Your baby this week

About as heavy as a small tarbooz (watermelon).

Most of your baby's major growth is usually done now. From here, it's mainly weight gain.

You this week

You'll usually see your doctor weekly now.

Swelling and trouble sleeping well are common.

Week 35 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 2527 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a small tarbooz (watermelon) (Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (BMC Plant Biol 2025) 'Harnessing genetic variation in watermelon...', Table 1: parental line AHW/BR-22 fruit weight 2600-2900 g). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

  • Most major physical development is typically complete; the focus from here is largely on continued weight gain.ACOG

How you may feel

  • Weekly prenatal visits typically begin around now.ACOG
  • Swelling, fatigue, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position are common.NHS

Nutrition this week

  • Iron — build fetal stores for the first 6 months of life (Red meat)
  • DHA (omega-3) — peak fetal brain + eye growth
  • Calcium — final bone mineralisation (Dairy)

When to reach out

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
  • Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
  • Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
  • Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
  • Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
  • Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
  • A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
  • Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
  • Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
  • Regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or low back pain before 37 weeks (possible signs of preterm labor).ACOG
  • Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
  • Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG
  • A noticeable reduction in the baby's usual movements, or no movement felt — contact your midwife or doctor promptly rather than waiting; do not wait until the next appointment.ACOG
  • Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks, or any contraction pattern that concerns you near term.ACOG
  • Waters breaking, or blood-stained ('bloody show') discharge — a normal sign labor may be starting at term, but call your midwife or doctor to be checked.NHS

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.

Part of the Third trimester (weeks 28–42).

Educational reference only — not medical advice. Typical/average figures; every pregnancy differs. Always consult your doctor or midwife. Seek urgent care for any warning sign.

Tips for this stage

  • Light, easy-to-digest mealsSource: NHS — Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy
  • Ghee with warm food — a traditional Ayurvedic practice at this stageSource: Garbh Sanskar: Preparation of Motherhood (scholarly overview)
  • Barley water for hydrationSource: NHS — Water, drinks and hydration
  • Avoid heavy rice at nightSource: NHS — Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy

Checklist

  • Hospital bag completeSource: NHS — Pack your bag for labour
  • Car seat installed and checkedSource: CDC — Child Passenger Safety resources
  • Discuss signs of laborSource: NHS — Signs that labour has begun