Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Pregnancy at week 35

4-minute read

Your baby

Your baby now weighs more than 2.3kg and measures about 32cm from head to bottom. They are quite cramped and their legs are bent up into their chest, but they can still change position and kick you. They can swallow about a litre of amniotic fluid every day, which is passed as urine.

Don’t worry if your baby is still in the breech position (head up, feet down) – most babies will gradually turn into the head-down position during the last month. If your baby is still in the breech position during the next week or two, your doctor or midwife may try to turn them using a procedure known as External Cephalic Version (ECV).

Your baby at 35 weeks

Length:32cm (head to bottom)
Weight:2.3kg

Your body

You may be having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions by now. They feel like a tightening or cramping in your tummy, and they can happen as often as every 10 to 20 minutes in late pregnancy. They are your body’s way of preparing for the birth and are nothing to be worried about. You can tell if they’re Braxton Hicks and not real contractions because they normally go away if you move position.

They may be real contractions if:

  • they get stronger or closer together
  • they last longer as time goes by
  • they are stronger when you walk
  • you feel pain or pressure in your pelvis, abdomen or lower back

If you went into labour now it would be considered premature labour and you would need medical attention straight away. If you’re in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife.

Things to remember

If your pregnancy is high risk, your doctor or midwife will probably want to see you more often from now on.

One serious complication that can develop in late pregnancy is pre-eclampsia. This is usually diagnosed if your doctor notices you have high blood pressure or protein in your urine.

See your doctor straight away if you develop:

Read next


Pregnancy at week 36

Your pregnancy at 36 weeks

Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2020


Back To Top

Need more information?

Pregnancy at week 34

As at the start of your pregnancy, you’re probably feeling tired and emotional. The baby doesn't have much room to move, but you might feel them kick and roll.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Anatomy of pregnancy and birth - perineum and pelvic floor

Read about your pelvic floor, including your perineum, which lies across the bottom of your pelvis and can be damaged during pregnancy and childbirth.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Perineal massage

Perineal massage is a technique that can be used during pregnancy to help to stretch the perineum, to reduce the risk of tears when giving birth.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

8 benefits of seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist in pregnancy - Birth Trauma

Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist during pregnancy can help with pregnancy discomfort, birth preparations, preparing for postnatal recovery and much more....

Read more on Australasian Birth Trauma Association website

Pregnancy at week 39

Your baby's weight gain should slow down since they are now ready to be born. You might soon start to notice the early signs of labour.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Pregnancy and travel - Better Health Channel

Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Multiple birth - triplets or more

If you are pregnant with triplets or more, the birth will need careful planning. The main risk is that your babies will be born prematurely. Find out more here.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Episiotomy

An episiotomy is a procedure performed during labour to assist with the delivery of your baby.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Perineal tears

A perineal tear is an injury to the skin and/or muscle between the vagina and anus that can happen during birth. Learn how it's treated and how to reduce your risk.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Birth injury (to the mother)

Birth injuries to the mother, such as perineal tears and pelvic floor damage can sometimes occur. Support and treatment is available.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.