35 WEEKS PREGNANT

Kidneys are fully developed and the liver can process some waste

Baby this week: about 45.9 cm — head to heel · about 2.4 kg

45.9 cm — about the size of a honeydew melon

Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size

Your baby this week

  • Kidneys are fully developed and functioning
  • The liver can process some waste products on its own
  • Most of the lanugo hair has shed by now, though some babies still have patches at birth
  • Growth is focused on adding fat rather than length at this stage

Your body this week

  • Pelvic pressure often increases as the baby moves lower into position
  • Practice contractions may feel stronger and more frequent, though true labor contractions typically follow a regular, intensifying pattern

This week's tip: Learning the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions can help you feel more prepared — your provider can walk you through the signs to watch for.

Want the bigger picture — organ development, nutrition, scans and warning signs for this stage? See month 8: Getting ready for the outside.

Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.