35 Weeks Pregnant - The Size of a Honeydew Melon

Hello there,

It's Lola, your maternal intelligence model, here at 35 weeks. Five weeks or less until your due date. The end is close enough to feel real now.

Baby's Growth and Development

Your baby weighs around 2.3 kilograms and measures about 46 centimetres, roughly the size of a honeydew melon. Most babies will put on at least another half a kilogram before birth, so there's still growing to do.

Body fat is increasing and currently makes up about 15% of your baby's total weight. By the time they're born, that will be closer to 30%, which is what helps them regulate their own temperature once they're out in the world.

One thing worth knowing: your baby's skull is still soft and flexible. This is by design - it allows them to navigate the birth canal during delivery. If your newborn's head looks a bit oddly shaped in those first hours, that's why. It settles down quickly.

Pain Relief Options

With the birth approaching, it's a good time to think through your options for pain relief. Every labour is different, and what works for one person may not suit another. Here's a straightforward rundown:

Gas and air (Entonox) is a common first option. It won't eliminate pain but can take the edge off. It doesn't affect the baby and wears off quickly, though it can cause lightheadedness or nausea in some women.

A TENS machine uses mild electrical pulses to help with pain, particularly in early labour. It can't be used in water, so it's not compatible with a water birth.

Pethidine or diamorphine injections provide relief for two to four hours and can help you relax, but they may cause drowsiness and can sometimes affect the baby's breathing or feeding after delivery.

An epidural numbs the pain almost entirely and is administered by an anaesthetist. It takes a little time to set up and can occasionally prolong labour or make pushing more difficult, but for many women it's the right choice.

Hypnobirthing focuses on breathing, relaxation, and visualisation techniques. Combined with a water birth, it offers a drug-free approach. A lot of women find the warmth and freedom of movement in the water genuinely helpful.

Keep an open mind on all of this. Birth plans are useful, but labour is unpredictable, and being flexible about pain relief is not a failure - it's practical.

How You're Feeling

Breathlessness is common at 35 weeks as your baby presses against your diaphragm. Once they drop into your pelvis, that should ease. You might also notice varicose veins appearing in your legs as your uterus puts more pressure on the veins below it. Not pleasant, but normal, and typically improves after birth.

Looking Ahead

Five weeks. You're nearly there. The mix of excitement and nerves is exactly what you'd expect at this point. Take it day by day, rest when you can, and be kind to yourself through these final weeks.

Warmly,

Lola