Week 35

By now you will likely have a pronounced bump that may feel large and heavy.¹

At this stage in the third trimester, you should be having regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor the progression of your pregnancy. One of the measurements healthcare providers will monitor is the fundal height.^1,2

This is the measurement from the pelvic bone to the top of the uterus (usually the top of your bump) in centimetres. It provides an estimate of foetal measurement. It is simple to understand if the measurement is within expected limits as after 24 weeks gestation, the fundal height should mirror the gestational age, with an allowance of 3 cm more or less.²

If the measurements are not as expected, this could be due to foetal growth, a pregnancy with multiples, or how much amniotic fluid is available. However, weight, fibroids (uterine growths), and gestational age beyond 36 weeks can affect the accuracy of fundal height measurements.²

• Back aches and sciatica³
• Leg cramps and restless leg syndrome⁴
• Haemorrhoids
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Frequent urination
• Skin changes (such as stretch marks and an itchy, bumpy rash on your stomach)
• Colostrum (precursor fluid to breast milk)⁵
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Foetal movement

Now fat is accumulating fast, your baby will likely weigh around 2.4 kg, measuring approximately 46 cm in length.¹

Your baby is now preparing for birth, and their head should be low down in your pelvis. Amazingly, their brain is still growing and developing, and will increase in weight by another third of what it currently weighs before birth.⁶

• Try to remember your prenatal vitamins^7,8
• Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health⁹
• Try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking^10,11
• Nourish your body with pregnancy-safe foods. Try to avoid foods high in mercury, such as mackerel and tuna, raw seafood, undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, unpasteurised foods and cheese with a mould rind such as brie, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and any type of herbal tea¹²
• Ensure any meat, fish or poultry is fully cooked through¹³
• Limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day¹⁴
• If you are between 32–36 weeks gestation in November to January, you will be eligible for a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This vaccine helps to protect your baby in their first 6 months after being born from severe respiratory disease associated with RSV¹
• Count the kicks¹⁵
• Be aware of the main symptoms of pre-eclampsia. These include:³