Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Pregnancy at week 35
Your baby
Your baby is quite cramped in your uterus by now, their legs are likely bent up into their chest, but they can still change position and should continue to move around in their normal pattern.
Your baby's kidneys are now mature. They will be swallowing about a litre of amniotic fluid every day, which they later passed back out as urine.
Don't worry if your baby is still in the breech position (head up, feet down) – most babies will gradually turn into the head-down position during the last month. If your baby is still in the breech position during the next week or two, your doctor or midwife may recommend a procedure known as external cephalic version (ECV).
Your body
You may be having Braxton Hicks contractions. They feel like a tightening or cramping in your tummy, and can happen as often as every 10 to 20 minutes in late pregnancy. They are your body's way of preparing for birth and are nothing to be worried about. You can tell if they're Braxton Hicks and not real contractions because they normally go away if you move position.
They may be real contractions if:
- they get stronger or closer together
- they last longer as time goes by
- they are stronger when you walk
- you feel pain or pressure in your pelvis, abdomen or lower back
If you went into labour now it would be considered premature labour and you would need medical attention straight away. If you're in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife.
Things to remember
If you have complications during your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will probably want to see you more often from now on.
One serious complication that can develop in late pregnancy is pre-eclampsia. This is usually diagnosed if your doctor notices you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine.
See your doctor straight away if you develop:
- a bad headache
- pain in the tummy
- blurry vision
- sudden swelling of your hands or feet
Whether you're planning to have your baby at home, hospital or a midwife led birth centre, it's a good idea to get a few things ready a few weeks ahead of time. If you haven't already you can use our handy checklist.
Resources and support
Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:
- maternity care in Australia
- having a healthy pregnancy
- exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
- checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
- common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
- looking after your mental health and wellbeing
Find out how we develop and review our content.
Last reviewed: August 2023
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Third trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the third trimester.
The Fourth Trimester | Ausmed
The first 12 weeks postpartum, also known as the fourth trimester, should be seen as a continuum of pregnancy and an important period of recovery and family adjustment.
First trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the first trimester.
Second trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the second trimester.
Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Explained | Ausmed
A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Tears are caused by the fetal head stretching the vagina and perineum during delivery.
Endometriosis | Your Fertility
About one-third of people with endometriosis have difficulties getting pregnant, but treatment options are available. Read more about endometriosis at Your Fertility.
Pregnancy Acne - Acne During Pregnancy - All About Acne
Not all pregnancies lead to acne but if you have hormonal acne, it is likely to flare during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Causes and Management of Bleeding in Early Pregnancy | Ausmed Article
Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester (first 12 weeks of gestation) is a common but often alarming symptom that occurs in up to 25% of pregnancies. Why does this occur and is there a cause for concern?
Minor Disorders of Pregnancy | Ausmed
During pregnancy, the body changes in many ways. The physical and hormonal changes that accompany each trimester can cause not only physical discomfort but also many mental and emotional challenges. Yet, for the most part, these changes are entirely organic and normal.
The Diabetes Eye Health Guide | The Fred Hollows Foundation AU
Diabetic retinopathy affects over one third of all people with diabetes and is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. Globally the prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly, particularly in low and middle income countries, and without effective action, so too will the number of people with diabetic retinopathy.
