Week 35: Head Down
Baby is about the size of Honeydew melon (462mm head-to-heel)
Most babies have settled into a head-down (cephalic) position by now. The kidneys are fully developed, and the liver can process waste products. The baby is plumper, with fat filling out the arms and legs. The reflexes are coordinated — the baby can grasp, orient to light, and respond to sounds. Weight is approximately 2.4kg (5.3 lbs).
If the baby drops into the pelvis ('lightening'), you may breathe easier but feel more pelvic pressure and need to urinate more frequently. The cervix may begin softening (effacing) in preparation for labor. You may notice increased vaginal discharge or the mucus plug beginning to loosen.
What is important now
In Denmark, Midwife Visit #4 occurs. In Germany, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) testing opens as a self-pay option (weeks 35-37). The baby's position is important — if still breech, discuss options (External Cephalic Version, optimal fetal positioning exercises).
Common symptoms
- heavy vaginal bleeding — emergency services
- regular contractions every 5 minutes — contact provider or hospital
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Final growth and birth preparation
- Iron-rich foods (baby building iron stores for first 6 months of life)
- Begin eating 6 dates daily (evidence suggests this supports cervical ripening)
- Adequate protein for final growth
- Raspberry leaf tea (from 36 weeks — some evidence for uterine toning)
Exercise
Movement
Gentle movement and optimal fetal positioning exercises
Sleep
7-9 hours (total with naps)
Position: Left side; accept that sleep is challenging
· If baby has dropped, you may actually sleep better due to less diaphragm pressure
· Rest in whatever position works — sleep quality matters more than quantity
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
If your baby is breech, know that many babies still turn in the coming weeks. ECV is an option. Trust your care team.
“Your baby is positioned for their journey into the world — all reflexes ready, all senses alive.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
29 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
16 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
7 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
6 weeks ago- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
This week- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Heavy vaginal bleeding or regular contractions every 5 minutes before 37 weeks are emergencies. Contact your hospital immediately.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.