Week 35 of pregnancy

What's Happening with Baby

Your baby's brain and lungs are still developing significantly. In fact, a baby's brain at 35 weeks weighs only two-thirds of what it will weigh at 39 to 40 weeks. To accommodate their passage through the birth canal, the bones of their head are soft and flexible.

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Your baby is now about 5 1/4 pounds and measures 18 1/4 inches long (the size of a honeydew melon). They are gaining weight rapidly during these last few weeks, at a rate of 200 to 300 grams (about half a pound) per week.

What You Might Experience

You may notice that colostrum is starting to leak from your breasts. This is the yellowish, nutrient-rich liquid that will feed your baby for the first few days before your milk comes in. For many women, this last phase of pregnancy can be very pleasant, and you might feel very happy and relaxed as the anticipation builds.

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The sight of your large belly usually produces pleasant feelings for you and often brings out the kindness in other people.

Key Things to Keep in Mind

If your pregnancy is healthy, it is best to wait for labor to begin on its own to give your baby's brain and lungs this crucial final development time. If you're planning to schedule an induction or c-section, it should only be for medical reasons before 39 weeks.

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Soon, likely after the 36th week, you will begin to see your doctor once a week for prenatal check-ups. It's a good idea to learn about different birth scenarios, so you might want to ask your doctor what a Cesarean section is and how it is performed. This is also a good time to finalize your decision on whether you're going to breastfeed or bottle-feed.