You're 35 weeks pregnant!

Medically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP & Adda Bjarnadóttir, MS, LN

What's going on with you this week?

You and your baby have made it to week 35 of your pregnancy. You’ve likely gained most of your weight (we said most, not all). And we bet you're feeling every single pound of it.

At this point, you may not be up for eating much, so focus on smaller meals and healthy snacks. Just remember, these next few weeks are all you have left. They're going to fly by and your baby will be here before you know it.

When there's a lightning storm. In your pants

Have you been feeling any intense shooting pains in your vaginal area lately? If so, welcome to the wonderful world of "lightning crotch."

Aptly named, lightning crotch feels exactly the way it sounds like it would feel — like there is a lightning strike happening in your crotch area. Don't panic. Your baby is now getting in position for delivery and, as a result, their head is most likely resting directly on your cervix. That combined with your baby's weight putting pressure on the nerve endings in your pelvic area result in this lightning crotch phenomenon.

It's totally normal and just means that everything in your body, including your baby, is now preparing for delivery. Of course, that doesn't make it any more comfortable. There's nothing you can do to prevent these strikes, but some things can help ease the pain a bit. Light exercise, a massage, or wearing something supportive can all help.

Let's discuss — the group B streptococcus screening

The strepto-what? It sounds like a forgotten dinosaur that some Jurassic Park groupies just discovered in a desert somewhere, but it's really just another test that you'll need to take before you give birth. Let us explain.

Sometime between weeks 36 and 37, your provider will have you come in for a group B streptococcus screening. This test screens for the presence of group B strep — a bacteria that is NBD for adults, but that can cause serious health issues for a newborn baby if they’re exposed to it. You’ll get a quick swab of your vagina and rectum, the swabs will be examined for the bacteria, and that's pretty much all there is to it.

And if you do test positive, don't worry. Your provider will give you antibiotics during labor to help ensure that your baby never comes into contact with the bacteria at all. Like most medical screenings that happen during pregnancy, this one is important because it detects something that can cause real harm to your baby, yet it's very easily dealt with if the bacteria is detected. A win-win for all.

We bet you're getting pretty sick of seeing the inside of your healthcare provider's office at this point. Luckily, this is probably one of the last screenings you'll need before the big day, and that day will be here before you know it.

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Eat

Healthy 2-Ingredient Breakfast Cookies. If you're not up for a big bowl of oatmeal or a plate of eggs, these healthy cookies are a terrific small breakfast option. Plus, you deserve a little dessert for breakfast these days.

Avocado Caprese Salad. A light lunch packed with healthy fats and nutrients.

Healthy Broccoli Slaw Fish Tacos. Light, nutritious, and simple. Make the slaw the night before to save time.

Drink

Peach Crisp Smoothie. High in protein and magnesium, this smoothie makes a perfect snack or a refreshing breakfast option.

Shop

A supportive tank. If you're dealing with a lot of pressure and pain down there, wearing a tank top with belly support can help.

Breast pump and accessories. If you're planning to breastfeed, it’s time to make sure you have a pump and any accessories that you'll need.

Do

Decide if you're going to send out baby announcements. If you know you are going to send out announcement cards, take a look and see if you can choose one ahead of time.