Week 35: I Want to Break Free

Welcome to the end of month 8! Each day that passes is a day closer to meeting your baby! You will feel varying amounts of discomfort at this point in the pregnancy. It is worth the reminder to avoid sitting up directly by using your abdominal muscles, as this will cause added strain. Instead, when getting up from lying down, roll to the side and push up using your hands. As we’ve discussed over the past weeks, pelvic pain, sciatic pain, and back pain can all make it difficult to keep moving and stay motivated to stretch. And it may feel like your bump can’t get any bigger, or your skin can’t stretch anymore, but your body will adapt! Your body is meant for this. Focus on coping techniques to help you relax: taking a warm (not hot) bath, stretching, deep breathing exercises, prenatal massage, acupuncture, etc. Everyone experiences pain and discomfort differently and, therefore, requires different coping techniques to mitigate the pain. Do what works best for you!

Your baby is 35 weeks! The little toenails are now fully grown. All the little details of your baby’s physical appearance are now present. In addition, your baby’s digestive system is fully developed. It is ready to start absorbing nutrients through feeding. The sucking and swallowing reflexes are also well-established. However, the muscles needed for feeding will get stronger the closer you get to your due date. Your baby is almost fully ready to meet you!