Nutrition & Wellness in Week 35 of Pregnancy

Wellness and Nutrition When You're 35 Weeks Pregnant

During this busy time of preparation, it's more important than ever to maintain your energy and strong health with balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

• You are probably visiting your doctor every two weeks now. Most of these visits will be the same as previous checkups with a few additions:
  • Your doctor probably will screen you using a routine test for group B streptococcus (GBS).
  • This bacterium (not related to strep throat) usually lives harmlessly in the vaginas of 10% to 35% of healthy women.
  • Although GBS poses no risk to you, your baby can pick it up during delivery.
  • If you test positive for GBS, you probably will be given antibiotics during labor to protect your baby.
• Your doctor also might check your baby's position to see if she's moved into place for delivery.
  • Your doctor probably will feel your baby's position from the outside of your abdomen. As you get closer to your due date, your doctor might perform a vaginal exam to check your cervix.
  • Your doctor will confirm which part of your baby's body is farthest down in your pelvis. In most cases, it's your baby's head.

Putting a Plan in Place
Working out the details now can lead to a smoother labor and delivery later!

• Be sure both you and your partner know the way to the hospital and how long it takes to get there, from home or work. Do a practice run, if necessary!
• Have a backup route ready in case of poor weather or traffic problems.
• Have a plan for each time of day (or night). Who will take you to the hospital? How do you reach your partner?
• Make preparations if you have other children or pets.

Preplanning Quick List

• Are the phone numbers for your doctor, partner, and sitter in one place?
• Are your maternity benefits and leave paperwork complete?
• Are you preregistered at the hospital?
• Do you know when to call the doctor if labor has begun?
• Who will drive you if it's during the day or at night?
• Where do you park?
• Is videotaping allowed?
• What are the hospital's visitor policies?

Practice makes perfect! If you've already finished your childbirth classes, don't forget to practice breathing, relaxation, or stretching techniques. This way you'll be ready to use them when the time comes!