35 Weeks Pregnant: GBS Swab, Pelvic Pressure & Bringing Baby Home

35 Weeks Pregnant: GBS Swab, Pelvic Pressure & Bringing Baby Home

At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon and is running out of room. You may feel more pressure in your pelvis as they settle lower. This is also when many people have their GBS swab, and it's a good time to get ready to bring your baby home safely.

Baby's size
About the size of a honeydew melon (around 46cm head to heel, 2.4kg)
Big development
Rapid weight gain and less room to move
Common symptoms
Pelvic pressure, sore ribs, heartburn and leaking when you sneeze
This week
Your GBS swab, and getting ready for home

What's happening this week

Your baby is gaining weight faster than ever, up to 200 to 300g a week, and will keep growing in length until birth.

Filling out

Rapid weight gain

Fat is building up all over your baby's body, giving them the chubby arms and legs of a newborn and helping them keep warm after birth.

Less room

Cosy quarters

Your baby has less room to move, so their movements may feel more like rolls, squirms and jabs than big kicks. You might see a hand or foot push against your bump.

Getting into position

Head down

Most babies are head down by now, ready for birth. Your doctor or midwife will check your baby's position at your appointments.

Your baby's movements may feel different, but they shouldn't slow down. Keep getting to know their pattern, and contact your hospital straight away if movements slow down, stop or change. Don't rely on home dopplers or apps to check on your baby.

Your GBS swab

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that lives harmlessly in the vagina or bowel of around 1 in 5 pregnant people. It doesn't usually cause any problems for you, but in rare cases it can pass to your baby during birth and make them very unwell.

The test
A quick swab of your vagina and rectum, usually between 35 and 37 weeks. It's painless, and you can often take the swab yourself.
If you're GBS positive
You'll usually be offered antibiotics through a drip during labour, which greatly reduces the chance of passing GBS to your baby.Call the hospital straight away if your waters break, and tell them you're GBS positive
Hospital approaches vary
Some Australian hospitals offer the swab to everyone. Others give antibiotics in labour based on risk factors, such as a fever or waters breaking early. Ask your midwife which approach your hospital uses.

Symptoms at 35 weeks pregnant

  • Pelvic pressure. A heavy feeling in your pelvis or vagina as your baby moves lower. Resting, gentle swimming and a support belt can help.
  • Sore ribs. Your uterus is pushing up against your ribs, and a well-aimed kick can hurt. Sitting up straight and changing position can help.
  • Heartburn and bloating. Small meals, eating slowly and staying upright after eating help. Here's how to ease heartburn.
  • Leaking when you laugh or sneeze. Keep drinking plenty of water, lean forward to empty your bladder fully, and keep up your pelvic floor exercises.
  • Growing breasts. Your breasts and ribcage may still be growing. Get fitted for a nursing bra now if you plan to breastfeed.
  • Vivid dreams. Dreams about labour or your baby are common and normal. Relaxing before bed, gentle exercise and naps can help.
  • Nesting. A sudden urge to clean, sort and prepare. Enjoy it, but pace yourself and save your energy for labour.

Contact your hospital straight away if your baby's movements change, or if you have regular contractions, pelvic pressure with cramps, bleeding, fluid leaking, pain under your ribs, a severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling.

Bringing your baby home safely

With a few weeks to go, it's worth getting the essentials ready for your baby's first trip home and first nights.

The car ride

Safe travels

Have your rearward-facing car seat professionally fitted. Dress your baby in thin layers rather than a puffy outfit, so the harness sits snugly, and tuck a blanket over the top if needed.

Safe sleep

Every sleep

Set up a safe cot or bassinet in your room. Always put your baby on their back, with their face and head uncovered, in a smoke-free home. Here's how to set up a safe sleep space.

At home

Ready to go

Stock up on nappies, wipes and newborn clothes, and have a room thermometer ready. Ask close family to check they're up to date with their whooping cough vaccine.

Our sleep list and newborn clothing list cover everything you'll need. And while you still can, enjoy a lunch or dinner out with your partner or friends.

Your to-do list for week 35

Helpful for this stage

Car safety and accessoriesFor a safe trip homeShop car safety Room thermometersDress your baby right for the roomShop thermometers Breast pads and careFor leaks and early feedingShop breast care

Week 35 FAQs

What is the GBS test?

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that lives harmlessly in the vagina or bowel of around 1 in 5 pregnant people. The test is a simple swab of your vagina and rectum, usually done between 35 and 37 weeks, which you can often take yourself.

Is the GBS test done in every Australian hospital?

Not always. Some hospitals offer the swab to everyone, while others use a risk-based approach and give antibiotics in labour if you have certain risk factors, such as a fever or your waters breaking early. Ask your midwife or doctor which approach your hospital uses.

What happens if I test positive for GBS?

You'll usually be offered antibiotics through a drip during labour. This greatly reduces the small chance of passing GBS to your baby. Tell the hospital you're GBS positive when you call in labour, and call straight away if your waters break.

Is pelvic pressure normal at 35 weeks?

Yes. As your baby grows and moves lower, you may feel heaviness or pressure in your pelvis and vagina. Contact your hospital if the pressure comes with regular contractions, period-like cramps, bleeding or fluid leaking, as these can be signs of labour.

Should my baby move less at 35 weeks?

No. Your baby has less room, so their movements may feel different, more like rolls and squirms than kicks, but they should keep moving just as often right up until labour. Contact your hospital straight away if movements slow down, stop or change.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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