things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant

Ever woken up at 35 weeks pregnant and thought, “Right, I’ll just pop to the shops for a cheeky pint and a packet of crisps”? If so, love, sit down—your bump’s doing enough walking for the both of you. At this stage, your body’s basically hosting a tiny human who’s practicing their football kicks on your bladder, and while it might feel like you’re just carrying a very enthusiastic watermelon, there are things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant that could turn your final stretch into a proper kerfuffle. We’ve all been tempted to ignore the little voice (or the midwife’s stern glare) telling us to take it easy—but now’s not the time to channel your inner rebellious teen. The things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant aren’t just old wives’ tales; they’re backed by science, sanity, and a fair bit of common sense.

You might fancy yourself as Wonder Woman with a bump, but hoisting shopping bags, toddlers, or that dodgy IKEA bookshelf you’ve been meaning to assemble? Big no-no. One of the critical things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant is straining your abdominal muscles or pelvic floor. Your ligaments are looser than a pub piano’s tuning thanks to relaxin, and overexertion can trigger preterm labour or worsen symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). Even if your nan says, “I carried hay bales till my waters broke,” times have changed—and so has our understanding of prenatal care. Stick to lifting nothing heavier than your cuppa, and let someone else handle the heavy stuff. Trust us, your future self (and your pelvic floor) will thank you.

It’s tempting to think, “I’ve had nine scans already—what’s one more?” But at 35 weeks, those appointments aren’t just box-ticking exercises. They’re vital checks for blood pressure, foetal position, amniotic fluid levels, and signs of preeclampsia. Missing them means missing potential red flags. Among the most overlooked things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant is assuming everything’s tickety-boo without professional confirmation. Your midwife isn’t just there to weigh you—they’re your frontline defence against complications that could sneak up faster than a London drizzle. So, unless you’ve got a royal summons from the Queen herself, don’t skip that appointment.

Remember that era when “eating for two” meant demolishing a whole pizza and calling it self-care? Yeah, not quite how it works. At 35 weeks, your immune system’s still playing nice with your growing babe, which means listeria and toxoplasmosis are still unwelcome guests. So, put down the camembert, resist the sushi roll, and steer clear of undercooked meats. These are non-negotiable things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant. Yes, it’s a bummer—but your baby’s health trumps your craving for blue cheese dip. And honestly, once you’ve had a proper cheddar omelette with sourdough, you’ll forget all about that brie you fancied.

Let’s be real: you’re knackered. Your feet are swollen, your back’s doing its own interpretive dance, and you haven’t slept properly since week 28. Yet, some of us still try to power through work deadlines, social plans, or reorganising the nursery “just one more time.” But here’s the tea: rest isn’t lazy—it’s strategic. One of the most crucial things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant is burning the candle at both ends. Your body needs energy to grow that baby, prepare for labour, and keep your brain from turning into porridge. So, cancel that extra Zoom call. Put your feet up. Let the laundry wait. Your future self—mid-contraction at 3 a.m.—will be ever so grateful.

Staying active is brilliant—until it’s not. At 35 weeks, gentle movement like swimming, prenatal yoga, or a stroll through the park can ease discomfort and boost circulation. But signing up for that spin class or attempting a 10K? That’s pushing your luck. Overexertion can lead to dehydration, overheating, or even uterine contractions. So, while you might feel like Mo Farah in your dreams, remember: moderation is key. Among the smartest things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant is treating your body like it’s pre-bump. Listen to it. If it’s saying “oi, slow down,” then slow down.

You’ve colour-coded your birth preferences, researched every hypnobirthing track, and memorised the hospital’s parking layout. Admirable? Absolutely. Necessary? Not quite. At 35 weeks, obsessing over whether you’ll have a water birth or need an epidural can spike your cortisol levels—which isn’t great for baby or you. Flexibility is your best mate now. One of the emotional things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant is rigid expectations. Birth rarely goes to script, and that’s okay. Focus on feeling prepared, not perfect. After all, your baby doesn’t care if you wore your lucky socks—they just want to meet you safely.

Fancy a last-minute weekend getaway before the baby arrives? Hold your horses. Many airlines restrict flying after 36 weeks, and long car journeys can increase DVT risk. If you must travel at 35 weeks, pack your maternity notes, know where the nearest maternity unit is, and take breaks every hour to stretch. Unplanned travel without precautions is one of the risky things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant. And please—don’t drive alone for hours. Bring a mate, snacks, and that pregnancy pillow you’ve been sleeping with. Comfort isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Braxton Hicks? Normal. But regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks? That’s preterm labour knocking. Other red flags include reduced foetal movement, severe headaches, vision changes, or sudden swelling. Dismissing these as “just pregnancy stuff” is dangerous. Recognising and acting on symptoms is among the most vital things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant—namely, avoiding delay. If something feels off, ring your midwife. Better to be told “all’s well” than to wait until it’s not.

At 35 weeks, you’re in the home stretch. But if your hospital bag’s still empty and the cot’s unassembled, it’s time to shift gears. Procrastination is one of the sneaky things to avoid at 35 weeks pregnant. Babies arrive when they’re ready—not when your nappy stash is fully stocked. Use this week to finalise essentials: pack your bag, install the car seat, freeze some meals, and confirm your birth partner’s availability. And while you’re at it, why not explore more resources? Start with the homepage of Amana Parenting, dive into our Pregnancy section, or check out our guide on Signs of Having Twins at 5 Weeks Ultrasound Clues if you’ve been wondering about multiples.

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/week-35-pregnant
• https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/preterm-labour-and-birth-green-top-guideline-no-25
• https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/stages-of-pregnancy/third-trimester/35-weeks-pregnant
• https://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy-week-by-week/35-weeks-pregnant