Pregnancy Week 35 vs Week 36
Complete comparison of baby development, mom's symptoms, and changes between these weeks
📊
Time Difference
1 week apart
🔄
Trimester
Both in 3rd trimester
Baby Size Comparison
Growth Progress
Week 35Honeydew melon
Week 36Romaine lettuce
Your baby is approximately 89% through pregnancy
Week 35
📏
Length
18.2 inches
⚖️
Weight
5.3 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Honeydew melon
Week 36
📏
Length
18.7 inches
⚖️
Weight
5.8 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Romaine lettuce
What Changes Between Week 35 and 36?
👶New Baby Developments
- ✓Baby is gaining approximately one ounce per day now
- ✓Skin is becoming smooth and losing wrinkles as fat fills out
- ✓Gums are rigid and strong
- ✓Circulatory and immune systems are complete and functioning
- ✓Baby is officially considered "early term" at 37 weeks
🤰New or Changing Symptoms
- ✓Significantly increased Braxton Hicks contractions that may take your breath away
- ✓Pelvic pressure intensifies as baby descends into birth position
- ✓Possible "lightning" - sudden dropping of baby into pelvis
- ✓Even more frequent bathroom trips, possibly every hour
- ✓Difficulty walking and waddling gait
📈Key Changes Summary
Baby Growth: Your baby continues to grow rapidly, with organs developing and maturing each day.
Your Body: Your body adapts to support your growing baby with various physical and hormonal changes.
Baby Development Milestones
Week 35 Development
- •Baby is running out of room and movements may feel different - more rolling than kicking
- •Kidneys are fully developed and producing urine
- •Liver can process waste products independently
- •Lungs are almost fully mature with sufficient surfactant production
- •Reflexes are fully coordinated including sucking, swallowing, and grasping
- •Most vernix has been shed and absorbed
Week 36 Development
- •Baby is gaining approximately one ounce per day now
- •Skin is becoming smooth and losing wrinkles as fat fills out
- •Gums are rigid and strong
- •Circulatory and immune systems are complete and functioning
- •Baby is officially considered "early term" at 37 weeks
- •Most lanugo has disappeared
Common Symptoms
Week 35 Symptoms
- •Very frequent urination as baby presses on bladder constantly
- •Intense pelvic pressure and possible lightning (baby dropping)
- •Possible significant swelling in feet, ankles, hands, and face
- •Severe shortness of breath as uterus reaches maximum height
- •Trouble sleeping and extreme discomfort
- •Possible anxiety about impending labor
Week 36 Symptoms
- •Significantly increased Braxton Hicks contractions that may take your breath away
- •Pelvic pressure intensifies as baby descends into birth position
- •Possible "lightning" - sudden dropping of baby into pelvis
- •Even more frequent bathroom trips, possibly every hour
- •Difficulty walking and waddling gait
- •Possible loss of mucus plug (can regenerate)
Nutrition Tips
Week 35 Nutrition
- •Continue balanced, nutritious eating despite reduced appetite
- •Eat easily digestible foods that are gentle on your compressed stomach
- •Stay hydrated with water, even though it means more bathroom trips
- •Include vitamin C-rich foods (85mg daily) for tissue healing
- •Eat small portions more frequently
- •Focus on protein and iron-rich foods
Week 36 Nutrition
- •Eat foods rich in vitamin K (90-120 mcg daily) for blood clotting during delivery
- •Include iron-rich foods to prevent postpartum anemia
- •Stay hydrated despite constant urination
- •Eat small, frequent, easily digestible meals
- •Include foods rich in vitamin C
- •Focus on protein for tissue repair
⚕️When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
During weeks 35 to 36, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- •Severe headache with vision changes
- •Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- •Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet
- •Decreased fetal movement