Welcome to week 35. Your baby weighs about 2.4kg, and you are now roughly 5 weeks from your due date. If you started perineal massage last week, this week is about building consistency. If you have not started yet, it is not too late.
Your Body at Week 35
Things are getting real:
- Your baby is running out of room. Movements may feel different, more rolling and pushing, less kicking.
- Shortness of breath is common as your uterus pushes up against your diaphragm.
- Frequent urination increases as baby presses on your bladder.
- Swelling in your feet and ankles is normal. Elevate your feet when you can.
- Nesting instinct may kick in. The urge to organize, clean, and prepare the house.
Birth prep at week 35
Finalize your hospital bag. If you started packing at week 34, review your list and add anything missing. Do not forget your perineal massage oil — some women bring it to the delivery room.
Practice breathing techniques. The breathing you practice during perineal massage is directly transferable to labor. The more comfortable you are with controlled breathing under mild discomfort, the better prepared you will be.
Discuss your birth plan. If you have not already written one, this is a good week to put your preferences on paper. Think about pain management, positions, who you want in the room, and what matters most to you. Read more about why you need a birth plan.
Consider prenatal yoga. Gentle yoga at this stage helps with flexibility, posture, and mental calm. Many prenatal yoga classes include pelvic floor awareness exercises that complement your perineal massage routine.
Perineal massage at week 35: Building the Habit
By your second week of perineal massage, the technique should feel more familiar. You know how to position yourself, how much oil to use, and what the stretching sensation feels like.
This week, focus on:
- Consistency. Aim for 3-4 sessions this week. Schedule it like you would any other part of your routine — after a shower, before bed, or while watching something relaxing.
- Gradually increasing pressure. If last week you kept the pressure very light, this week try pressing a little deeper into the U-shape stretch. The stretch should feel noticeable but never painful.
- Breathing. Practice breathing slowly and deeply through the stretching sensation. This is the same skill you will use during labor. Inhale through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth, and consciously relax your pelvic floor.
If you are using a Perimom perineal massage tool, make sure you are using enough oil in the channel. One or two pumps of Perimom massage oil per session is usually enough.
Tips for Week 35 Perineal Massage
Always consult with your healthcare provider about perineal massage. Do not continue if it does not feel right.
Try not to skip sessions. It is tempting to skip a session when you are tired, and at 35 weeks, you are tired. But consistency is more important than perfect technique. Even a shorter 3-minute session is better than no session.
Involve your partner if you want. Some women find it easier to have their partner assist with perineal massage, especially as the bump gets bigger. If you prefer independence, a perineal massage tool with a belly-bypass curve lets you do it entirely on your own.
Common questions at week 35
I started last week and it still feels uncomfortable. Is that normal?
Yes. The stretching sensation takes a few sessions to become familiar. Keep the pressure gentle and focus on breathing. By week 37-38, most women report that the sensation is much more manageable.
How do I know if I am doing it right?
You should feel a stretch — not sharp pain. The U-shape motion should reach from roughly the 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock position around the vaginal opening. Check our perineal massage with diagrams guide for visual reference.
Can I do perineal massage if I have a low-lying placenta?
Consult your healthcare provider before starting perineal massage if you have placenta previa, vaginal bleeding, or any other pregnancy complication.
Looking ahead
You are building a solid foundation. Next week — Week 36 — your body enters the final month, and your perineal massage confidence should be growing. Keep it up.
