Welcome to week thirty five!
If this is your first pregnancy your baby may be dropping back down into the pelvis over the next couple of weeks which will allow you to breathe easier but will also cause urinary frequency similar to that of earlier in the pregnancy.
You are probably thinking more about labor, birth and the first few days with your newborn. We will cover some of these topics, but you may also want to check out StorkAdvisor articles under Go-to-Topics in these categories.
You are probably thinking more about labor, birth and the first few days with your newborn now.
How my Baby Grows
- Your baby’s liver is partially functioning and can process some waste products, and his/her kidneys are fully developed
- The natural moisturizer covering your baby called vernix is getting thicker and is protecting your baby skin while he/she floats in the amniotic fluid
- Arms and legs are getting chubbier with a type of fat that will help maintain your baby’s temperature after birth
- Everything has fully developed except brain and lungs which will continue to mature until 39 weeks
- Your baby is the size of a honeydew melon and weighs about 5-6 pounds, maturity is not measured merely in weight but in lung development which is why your provider will help you get to the full 39 weeks or slightly beyond if possible
Symptoms Mama may Feel or Experience
- You may begin your weekly prenatal visits either at 35 or 36 weeks depending on where you were at your last visit
- Obtaining a blood pressure, weight and assessing your baby’s heartbeat are important measurements, so make sure to keep those final prenatal visits
- If you have chosen to attend prenatal classes, you are practicing your breathing techniques and relaxation methods so that they come naturally while in labor
- If instead you decided to educate yourself with a book or videos you should also be practicing what you have learned
- If you are experiencing more than a little amount of itching and this is something new, let your doctor or midwife know, as there is a complication of pregnancy that effects the liver in some women, it could also be something simple like more sensitive skin during pregnancy
- If this is your first pregnancy your baby may be starting to descent into the pelvis bringing more pressure to your lower abdomen and back, you may first notice this drop because you can breathe easier or eat a little more at meals
- Uterine activity that feels like the baby is “balling up” inside of you is more frequent now especially by the end of the day
- If this begins to become more and more frequent the first thing to do is hydrate with water and rest
- If this does not cause them to space out and go away, call your doctor or midwife
- If you ever feel like your bag of water has broken and you are leaking fluid you should let your doctor or midwife know even if office hours are closed, someone is on call to answer your important questions 24 hours a day 7 days a week even on holidays, by calling their “on call” number someone will return your call
Thoughts to Consider
- You may be deciding who you want at your house after you bring your baby home, or when you think you will feel comfortable to visit other family or friends
- For some couples it is fantastic to have the help of a mom or two during the first weeks that you are home with your new baby, but for others it will only add to your stress, this is something that might be good to talk about now with your partner so that you can make decisions that you both agree on
- If you have other children you will need to plan for them in case you go into labor during the night, who would be a good person to come to your house and stay with them that will be a comfort to them when they wake and you are not there
- Don’t forget pets, who will care for them while you and your partner are away and how are you planning to introduce them to your newborn
- It is good to hear from your pediatrician about when it is safe to introduce others to your newborn, especially places with lots of other people including children
- Sound machines are used by many new parents to distract from other noises in the house that may wake your newborn
- There are various types, and many parents even take them along when traveling
- They usually have choices like white noise, ocean waves, rain falling, birds chirping and other soothing sounds
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Continue to take some time for yourself each day to reflect on your pregnancy, your baby, the coming changes to your family and the joy of holding him/her in your arms soon
- Water intake is still important so don’t slow down now
- Even though you are much bigger around these days it is still important to wear your seatbelt correctly when in a car whether driving or as a passenger
- Now that your baby seems to have invaded every empty space in your abdomen and pelvis, and it is difficult to eat much at a setting, make sure what you are eating matters in regard to nutrients, protein/fiber/vitamins and minerals as they will help grow a strong baby and help you stay healthy for the healing your body will do in the weeks following birth
