35 weeks pregnant

Your baby this week

Most of baby's growth from here is weight, not length.

• Baby weighs around 5.25 lbs (2.4 kg) and is putting on weight fast.
• Kidneys are fully developed; liver can handle some waste processing.
• Most growth from here on is weight gain rather than length.

Your body this week

GBS (Group B Strep) test is usually around week 36.

• GBS test is typically done at 36 weeks — a vaginal/rectal swab that checks for Group B Streptococcus bacteria.
• If positive, you'll receive IV antibiotics during labor.
• Pelvic pressure intensifies as baby drops lower.

Common symptoms

• Pelvic pressure
• Hemorrhoids
• Heartburn
• Trouble sleeping
• Strong contractions

Things to do this week

• ✓GBS test (usually next visit)
• ✓Final hospital tour if not done
• ✓Discuss labor plan with provider

For partners this week

Talk through the plan

• Go to the visit where you talk about labour plans, and ask your own questions.
• Save the birthing unit's phone number in your phone.

Typical visits around this week

Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.

• RSV vaccine (if baby is due in RSV season)

  Weeks 32–36 · if it applies to you

  If your baby is expected during RSV season (roughly fall to spring), a vaccine in pregnancy is one way to protect them; the other is an antibody given to the baby after birth. Ontario offers the pregnancy vaccine free at 32–36 weeks (national guidance says it can be given from 28 weeks). Your provider will help you choose.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • Is my baby due during RSV season?
  • Should I get the vaccine, or should the baby get the antibody after birth?
  • Where can I get the RSV vaccine?
  • If I get it, does the baby still need anything after birth?

• Routine check-ups (about every 2 weeks)

  Weeks 28–36

  From about 28 weeks, check-ups usually come every 2 to 3 weeks. Your provider keeps an eye on your blood pressure, the baby's growth and heartbeat, and will talk about feeling the baby move.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • How should I keep track of the baby's movements?
  • Which symptoms mean I should call right away?
  • When should we register at the hospital or plan our birth place?
  • Are prenatal classes available near us?

• Group B strep swab

  Weeks 35–37

  A quick vaginal and rectal swab, usually between 35 and 37 weeks, to check for group B strep bacteria. If it's positive, you'll be offered IV antibiotics during labour or if your water breaks.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • Can I do the swab myself?
  • How will I find out the result?
  • If it's positive, what happens when I go into labour?

Coming up

• Weekly check-ups

  Weeks 36–40

  From about 36 weeks, visits are usually weekly until birth. Your provider checks the baby's position and your health, and goes over signs of labour and when to come in.

  Questions to ask →Questions to ask ↑

  • Is the baby head-down?
  • When exactly should we call or head to the hospital?
  • What's the plan if my water breaks before contractions start?
  • What happens if I go past my due date?

A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.

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Further reading from health authorities

• Pregnancy — Government of Canada (Public Health Agency of Canada)
• Your pregnancy — Pregnancy Info, from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
• Week-by-week guide to pregnancy — NHS (UK)
• Pregnancy — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)