In the 35th week of pregnancy, an important milestone in the development of the baby occurs: its lungs have fully matured and it would already be able to breathe without difficulty in the event of its birth. In any case, it is important that you pay attention to the signs of a possible premature birth, especially if it is a multiple pregnancy, which usually does not reach term.
Some signs that labor may be early are an increase in abdominal cramps, as well as vaginal discharge or bleeding. You will also notice increased pressure in the lower back and you may suffer from diarrhea. You'll also need to know how to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and labor contractions. Do not hesitate to consult with your doctor any symptom that worries you or bothers you excessively.
As a general rule, the lungs of the baby at week 35 of gestation are already fully mature, thanks to the production of pulmonary surfactant that has occurred in the previous weeks. In the event that he was born now, it would not be necessary to administer corticosteroids to mature his lungs, since he could breathe without difficulty.
In the final stretch of pregnancy, the brain development of the fetus advances by leaps and bounds, as well as that of its nervous system. Likewise, both their circulatory and musculoskeletal systems are fully developed. Progressively, your skin smoothes thanks to the fat gain. It also thickens the vernix layer, a film of fat that protects it from amniotic fluid, while it gradually loses the lanugo, that fine hair that covered its body.
At week 35 of gestation, the baby weighs about 2,500 grams and measures approximately 45 centimeters. It is usual that they are already placed in the position they will have at birth, either with the head down or "breech".
Given the advanced state of pregnancy, the symptoms and discomfort in the mother are accentuated. One of the most common is increased pressure in the area of the abdomen, pelvis and vulva. This happens because the baby is going down the birth canal, so you can notice cramps, as well as inflammation in the genitals.
You will also attend to a frequent need to urinate and even small losses when making efforts, coughing, laughing or sneezing, since the descent of the fetus through the pelvis compresses the bladder. Varicose veins in the legs are another symptom that worsens as the weeks of pregnancy progress, as well as pain, swelling and cramps in the legs.
Finally, you may have heartburn problems, as well as feel some numbness in your hands and feet. You will also find it difficult to fall asleep, as a result of the discomfort and discomfort. Ask your doctor for advice to alleviate any symptoms that you find excessively unpleasant.
