Your baby's brain is undergoing an unprecedented growth spurt. This week, the brain's weight will increase by a staggering 30%. This rapid expansion is precisely why babies born at 35 weeks still benefit immensely from those final few weeks in the womb to fully wire the complex neural networks.
🍼 What's Happening With Your Baby
Now the size of a honeydew melon, the baby's physical development is essentially complete. The kidneys are fully developed, and the liver can process some waste products.
The baby is curled tightly in the fetal position. There is virtually no room left to stretch out, so movements feel more like rolls, pushes, and the occasional sharp elbow to your ribs.
The layer of fat beneath the skin is plumping the baby up, helping them look less wrinkled and more like the newborn you will soon meet.
🤰 What You're Feeling This Week
Your doctor will likely administer the Group B Strep (GBS) test between weeks 35 and 37. This is a simple swab of the vagina and rectum to check for a common bacterium that is harmless to you but can be dangerous to the baby during delivery.
You might notice an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions. These 'practice' contractions are helping thin (efface) and soften your cervix in preparation for labor.
Frequent urination is relentless. The baby's head is likely resting directly on your bladder, leaving very little room for urine storage.
The Final Brain Spurt
The brain is establishing the billions of connections necessary for the baby to learn, adapt, and thrive immediately after birth. This late-stage growth is critical for long-term cognitive health.
✅ What To Do This Week
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Discuss GBS protocols — If you test positive for Group B Strep, you will need IV antibiotics during labor. Discuss this protocol with your doctor so you are prepared.
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Finalize your support team — Confirm who will be watching your older children or pets when you go into labor, and ensure they have a copy of your hospital plan.
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Watch for fluid leakage — As the amniotic sac stretches, it can rupture prematurely. If you feel a sudden gush or a continuous trickle of watery fluid, head to triage immediately.
"The exhaustion is profound, a deep, bone-weary fatigue. Your body is funneling massive amounts of energy into the baby's brain development. Rest is no longer a luxury; it is a biological requirement."
— A Note From Your Body, Week 35