Third Trimester
Week 35: Kidneys fully developed — baby produces half a liter of urine per day.
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Honeydew melon
Length
18.2 in
Weight
2.4 kg
Week
35 / 40
💡 Expert tip
Hospital bag should be fully packed by week 36. Keep it by the door.
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Kidneys fully mature
- Liver processing bilirubin
- Lungs nearly fully mature
- Baby running out of womb space — movements more rolling than kicking
Science fact
Fetal movement changes character at 35+ weeks from kicks to rolling — the baby is simply running out of room. Importantly, movement frequency should not significantly decrease — contact your provider if it does.
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Pelvic pressure intensifying
baby is low and engaged
Braxton Hicks every day, sometimes hourly
true labor contractions are regular, progressive, and don
Practice contractions — normal from mid-pregnancy. Stay hydrated, change position, rest.
,
💛 Changes in your body
- GBS swab test typically done at 35–37 weeks
- Nesting instinct at peak — urge to clean, organize, prepare
- Possible lightning crotch (sharp pelvic pain) as baby presses on nerves
- Sleep deprivation building — this is normal birth preparation
💙 Mental health this week
Peak nesting is a sign your body is preparing for birth. It
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Begin eating 6 medjool dates per day — RCT evidence shows reduced induction rates and shorter first stage of labor
- Continue iron supplementation if prescribed — blood loss at birth averages 250–500ml
- Hydration is critical for amniotic fluid levels — drink 2–3 liters daily
📅 Appointment / test
GBS test (group B strep swab) at 35–37 weeks: a quick vaginal and rectal swab. GBS positive (25% of women) means IV antibiotics during labor — routine and safe.
✅ This week's checklist
Get GBS swab test
Pack hospital bag completely and put in your car
Install infant car seat and have it checked at a fire station
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
Open Week 35 in Interactive Guide → →