Day 251 of 280, third trimester
You are 35 weeks and 6 days
Complex developments in your baby's lungs will let her breathe unaided once she's born.
29 days until your due date
Blood flow to the lungs develops alongside the airways. Blood leaves the right side of the heart through a one-way valve into the main pulmonary artery, which divides to give a branch to each lung, plus a duct that lets blood bypass the lungs and go straight to the body. This duct closes soon after birth, as the lungs expand and their resistance to blood flow falls.
Because your baby doesn't use her lungs for gas exchange in the uterus, their blood supply is quite small, only 10 percent of what it will be after birth. By now the lungs' blood supply has finished developing, branching into finer and finer vessels that lie closer and closer to the alveoli.
During birth, your baby's chest is squeezed in the birth canal, which helps push fluid out of the lungs ready for that incredible first breath. A baby born by cesarean has to bring the fluid up herself. This isn't a problem, but it's why a cesarean baby's first breaths can be full of mucus.
Good to know
Items for your hospital bag
Sort out what you'll take to hospital now, as you won't want to be gathering things once you're in labor. Pack for yourself and the baby, and if you know you're having a cesarean, pack enough for a few days.
For yourself:
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Nursing bras
- Slippers
- Dressing gown
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Toiletries
- Maternity sanitary pads
- Breast pads and nipple cream
- Comfortable loungewear in case you stay in and want to get dressed
For your baby:
- Undershirts
- Footed sleepsuits
- A blanket
- Diapers
- Diaper bags
- Cotton pads
- Diaper cream
- Baby wipes, if you plan to use them
- A hat and cardigan for going home, which can also be an extra layer if your baby needs warmth in hospital
Other useful items:
- Camera or video camera
- Music for the delivery room
- Books and magazines
- Massage oil
- TENS machine
- Washcloths
Your partner should pack a bag of his own and make sure the car seat is installed. Pack snacks and drinks nearer the time, but think now about what you'll want.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 35 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.