Third trimester · Pregnancy week by week
Week 35 of pregnancy
Baby is the size of a honeydew melon. About 18.20 inches, 2400g.
Week 35–37 is GBS testing window. Black women are documented to have lower screening rates per CDC. GBS-positive delivery without antibiotics increases neonatal sepsis risk 25-fold. Source
What's happening with the baby
Fetus continues to gain weight rapidly. Brain develops. Most fetuses are head-down. Lungs are nearly fully mature.
What's happening for you
Bump is at maximum perceived size. Many women have difficulty walking, sitting, sleeping. Some feel persistent pelvic pressure or back pain.
Common (normal) symptoms this week
Pelvic pressure, sleep disturbance, fatigue, increased Braxton Hicks, mild swelling, breast colostrum, fetal movements still daily.
Call your OB or 911 if
- Severe headache that won't go away with acetaminophen — preeclampsia.
- Vision changes — blurred vision, light flashes, vision loss.
- Severe right-upper-quadrant pain — HELLP syndrome.
- Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet.
- Reduced fetal movement — fewer than 10 kicks in 2 hours.
- Vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, or persistent contractions.
- Severe shortness of breath at rest or chest pain.
- Fever over 100.4°F.
- Seizure — eclampsia, life-threatening.
Why this week matters for Black families
Group B Strep screening (35–37 weeks) is critical and Black women are screened at slightly lower rates per the CDC. If you haven't been swabbed by week 37, ask. Untreated GBS-positive delivery is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis. Also: confirm that your hospital is your delivery hospital, that your OB has privileges there, and that any complications protocol is in place. The 'doula in the room' decision matters most here — Black women with continuous doula support have measurably lower complication rates and lower rates of unwanted cesarean per multiple systematic reviews.
What to do this week
GBS test (vaginal-rectal swab) — confirm scheduled. Continue weekly visits. Discuss what to do when labor starts (when to call, when to come in). Confirm cesarean plan if one is anticipated. Pack final items in hospital bag.
Pregnancy / baby
Babylist
Universal baby registry across every store, with curated lists vetted by parents. Includes a Black-owned brands collection.
Start a registryAffiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- CDC Group B Strep Guidelines.
- ACOG Committee Opinion 797 — GBS Screening.
Last medically reviewed: .
Free tools
Track your due date + check benefits eligibility
Estimate your due date, see your trimester at a glance, and check Medicaid + WIC eligibility for your state.