 1000 times larger than before you got pregnant? Amazing isn’t it? Or maybe not so amazing, because now your uterus reaches under your rib cage, and you feel the pains as your baby kicks at your ribs.

Another interesting thing you would have noticed is the way your tummy takes on different shapes as different parts of your baby’s body push through your abdomen. Have you been able to figure out which is your baby’s butt or back? Have fun with the guessing game!

Your uterus is pushing on a lot of other things – your lungs, your intestines, your bladder, and you are most likely dealing with heartburn, indigestion and constipation. You also definitely feel an increasing need to urinate more often. What’s more? You might even leak a little wee when you sneeze or laugh. How embarrassing!

Unfortunately, you may also be dealing with pregnancy insomnia. The weight of your belly, pregnancy/labour anxiety, and having to pee on the regular, might be depriving you of some quality sleep.

What should you do this week?

You will now start seeing your doctor every week. You will be tested for Group B Streptococcus bacteria between now and week 37.

Toning up your pelvic floor is more important than ever, especially now that your baby is probably lying head-down in your pelvis.

Pregnancy yoga comes highly recommended at this stage. It’s good for your mind and body, and will help you relax.

Hopefully, your hospital bag is packed, car seat is ready, and you’ve made plans for help out after baby arrives? Who will come for omugwo? Your mum, mum-in-law? Sister?

For your general well-being, eat healthy small portions of food at different times, drink lots of fluid, wear loose fitting clothes, and get lots of fresh air, elevate your feet while sitting to reduce swelling.

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.