You at 35 weeks pregnant

Your face might be puffy in the morning, and your feet and ankles might be swollen by the afternoon or evening.

Put your feet up as much as you can. A little bit of walking or other light exercise each day will also help get the swelling down. You might need to rethink your footwear.

If your fingers, ankles or feet suddenly become swollen, or you’re experiencing headaches or changes to your vision like blurred vision, call your doctor or midwife straight away.

Group B streptococcal test (GBS)
Group B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that often live in the vagina and anus. They don’t usually harm you. But if the bacteria pass to your baby during birth, it could cause an infection that might make your baby very sick.

At about 35-37 weeks, your doctor or midwife might ask you to take a swab from your bottom and vagina to see whether you have GBS. If you do, you’ll be offered intravenous antibiotics during labour to lower the risk of infection to your baby. If you don’t have the swab but you have certain risk factors for GBS, you’ll also be offered antibiotics during labour.

Getting closer to the big day
As the birth gets nearer, it’s natural to think about labour and how you might manage it.

Knowing what to expect from labour and what your options are can be a big help, especially if you’re worried. Talk with your doctor or midwife, ask questions and go to antenatal classes if you haven’t already.

Your baby when you’re 35 weeks pregnant

Your baby:

• is about 32 cm long from head to bottom and weighs about 2.3 kg
• has got sucking and swallowing under control now
• has fully formed toenails and fingernails.