Week 35

What’s happening this week

You…

• could have a sudden burst of energy over the next few weeks – but don’t overdo it
• may start to feel uncomfortable if the baby’s weight presses on the nerves in your legs and pelvis.

Your baby…

• may weigh around five pounds (2.3 kg)
• may measure 48 cm
• is gaining weight steadily
• has lungs that are almost fully developed.

Late pregnancy discomforts

Late pregnancy can be a pretty uncomfortable time. The baby keeps on growing, getting a little bit bigger each day, and your body has to adjust. We’ll help you cope!

Short of breath?

The baby is now high up under your ribs, and this can make you feel quite breathless. In a week or two the baby may slip down into your pelvis and give you a little more space. Meanwhile, you might find it easier to sit in a straight-backed chair rather than an armchair.

Feeling full?

You may find it quite hard to eat properly. Your stomach is squashed and, even though you are hungry, you may feel full after only a couple of mouthfuls. Eat little and often (and try to make sure that everything you do eat is good for you!).

Indigestion?

Heartburn is a problem for some women. Again, eat small meals, avoid spicy foods or anything else that seems to cause it, and talk to your LMC about what over-the counter remedy to take.

Still awake?

As your bump gets bigger, you may find it hard to get to sleep. Try lying on your side with your top knee resting on a cushion. This prevents any pressure on your bump, but you might also need more room in bed. Warn your partner now that he will have to move over!

Bored?

You will have your hands full when the baby arrives, so battle boredom by spending time on activities that make you feel good. Warm baths, candlelit dinners, trying out new recipes… things you won’t have so much time for when you’re looking after your new arrival.

Top tip for feet

Finding shoes that are comfortable can be tricky – if you’re buying new ones, shop for them late in the day when your feet are most swollen. That way, they’re less likely to pinch.

Hairstyle tip:

Get your hair cut into an easy-to-manage style in late pregnancy. You’ll have little time for blow-drying after the baby is born!

Demand feeding

Healthy term babies may not feed very much in the early days. They have special stores that they can use until your milk ‘comes in’. Some newborns are quite sleepy too. It’s important to offer your baby the breast whenever he seems hungry and to let him breastfeed for as long as he wants. This way you will build your milk supply to match his needs.

Breathing techniques

When you’re tense, your breathing becomes shallower and your chest feels tight. You may start to feel panicky and light-headed. In labour, you want to avoid this happening and ensure that you and your baby have a steady supply of oxygen. During your pregnancy, start to become more aware of your breathing patterns. Whenever you feel tense, notice what’s happening to your breathing. Then take a deep breath, sigh out and relax. Use the techniques taught in your antenatal classes.

Thinking ahead: childcare

It may seem odd to start considering childcare before your baby has even arrived, but you can start thinking now about your plans if you’re going back to work.

• Book places in child care centres if you are interested – they go quickly.
• Start talking to other parents and parents-to-be.
• Check a child care centre near you.
• Think about prices/what you can afford.

Make a checklist of important factors when you start thinking about childcare: How will you get there? Car? Public transport? How easy is it to reach by either form of transport?

• Who will be collecting and dropping off? If it is near one office, will that make it harder for the other partner to be involved?
• Do you want home or outside based care?
• Do you want a nursery or home-type environment?
• Does your employer offer any subsidies or vouchers for a given nursery?
• Do any local nurseries feed into schools that you are interested in?

It’s never too soon to start your search for the right childcare for you and your baby!

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