35 Weeks Pregnant: Full-Term is Near

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 18.2 inches and weighs approximately 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg). You’re just 5 weeks from your due date and only 2 weeks from early term (37 weeks)!¹

What’s Happening

You’re in the final weeks! Your baby is running out of room, and movements may feel different—more pushes and stretches. Your prenatal visits are weekly, monitoring your cervix, baby’s position, and readiness for delivery.²

How Big is My Baby?

Your baby measures approximately 18.2 inches (46.2 cm) and weighs around 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg). Weight gain continues rapidly.³

Baby Development

Lungs mature: Surfactant production is nearly optimal.

Rapid weight gain: Building fat stores for temperature regulation and energy.

Brain development: Billions of neural connections forming daily.

Kidneys fully functional: Ready to process fluids after birth.

Liver functional: Can process waste products.

Immune system developing: Still relies on maternal antibodies.

Movement changes: Tight quarters mean less rolling, more stretching.⁴

Common Symptoms

Pelvic pressure: Your baby may be dropping lower.

Frequent urination: Constant bathroom trips.

Heartburn: Often severe in late pregnancy.⁵

Shortness of breath: Improves if baby drops.

Swelling: Mild edema is normal.

Braxton Hicks: Practice contractions may be intense.

Back pain: Weight and loosened ligaments.

Fatigue: Physically demanding final weeks.

Tips for Week 35

Group B strep test: Usually done weeks 35-37.

Hospital bag packed: Have it ready.

Know labor signs: Contractions, water breaking, bloody show.⁶

Monitor movement: Daily kick counting.⁷

Rest and stay active: Balance is key.

Prepare mentally: Labor could start any time after 37 weeks.

References

Footnotes

1. ACOG. (2025). “How Your Fetus Grows.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy ↩

2. ACOG. (2025). “Prenatal Care.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/prenatal-care ↩

3. BabyCenter. (2025). “35 Weeks Pregnant.” https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/35-weeks-pregnant ↩

4. Mayo Clinic. (2024). “Fetal development: 3rd trimester.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997 ↩

5. ACOG. (2025). “Problems of the Digestive System.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/problems-of-the-digestive-system ↩

6. ACOG. (2025). “How to Tell When Labor Begins.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-to-tell-when-labor-begins ↩

7. Tommy’s. (2025). “Your baby’s movements.” https://www.tommys.org/ ↩