Uterus size chart in pregnancy

Sizes And How It Works

The uterus creates the placenta for fetal development and blood vessels to nurture it.

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When you think of pregnancy, the first thing you may envision is a growing belly. While this is a visible change of pregnancy that is hard to ignore, myriad transformations occur inside a pregnant woman’s body. The most important change is the size of the uterus during pregnancy.

The uterus plays a crucial role in pregnancy as the abode of the infant, and it constantly expands during your gestation journey to hold the developing fetus.

This post discusses interesting details about the uterus, including its size during and before pregnancy, functions, and positions. It also mentions how to maintain a healthy uterus.

Uterus During Pregnancy

The uterus is a distensible organ the size of a closed fist. It grows and changes to become large enough to accommodate a full-term baby. It is held in its position by ligaments, which stretch as the uterus grows.

Dr. Alan Lindemann, MD, a former clinical associate professor at the University of North Dakota, says, “When you get 10 or 12 weeks along, about the end of the third month, your uterus could be appreciably enlarged and feel heavy. You also have more blood supply, so your arteries and veins to and from your uterus might be perceived as heavy.”

Read on as we tell you about what exactly the uterus does, how much its size changes, and how you can measure the organ and keep it healthy.

Size Of Uterus During Pregnancy

As you know, the uterus keeps changing in shape and size as your pregnancy progresses. The uterus expands between 500 and 1,000 times its normal size (1). Let’s see how the organ changes during each trimester.

The first trimester (0 to 12 weeks)

• At 12 weeks of pregnancy, the size of the uterus remains as small as the size of a grapefruit.

• As your pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows, putting pressure on the bladder. This is when the frequency of urination increases (2).
• In the case of twins or multiple pregnancies, the stretching of the uterus will be faster compared to that of a single baby.

Related: First Trimester Of Pregnancy: Changes, Symptoms & Baby Growth

The second trimester (14-28 weeks)

• By the second trimester, the uterus grows to the size of a papaya. The uterus grows upward and develops outside the pelvic area.

• The uterus expands between the naval area and the breasts and starts putting thrust on the other organs, pushing them away from their original positions (3). This may lead to some tensions in the ligamentsⁱXFibrous connective tissue that holds bones together to form a stable structure. and the surrounding muscles, leading to body aches and pains.

• In some cases, the naval may pop out because of the pressure put by the uterus on other organs.

The third trimester (28-40 weeks)

• By the third trimester, your uterus will get enlarged to the size of a watermelon. It will move from your pubic brim to the lower bottom of the rib cage.

• Once you approach labor, your baby will descend into the pelvis.

Related: Third Trimester: When It Starts And What Changes Happen

After childbirth

After childbirth, the uterus shrinks back to its normal position and size. This process is known as involution, which will take about six to eight weeks (4).

Apart from changing in size to accommodate the growing fetus, the uterus also plays other roles during pregnancy.

Functions Of The Uterus During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the uterus:

• Accepts the fertilized ovum that passes through the fallopian tubeⁱXPair of tubes that carry eggs from ovaries to the uterus in women. .

• Creates the placentaⁱXTemporary organ connecting the uterus to the umbilical cord, providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. for the development of the fetus.

• Nurtures the fetus with nutrients by developing blood vessels exclusively for this purpose.

• Contracts to facilitate the exit of the baby and the placenta through the vagina during childbirth.

• Post-delivery, it shrinks back and starts preparing for the next menstrual cycle.

• It helps the blood flow into the ovaries. It supports other organs such as the vagina, bladder, and rectum. It plays an important role in sexual functions like triggering orgasm (5).

Interesting how important this inconspicuous organ is, right? Read on, and we will give more information about the uterus and its functions.

How Big Is a Uterus? Normal Size Of A Uterus In Women

The size of the uterus varies from woman to woman. It weighs approximately 70 to 125gm (6). However, the size of the uterus is based on factors such as age and hormonal conditions of a woman.

Size of the uterus:

• Before attaining puberty, the length of the uterus is about 3.5cm and thickness is approximately 1.4cm (7).

• After attaining puberty, the length is between 5 and 8cm, width is 3.5cm, and thickness is between 1.5 and 3cm.

• During pregnancy at term, the uterus measures 38cm in length and 24 to 26cm in width.

Just like the size of the uterus, the position of the uterus also varies from woman to woman. It can be in an anteverted, anteflexed, or any other position.

What Is The Uterus Made Of?

The uterus is an inverted, pear-shaped, and hollow, muscular reproductive organ (8) located in the pelvic region of a woman’s body.

Image: IStock

It is made of smooth muscles lined with various glands. These muscles contract during orgasm, menstruation, and labor, whereas the glands grow thicker with the stimulation of ovarian hormones every month. If you do not become pregnant during the ovulation period, the glands will cast off through the monthly menstrual cycle.

The uterus extends into the vagina through the cervix, which is made up of fibromuscular tissues, and it controls the flow of material into and out of the uterus.

Did you know?

Some women may have a short cervix, which increases the risk of premature labor. Medical or surgical intervention can help prevent complications (15).

Related: Cervical Cerclage: Why And How It Is Done During Pregnancy

Positions Of The Uterus

One of the factors that influence the position of the uterus is the degree of dilation of the bladder. The uterus normally lies right above the bladder and in front of the (anterior) rectum. The normal uterine position is straight and vertical.

Common uterus positions

The uterus position can also be anteverted or anteflexed, both of which are common.

Image: Shutterstock

• In the anteverted position, the uterus is bent forward towards the bladder/ pubic bone and towards the front of the body.

• In anteflexed position, the uterus is rotated towards the pubic bone with a concave surface.

Uncommon uterus positions

Certain positions are tilted back towards the rectum.

• A retroverted uterus is tipped backward toward the rectum. Around 25% of women have this type of uterus.

• A retroflexed uterus is the opposite of the anteflexed uterus, as it takes a concave shape towards the rectum (9).

A retro uterus is not known to create any fertility issues. However, you might have pain during sexual intercourse.

A tilted uterus does not usually create a problem during pregnancy, as the changing uterus will retain the forward-tipped position (10).

Research finds

An incarcerated uterus or a trapped uterus is an extremely rare complication of a retroverted uterus (16). A portion of the uterus gets entrapped and expands within the confined areas of the pelvis, which might cause uterine rupture (17).

Related: Where Does Sperm Go During Pregnancy? Is It Safe?

Measuring The Uterus During Pregnancy

Your doctor might measure the size of your uterus, also called the fundal height (fundus is the domed region at the top of the uterus), to understand the fetal growth and development. The fundal height is the measurement of the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, which determines the gestational ageⁱXTerm used to describe the duration of pregnancy in weeks. .

Note: It should be noted that the size of the uterus varies from woman to woman and depends on height, weight, and age (11).

You, too, can measure the size of your uterus. Before we go into the various methods of measuring it, let’s see the initial steps:

1. Lie down on your back on the bed or the floor. While lying down, you should not feel any pain or dizziness.

2. Locate your uterus by touching your tummy. If you are over 20 weeks pregnant, you can feel the uterus just above the navel. The uterus is hard, round.

3. Now, move your fingers upward to feel the top of the uterus, which is also referred to as fundus.

4. Proceed to locate your pubic bone. It is positioned just above your pubic hair line. The bone tip that you can feel is the pubic bone.

Once you locate the fundus and the pubic bone, you can measure the fundal height using various methods.

• Measure the distance between your fundus and the pubic bone in centimeters using a tape.

• For example, if you are 24 weeks pregnant, then your uterus would usually measure 22-26cm. The uterus usually grows 1cm in a week or about 4cm in a month.

You can use this method to track your pregnancy growth week by week. However, studies say that more research needs to be done to find out the reliability of this method.

• If your uterus is below or above the belly button, then measure how many fingers below or above is the uterus from the bellybutton.

• The assumption is the fundal height increases by two finger-widths every month.

• For example, if you are 4 two-finger-widths above the belly button, then it indicates seven months gestation (see the above figure).

This method helps determine the gestational age in months (12).

If you find the fundal height different from the gestational week that you think you are in, talk to your doctor, and get your doubts cleared.

The size of the uterus during pregnancy plays an important role in the well-being of your baby growing inside. Next, we look at how you can maintain the health of your uterus during pregnancy.

How To Keep Your Uterus Healthy?

The best way to keep your uterus healthy is to keep yourself healthy. Here is how you can do it:

• Make sure to eat right and engage in some forms of exercise to maintain.

• Eat omega-3 fatty acid-rich food.

• Quit smoking as it has harmful effects on the uterus.

• Do not hold your urine.

1. When does the mouth of the uterus open in pregnancy?

The opening of the mouth of the uterus is called cervical dilation. The cervix begins to dilate towards the end of pregnancy. It becomes thinner and dilates during the first stage of labor, and is completely dilated by about 10cm during the last stage of labor (13).

2. How does a weak uterus affect pregnancy?

An incompetent or weak cervix, a kind of womb abnormality, may lead to preterm birth in some women (14).

3. Does a swollen uterus mean I am pregnant?

“A swollen uterus could mean pregnancy. Generally speaking, by the time you can appreciate the swelling in your uterus, you will be about three months along. However, there are other reasons for swelling. The most common reason for swelling is fibroids, which are benign smooth muscle tumors,” observes Dr. Lindemann.

4. Why do I feel a sharp pain in my uterus while pregnant?

Pregnant women may feel a stabbing pain in and around the uterus, stomach, or groin area. Cramping (as the uterus expands), round ligament pain (as the ligament that supports the uterus stretches with progressing pregnancy), gas, or constipation are some of its common causes (18).

5. Where is uterus pain located?

Uterus pain in early pregnancy is mostly felt in the pelvic floor area (19).

The uterus expands during pregnancy, and its growth indicates the size of the fetus. After birth, the uterus again conforms to its previous size. It is beautiful how a small organ grows over time into the size of a watermelon to accommodate a growing fetus. Understanding how your uterus changes throughout pregnancy will help you appreciate the first three trimesters. Because this organ is so important to your health, you must look after it before, during, and after the pregnancy. This entails eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and seeing a gynecologist for regular examinations. Also, notify your gynecologist if you detect any unusual menstrual indications so that the underlying problem can be treated promptly.

Key Pointers

• The uterus is your baby’s home, constantly expanding during the gestation period to hold the developing fetus.
• While pregnant, women may experience a constant need to urinate. This occurs because the ever-growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder.
• Involution or shrinking of the uterus occurs post-childbirth. It takes about six to eight weeks for the uterus to shrink back to its normal position and size, after which it starts preparing for the next menstrual cycle.
• Maintain a healthy uterus by eating the right foods, exercising regularly, consuming omega-3 fatty acid-rich food, quitting smoking, and not holding your urine.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. The Developing Baby; Parents Centre
2. The First Trimester; John Hopkins Medicine
3. Pregnancy: Starting Out; Women’s Specialists of New Mexico, Ltd
4. Ms. Rajdawinder Kaur1, et al.; A Quasi- Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Early Ambulation on Involution of Uterus among Postnatal Mothers Admitted At SGRD Hospital, Vallah, Sri Amritsar, Punjab; International Journal of Health Sciences and Research
5. Role of the uterus in fertility, pregnancy, and developmental programming; American Society of Reproductive Medicine
6. Determining the Route and Method of Hysterectomy; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc
7. Wellington de Paula Martins, et al.; Pelvic ultrasonography in children and teenagers; Scielo
8. Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area; John Hopkins Medicine
9. Dr Anne Marie Coady; The uterus and the endometrium Common and unusual pathologies; The British Medical Ultrasound Society
10. Retroverted Uterus; Better Health; Victoria State Government
11. Dr. Ajay M. Parmar, et al.; Sonographic Measurements Of Uterus And Its Correlation With Different Parameters In Parous And Nulliparous Women; International Journal of Medical Science and Education
12. Antenatal Care Module: 10. Estimating Gestational Age from Fundal Height Measurement; The Open University
13. Cervical Ripening; Cleveland Clinic
14. Uterine abnormality – problems with the womb; Tommy’s
15. Cervical insufficiency and short cervix; March of Dimes
16. Incarcerated uterus; Radiopaedia
17. Richard Slama, et al.; (2015)Uterine Incarceration: Rare Cause of Urinary Retention in Healthy Pregnant Patients; National Library of Medicine
18. Sharp Pain During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association
19. Uterus Pain: Learn About The Causes and Treatment In Early Pregnancy; Medanta Hospital

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Uterus During Pregnancy - Size, Functions & Healthy Tips

The uterus is a pear-shaped, dynamic female reproductive organ located in the pelvis between the urinary bladder and the rectum. The average dimensions are approximately 8 cm in length, 5 cm in breadth, and 4 cm in thickness, with an average volume between 80 and 200 ml. Together with other vital organs of the reproductive system, the uterus plays an important role in reproduction, menses, implantation of the zygote, gestation, labour, and delivery of the baby. It is under the influence of the hormonal milieu within the body, adapting to the different stages of a woman’s reproductive life. Due to its dynamicity, the shape of the uterus when pregnant changes and expands to accommodate the infant to the size of a watermelon.

What Is a Uterus and How Does It Look Like?

The uterus is divided into 3 main parts: fundus, body, and cervix. To understand this, imagine a pear upside down. The upper globular, thick part is the fundus, the lower, narrow, slightly tubular part is the cervix and in between is the body. The uterus has two arm-like extensions, one on each side at the junction of the fundus and the body, called the fallopian tubes.

The ovary is a specialised structure that produces the ovum or the egg. Your ovary starts producing ova even before birth, but the maturation and release of these ova begin after the onset of puberty or menses. Each month, either of the ovaries releases one ovum, which is picked up by the fimbriae and travels through the fallopian tube to reach the uterine cavity or the inside of the womb. Then it meets the sperm (if you have had unprotected sex).

Where does the egg meet the sperm? The millions of sperm ejaculated into the vagina during unprotected sexual intercourse travel through the cervix, up the body, and meet the egg in the fallopian tube, where one lucky sperm gets to enter the egg to fertilise it. This results in the formation of the zygote, which will then develop into a foetus.

If you want to know how to feel your uterus in early pregnancy, you can lie on your back (only for a small amount of time) and locate your pubic bones. Your uterus is behind your pubic bones in the early stages of pregnancy.

How Does the Uterus Work?

It is quite interesting to see how the uterus functions. The uterus is hollow inside and has a wall that is 3 layers thick. The outermost layer is a very thin layer which forms a coat or an envelope. The middle layer is a thick layer of muscles which forms the main bulk. It gives strength to the wall of the uterus and is capable of expanding to accommodate a growing baby and contracting to push the baby out during labour.

The inner thin glandular lining is called the endometrium. It is the most active layer responding to all hormonal changes and is highly specialised. It is formed every month, and it prepares itself for conception and pregnancy, waiting for a fertilised egg to arrive and implant itself on it to begin the process of making a beautiful baby. For most of the months after puberty, however, what it receives is an unfertilised egg. During such a situation, the inner lining is shed with some blood, and that’s what is called menses. This whole cycle is called the menstrual cycle

When a fertilised egg does arrive, it gets implanted in the endometrium. Now, it will grow to form a placenta and an embryo. The placenta forms connections with the uterine blood vessels to provide nutrition to the embryo via an umbilical cord. While this is happening, the uterus sends signals to the brain to modify the hormone release such that any further egg releases (i.e. ovulation) are stopped, and this temporarily ceases the menstrual cycle, thus confirming your pregnancy.

The uterus has a rich network of blood vessels and nerves. The nerves are responsible for the pain due to the contraction of the muscular middle layer during menstruation and during labour.

What Is the Womb/Uterus Made Up Of?

The uterus or womb is made up of smooth muscles lined with several glands. The muscles contract during menstruation, orgasm, and labour, and the glands in the uterus grow thicker because of the ovarian hormones every month. In case the egg in the uterus is not fertilised by a sperm, the glands shed off through the monthly menstrual cycle.

The vagina, which is extended by the uterus, connecting to the cervix, is made up of fibromuscular tissues, and has the ability to expand and contract. It is also the passage through which the material flows in and out.

Function of Uterus in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a complex process requiring a good niche. There is an interplay of various hormones and chemical mediators released by the brain and the uterus that need to be in perfect sync to conceive and maintain the pregnancy. These factors include:

• Space and support

During pregnancy, the uterus provides space and a suitable environment called the amniotic sac (a water bag filled with amniotic fluid) for the foetus to grow comfortably.

The uterus forms a connection between the mother and the baby via the placenta and umbilical cord to not only provide the necessary nutrition and oxygen but also to remove the waste products and purify the foetal blood until the foetal organs take over.

Through the feedback given by the uterus, the brain regulates the hormones throughout the pregnancy to keep the uterus in a relaxed state. At full term, the uterus sends a feedback message to the brain that the baby is ready for the most awaited moment and that is when the hormones change and the uterus begins to contract at the onset of the labour.

• Labour

Labour depends entirely on the efficient contraction and retraction of the uterine muscle fibres. Gradually the baby is pushed down with a progressive increase in the frequency and the strength of contractions.

• Haemostasis

On completion of birth the uterus contracts and becomes a hard small ball. It is structured to reduce bleeding and revert to the non-pregnant state.

Changes That Happen to Your Uterus During Pregnancy

Nature beautifully takes care of all the adaptations that are required in the mother’s body for a healthy pregnancy. The changes are in the structure (anatomical changes) and the function (physiological changes) not only in the reproductive organs but all other systems of the body. It is the maternal adaptation to the increasing demands of the growing foetus.

1. Changes in position

The uterus growth during pregnancy is phenomenal. It undergoes immense changes during pregnancy, having a significant impact on the body as a whole and altering other organ systems too. Many of these changes are necessary to maintain pregnancy, while others are merely side effects. These changes may cause discomfort to the mother.

Normal anteverted position (forward bending of the uterus on itself) is exaggerated up to 8 weeks. The enlarged uterus lies on the bladder making it incapable of filling to its usual capacity and hence the increased frequency of micturition during early pregnancy is experienced. Afterwards it becomes erect, and near term it is held straight up against the spine by the good tone of the abdominal muscles.

2. Size of the uterus during pregnancy

There is a gradual and steady increase in the size of the uterus from the normal 7 x 5 x 3 cm to a bigger 35 x 25 x 22 cm. The increase in size is about 5-6 times.

Size during first trimester

During the first trimester, the uterus is around the size of a grapefruit and starts to grow out of your pelvis even though it is still inside it. This is generally around the 12 weeks stage.

Size during second trimester

In the second trimester, the uterus grows to about the size of a papaya and no longer fits inside the pelvis and is somewhere between the navel and breasts.

Size during third trimester

Around the third trimester, the uterus is the shape of a watermelon and will extend from the rib cage to the pubic area.

Size after pregnancy

After pregnancy, the uterus will go back to its original shape inside the pelvis and this process is called involution and takes around 6 weeks to complete.

3. Measuring the Uterus

The uterus cannot be measured up until 12 weeks of pregnancy as it is positioned within the pelvic cavity. Beyond 12 weeks, it begins to be an abdominal organ when the fundus of the uterus can be palpated. There will be an upshift in the fundal height of the uterus during pregnancy week by week. This is useful to monitor the foetal growth and the amniotic fluid volume. Roughly the distance between the pubic bone and the fundus in centimetres correlates with the week of gestation up to 34 weeks. The examination is done in a lying down position with both legs folded in the knees and a relaxed abdomen.

The examiner tries to feel for the fundus with the sides of the palm. As a rough guide, at 12-14 weeks the fundus should be felt just above the pubic bone. At 20–22 weeks it will be felt at the naval. And at about 34-36 weeks, it should reach the upper part of the abdomen or the epigastric region. If the uterus is not at the desired height at that specific week, it means that it is either small for the age baby, or the volume of amniotic fluid is low.

Another way of measuring with more accuracy is the ultrasonography method that determines the size using sound waves.

4. Changes Inside the Uterus During Pregnancy

The growing size of the uterus is because of the foetus as well as an increase in the actual tissue content and blood vessels in the uterus. Accordingly, the uterus dimensions will change as follows:

– Weight: 20-fold increase in the weight of the uterus (50 → 1000 grams)

– Volume: 1000-fold increase (4 → 4000 ml)

– Location: Uterus which is a strictly a pelvic organ until 12 weeks starts to become abdominal

– Blood flow: 10-fold increase (50 → 500 ml/min)

– Shape: Its shape changes from elongated to oval by the 2nd month, to round by 12 weeks, then back through oval to elongated at term.

What Are the Diagnostic Tests to Check Uterus Condition?

Your healthcare may require the diagnosis of your uterus for several reasons, such as finding any health issues related to the uterus, monitoring pregnancy, finding any possibility of cancer, helping with fertility issues, or diagnosing other conditions.

Here are some common diagnostic tests for the uterus:

1. Ultrasound:

Ultrasound is an imaging method which uses sound waves to create images of structures within your uterus.

2. Pelvic exam:

 In this test, the doctor manually checks for the size, shape, and position of the cervix, vagina, uterus, and ovaries.

3. MRI:

The MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body, including your uterus.

4. Hysteroscopy:

This procedure is done manually by inserting a thin tube called a hysteroscope into your vagina to take pictures of the inside of your womb to examine it.

Problems With the Uterus During Pregnancy

There is a wide spectrum of abnormalities of the uterus that can affect pregnancy outcome, with mere variation of normal at one end of the spectrum and gross abnormalities affecting the functioning of the uterus at the other end. Of these some are congenital defects while some uterine problems may be acquired.

Abnormalities of Uterus in Pregnancy

Some common congenital uterine malformations include:

Name	Frequency of Occurrence reported among women surveyed	Condition
Unicornuate uterus	5%	Here, the uterus is half formed or half-sized, making it extremely hard for a pregnancy to occur
Uterine didelphyis	11%	Malformation where fusion of the Mullerian ducts do not occur. This results in double crevices, making it hard for pregnancy.
Bicornuate uterus	39%	Most common form of abnormality where there is a double uterus with a single vagina or cervix
Septate uterus	34%	Partial or incomplete longitudinal uterine cavity septum
Arcuate	7%	Slight deviation from a normally developed uterus
Hypoplastic	4%	Small and improperly formed uterus, and in some cases, no uterus at all.

Other common acquired uterine abnormalities:

1. Cervical incompetence

In this case the cervical opening or the orifices are unable to stay closed. As a result, it can lead to miscarriage during early pregnancy or preterm delivery if near the delivery date. You will experience vaginal bleeding or premature contractions.

It is treated by cervical en cerclage; as the name suggests is an encircling suture that is put across the cervix until full term in order to keep it closed.

2. Uterine synechiae – Asherman syndrome

Usually results from destruction of large areas of endometrium during a D&C procedure (Dilatation and curettage). This forms intrauterine adhesions that can cause infertility in women

3. Uterine leiomyomas (Uterine fibroids)

Non-cancerous growths in the woman’s uterus that can cause an extension of the size of the uterus in extreme cases.

4. Abnormal uterus position in body during pregnancy:

This can be of 4 types –

• Anteflexion: Uterus is normally slightly anteflexed. As a relatively free-floating organ, the uterus tends to normally bend a little forward in the abdomen. There is an increase in the degree of this forward bend to some extent during early weeks of pregnancy. However, some women may have an unnaturally anteflexed uterus, such that it sometimes pushes against the bladder. Such a grossly anteflexed uterus may prevent proper transmission of labor contractions and may cause difficult and/or delayed labour.

• Retroflexion: In this case, the uterus is bent backwards towards the spine. In this case, it usually pushes against the rectum. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, pelvic pressure, and painful sex. If sever may cause difficult labour.

• Sacculation: Persistent entrapment of uterus in the pelvis during pregnancy. It may lead to extensive dilatation in the lower part of the uterus to accommodate the foetus.

• Uterine torsion: During pregnancy, the uterus rotates on its axis (mostly clockwise, rarely anticlockwise). A small degree of this rotation is normal. But in some rare cases, this rotation maybe more than 45 degrees. This is known as uterine torsion. Cases of upto 720-degree rotations have been recorded. Associated symptoms like obstructed labour, intestinal or urinary complaints, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding may be observed. Both maternal and foetal complications are reported.

How Does an Abnormal Uterus Affect Your Pregnancy?

The uterine abnormalities, if not mild can have a significant negative impact on pregnancy. Here are some of the common complications that arise with an abnormal uterus:

• Infertility
• First- and second-trimester miscarriage
• Malpresentation (Condition where there is an abnormal position of the foetus)
• Foetal-growth restriction, foetal demise (leading to still-birth)
• Preterm delivery because of prematurely ruptured membranes
• Increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy, a condition where the embryo embeds itself outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tubes
• Uterus pain during early pregnancy
• Renal problems: 40 percent of women with unicornuate uterus aare likely to have renal (kidney-related) anomalies, and evaluation for these is needed.

When Does the Mouth of the Uterus Open During Pregnancy?

The opening of the mouth of the uterus is professionally termed cervical dilaton. The cervix begins to dilate in preparation for birth when the end of the pregnancy is near, and the baby is about to come out. The cervix becomes thin and dilates. This is one of the signs of labour. By the last stage of labour, it completely dilates by about 10 cm.

What Happens If Uterus Is Weak During Pregnancy?

If the cervix is weak, it is termed a kind of womb abnormality. In this condition, pregnant women may deliver the baby before the term.

Tips to Keep Your Uterus Healthy During Pregnancy

A healthy uterus means a healthy pregnancy. Following are some general guidelines:

1. Work

In the absence of complications, most women can continue to work until the onset of labor (American Academy of Paediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2012). Any occupation that subjects the pregnant woman to severe physical strain should be avoided. Ideally, no work or play should be continued to the extent that undue fatigue develops. Adequate amount of rest should be provided especially in a complicated case or if the woman has had complications in a previous pregnancy.

2. Exercise

In general, pregnant women do not need to limit exercise, provided they do not become excessively fatigued or risk injury. Unless specified by the doctor, pregnant women should be encouraged to engage in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes or more a day.

3. Seafood consumption

Nearly all fish and shellfish contain trace amounts of mercury. Hence pregnant and lactating women are advised to avoid specific types of fish with potentially high methylmercury levels. These include sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. It’s recommended that pregnant women ingest no more than 12 ounces or two servings of canned tuna per week and no more than 6 ounces of albacore or “white” tuna.

4. Travel

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2010) has formulated guidelines for automobile passenger restraint use during pregnancy.

• Women should be encouraged to wear properly positioned three-point restraints (seat-belt) throughout pregnancy while riding in automobiles.
• The lap portion of the restraining belt should be placed under the abdomen and across the upper thighs.
• The belt should be comfortably snug.
• The shoulder belt also should be firmly positioned between the breasts. Available information suggests that airbags should not be disabled when there is a pregnant woman in the car.
• In the absence of obstetrical or medical complications, pregnant women can safely travel by an aeroplane up to 36 weeks of gestation. Significant risks with travel, especially international travel, are infectious disease acquisition and the development of complications by virtue of being remote from adequate resources. Make sure you are well-informed about these before choosing to travel internationally.

5. Coitus

In healthy pregnant women, sexual intercourse usually is not harmful. But it should be avoided whenever abortion, placenta previa or preterm labour threatens. Intercourse late in pregnancy specifically has not been found to be harmful. However, a case report described a fatal air embolism late in pregnancy as a result of air blown into the vagina during oral-vaginal intercourse. Proceed with caution.

6. Immunization

Most of the vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy and not a routine unless as pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk mothers. But two highly recommended vaccines are Tetanus for every mother (two injections) and Influenza in case of a flu outbreak.

7. Caffeine

It is unclear if caffeine consumption is associated with preterm birth or impaired foetal growth. The American Dietetic Association (2008) recommends that caffeine intake during pregnancy be limited to less than 300 mg daily, or approximately three 150ml cups of percolated coffee.

8. Backache

It can be reduced by squatting rather than bending when reaching down, by using a pillow back support when sitting, and by avoiding high-heeled shoes.

FAQs

1. Is Swollen Uterus a Sign of Pregnancy?

Yes, a swollen uterus can be a sign of pregnancy. But by the time you get to notice it, you’ll be about three months along. There are other reasons also behind the swelling of the uterus. One of the common reasons could be fibroids, which are small muscle tumours in the uterus.

2. How Does the Uterus Get Ready for Labour and Birth?

In preparation for labour and birth, the first thing that occurs is Braxton Hicks contractions. These are the false contractions that prepare your uterus for the final stage. Braxton Hicks contractions come and go and are not generally very painful. They increase in frequency as the pregnancy reaches its final term.

During labour, the uterine muscles contract to help your infant move down and sit into the birth canal. Contractions during labour begin as a wave and intensify as it descends through the uterus to the cervix. During the contractions, your uterus will feel tight, but between them, the pain will subside, and you’ll be able to take a nap before the next one intensifies. Contrary to Braxton Hicks, labour contractions intensify, become more regular, and occur more frequently as birth approaches.

3. What Is the Uterus Removal Surgery Called?

The surgery that involves the removal of your uterus is called a hysterectomy. The procedure may also remove your cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries along with surrounding organs as per the need.

Thus, you can see the role that the uterus plays in pregnancy and how important it is for you to take care of it. Even if you are comfortable with the growing baby inside you, it is still recommended that you do not exert yourself, as many factors could lead to complications.

Size of the uterus by weeks of pregnancy: table of norms

How to measure the uterus during pregnancy

As soon as the uterus has increased in size and is located in the abdominal cavity, the gynecologist begins dynamic monitoring of the growth of the abdomen. At each visit, the woman takes a horizontal position of the body, and the doctor measures the stomach from the pubic bone to the bottom with a centimeter. Each measurement is entered into a special table, which will allow you to see the state of the child in dynamics.

In the first weeks of gestation, body size remains almost unchanged. Only an ultrasound examination will become the most informative during this period, and pregnancy is determined using tests and the appearance of the genital organs.

Table of uterine sizes by week of pregnancy

Normal size of the cervix during pregnancy

The normal dimensions of the neck are determined depending on the stage of gestation:

• from 16 to 20 - 40-45 mm;
• from 25 to 28 - 35-40 mm;
• from 32 to 36 - 30-35 mm.

Why the uterus does not match the gestational age

If the size of the uterus does not correspond to the period after 28 weeks, then this may indicate an initially incorrect calculation of the conception period or minor deviations. Therefore, it is necessary to normalize the psychological state of the pregnant woman with the help of natural sedatives so as not to aggravate the pathology.

Any pronounced deviation from the norm becomes a reason for additional ultrasound studies, where the state of the amniotic fluid is determined, and development indicators inside the womb are compared. They also consult with a geneticist who will determine what will be the norm in each individual case.

Changes in the cervix during pregnancy

Pregnancy is always pleasant, but sometimes not planned. And not all women have time to prepare for it, to be fully examined before its onset. And the detection of diseases of the cervix already during pregnancy can be an unpleasant discovery.

The cervix is ​​the lower segment of the uterus in the form of a cylinder or cone. In the center is the cervical canal, one end of which opens into the uterine cavity, and the other into the vagina. On average, the length of the cervix is ​​3–4 cm, the diameter is about 2. 5 cm, and the cervical canal is closed. The cervix has two parts: lower and upper. The lower part is called the vaginal, because it protrudes into the vaginal cavity, and the upper part is supravaginal, because it is located above the vagina. The cervix is ​​connected to the vagina through the vaginal fornices. There is an anterior arch - short, posterior - deeper and two lateral ones. Inside the cervix passes the cervical canal, which opens into the uterine cavity with an internal pharynx, and is clogged with mucus from the side of the vagina. Mucus is normally impervious to infections and microbes, or to spermatozoa. But in the middle of the menstrual cycle, the mucus thins and becomes permeable to sperm.

Outside, the surface of the cervix has a pinkish tint, it is smooth and shiny, durable, and from the inside it is bright pink, velvety and loose.

The cervix during pregnancy is an important organ, both in anatomical and functional terms. It must be remembered that it promotes the process of fertilization, prevents infection from entering the uterine cavity and appendages, helps to "endure" the baby and participates in childbirth. That is why regular monitoring of the condition of the cervix during pregnancy is simply necessary.

During pregnancy, a number of physiological changes occur in this organ. For example, a short time after fertilization, its color changes: it becomes cyanotic. The reason for this is the extensive vascular network and its blood supply. Due to the action of estriol and progesterone, the tissue of the cervix becomes soft. During pregnancy, the cervical glands expand and become more branched.

Screening examination of the cervix during pregnancy includes: cytological examination, smears for flora and detection of infections. Cytological examination is often the first key step in the examination of the cervix, since it allows to detect very early pathological changes that occur at the cellular level, including in the absence of visible changes in the cervical epithelium. The examination is carried out to identify the pathology of the cervix and the selection of pregnant women who need a more in-depth examination and appropriate treatment in the postpartum period. When conducting a screening examination, in addition to a doctor's examination, a colposcopy may be recommended. As you know, the cervix is ​​covered with two types of epithelium: squamous stratified from the side of the vagina and single-layer cylindrical from the side of the cervical canal. Epithelial cells are constantly desquamated and end up in the lumen of the cervical canal and in the vagina. Their structural characteristics make it possible, when examined under a microscope, to distinguish healthy cells from atypical ones, including cancerous ones.

During pregnancy, in addition to physiological changes in the cervix, some borderline and pathological processes may occur.

Under the influence of hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body during the menstrual cycle, cyclic changes also occur in the cells of the epithelium of the cervical canal. During the period of ovulation, the secretion of mucus by the glands of the cervical canal increases, and its qualitative characteristics change. With injuries or inflammatory lesions, sometimes the glands of the cervix can become clogged, a secret accumulates in them and cysts form - Naboth follicles or Naboth gland cysts that have been asymptomatic for many years. Small cysts do not require any treatment. And pregnancy, as a rule, is not affected. Only large cysts that strongly deform the cervix and continue to grow may require opening and evacuation of the contents. However, this is very rare and usually requires monitoring during pregnancy.

Quite often, in pregnant women, during a mirror examination of the vaginal part, polyps cervix. The occurrence of polyps is most often associated with a chronic inflammatory process. As a result, a focal proliferation of the mucosa is formed, sometimes with the involvement of muscle tissue and the formation of a pedicle. They are mostly asymptomatic. Sometimes they are a source of blood discharge from the genital tract, more often of contact origin (after sexual intercourse or defecation). The size of the polyp is different - from millet grain rarely to the size of a walnut, their shape also varies. Polyps are single and multiple, their stalk is located either at the edge of the external pharynx, or goes deep into the cervical canal. Sometimes during pregnancy there is an increase in the size of the polyp, in some cases quite fast. Rarely, polyps first appear during pregnancy. The presence of a polyp is always a potential threat of miscarriage, primarily because it creates favorable conditions for ascending infection. Therefore, as a rule, more frequent monitoring of the cervix follows. The tendency to trauma, bleeding, the presence of signs of tissue necrosis and decay, as well as questionable secretions require special attention and control. Treatment of cervical polyps is only surgical and during pregnancy, in most cases, treatment is postponed until the postpartum period, since even large polyps do not interfere with childbirth.

The most common pathology of the cervix in women is erosion . Erosion is a defect in the mucous membrane. True erosion is not very common. The most common pseudo-erosion (ectopia) is a pathological lesion of the cervical mucosa, in which the usual flat stratified epithelium of the outer part of the cervix is ​​replaced by cylindrical cells from the cervical canal. Often this happens as a result of mechanical action: with frequent and rough sexual intercourse, desquamation of the stratified squamous epithelium occurs. Erosion is a multifactorial disease. The reasons may be:

• genital infections, vaginal dysbacteriosis and inflammatory diseases of the female genital area;
• is an early onset of sexual activity and frequent change of sexual partners. The mucous membrane of the female genital organs finally matures by the age of 20–23. If an infection interferes with this delicate process, erosion is practically unavoidable;
• is an injury to the cervix. The main cause of such injuries is, of course, childbirth and abortion;
• hormonal disorders;
• , cervical pathology may also occur with a decrease in the protective functions of immunity.

The presence of erosion does not affect pregnancy in any way, as well as pregnancy on erosion. Treatment during pregnancy consists in the use of general and local anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammatory diseases of the vagina and cervix. And in most cases, just dynamic observation is enough. Surgical treatment is not carried out throughout the entire pregnancy, since the excess of risks and benefits is significant, and after treatment during childbirth, there may be problems with opening the cervix.

Almost all women with various diseases of the cervix safely bear and happily give birth to beautiful babies!

Attention! Prices for services in different clinics may vary. To clarify the current cost, select the clinic

The administration of the clinic takes all measures to update the prices for programs in a timely manner, however, in order to avoid possible misunderstandings, we recommend that you check the cost of services by phone / with the managers of the clinic

Clinical Hospital IDKMother and Child Clinic Enthusiastov Samara

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