How does the uterus develop during pregnancy? Delicate chronology: when the uterus enlarges during pregnancy

With the onset of pregnancy, global changes occur in the body. Perhaps the uterus, the first refuge of the baby, is subject to the greatest metamorphoses. We will talk about the features, functions and condition of this large muscular organ during pregnancy in our article.

Every woman knows at least in general terms how a new life is born in the mother's body. Spermatozoa pass the fallopian tubes at high speed so that one of them, the most dexterous, meets and connects with the egg, thus creating a zygote, which a little later is transformed into an embryo. This accumulation of cells is attached to the wall of the uterus, and then begins to grow by leaps and bounds. Naturally, the uterus adjusts to the growth and development of the fetus.

The size of the uterus before pregnancy

In a woman who has not given birth before, the dimensions of this smooth muscle hollow organ are 4.6 - 6.7 cm in length, 4.6 - 6.5 cm in width and about 3.5 cm in thickness. After the final cessation of menstruation, the uterus decreases somewhat and its new dimensions are as follows: 4.2 cm in length, 4.4 cm in width and 3 cm in thickness. Sometimes deviations from this indicator are possible: in some cases, the uterus is larger than is commonly believed. However, this is not a pathology, but only a consequence of the fact that all people are different. At the same time, the average length of the uterus should normally not exceed 10 cm, this applies to nulliparous women, and those who have already experienced the joy of motherhood. In some cases, an excessive increase or decrease in the size of the uterus indicates the presence of certain diseases.

When a baby appears under the mother’s heart, the size of the uterus and the gestational age are closely related. The bigger the baby, the bigger the uterus. The body increases under the influence of the growth of the baby in length. As a result, by the end of pregnancy, the uterus can grow up to 35-40 cm. In addition, these parameters are also affected by the number of children in the womb: in a multiple pregnancy, the size of the uterus is naturally larger than in a single pregnancy.

How does the uterus change during pregnancy

The size of the uterus, in which the little man appeared and grows, can tell a lot to the doctor. For example, by the size of a muscular hollow organ, one can assume the duration of pregnancy and the nuances of its development, indirectly assess the features of fetal development, and even detect deviations in a timely manner. In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the gynecologist probes the uterus with fingers vaginally. They also use ultrasound. With the beginning of the 2nd trimester, a new term appears in the lexicon of the gynecologist and his patient - “the height of the fundus of the uterus” (VVD).

With the growth of the baby, the uterus also changes, going beyond the pelvis and being located in the abdominal cavity, so it is convenient for the doctor to palpate it through the abdominal cavity. This is a mandatory procedure for every visit of a pregnant woman to the clinic. During the measurement, the expectant mother settles on the couch with her stomach up. The doctor uses a measuring tape ("centimeter"), with which he measures the distance from the junction of the upper pubic bones to the highest point of the uterus. According to the results of the total number of procedures, you can see the overall picture of the development of the fetus during all 9 months of intrauterine life.

The size of the uterus in early pregnancy remains the same for some time. For example, at the first visit to the antenatal clinic, the size of the uterus will not tell the doctor anything about whether there is a pregnancy or not. The fact is that the size of the uterus at 5-10 weeks of gestation still corresponds to the standard indicators before conception. A happy “diagnosis” will be given by the specialist to the anxious patient solely on the basis of the appearance of the cervix, which by that time will have acquired a bluish tint.

For a long 9 months, the gynecologist will have to visit more than once. Until about the 30th week of pregnancy, you need to come for a check-up at least once a month. With the beginning of the 6th month of the “interesting” situation, trips to the clinic will become more frequent: at this time, an examination is shown once every 2 weeks. If something bothers or alarms a pregnant woman in her feelings, you should consult a doctor without waiting for the next scheduled examination.

The uterus increases smoothly and measuredly, so this process, despite the excessive growth of the organ, does not cause any discomfort to the woman. Pain in the uterus can provoke not its natural growth, but the formation of adhesions, a rapid increase due to polyhydramnios or multiple pregnancy, as well as after previous operations, after which scars remained on the uterus. We must not forget that none of the expectant mothers has yet been able to get rid of unpleasant pulling sensations in the early stages of pregnancy due to stretching of the uterine ligaments.

Uterus Size Chart During Pregnancy

In gynecology, there have long been various tables that combine standard indicators of the size of the uterus at various stages of pregnancy. In addition, doctors are also guided by the position of the muscular organ, which it occupies in the abdominal cavity of the expectant mother.

The picture shows the height of the fundus of the uterus at different stages of pregnancy.

In the period from 4 to 8 weeks of gestation, the size of the uterus can be safely correlated in size with a goose egg. At this stage, it cannot yet be felt through the abdominal wall, since for some time it is hidden in the bowels of the small pelvis. Over time, at 8-12 weeks, the uterus has already approached the pubic edge of the arch, and after some time, from 12 to 16 weeks, it is already between the pubic region and the navel. During this period, the placenta appears and begins to fruitfully act, and the embryo is overgrown with a dense network of blood vessels.

By the 13th week of pregnancy, the height of the bottom is already 11 cm. From the 14th week, the embryo already boasts the presence of all the main organs, and the IRR of the uterus by this time already reaches 14 cm.

Starting from the 16th week, the muscular organ begins to grow at an accelerated pace, and by the 20th week of pregnancy it is already at a distance of 2 fingers below the navel line, by the 30th week - 2 fingers above the navel line. From 17 to 18 weeks of gestation, the uterus already rises by 18-19 cm. The placenta is already fully formed, and the child is at an important final stage in the development of the cerebellum, immune system and limbs.

In the period from 20 to 30 weeks, a significantly enlarged uterus approaches the xiphoid process of the sternum. At 20 weeks, its value corresponds to the gestational age - 20 cm. After the end of the 20th week, the muscular organ adds 1 cm weekly. At 22-24 weeks, the height of the uterine fundus reaches 23-24 cm, and the uterus itself can be felt where the navel is located. The bone apparatus of the fetus at this time is strengthened, the lungs and muscles continue to develop.

It is easy to guess that at 28 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus has grown to 28 cm - now it can be felt at a distance of 2 cm above the navel. By week 30, the organ reaches 30-31 cm. The baby is no longer a clot of amorphous tissues, but a real little man, because of which the mother’s blood pressure sometimes rises during this period of an “interesting” position. After 35 weeks, the uterus, on the eve of childbirth, descends slightly and is located in the area between the navel and the xiphoid process. At 36 weeks, the uterus is so large that it can be felt already at the level of the line that connects the arcs of the ribs. At the 38th week of pregnancy, the height of the uterine fundus reaches 36 cm.

Week 39 brings significant changes in the well-being of the expectant mother: the somewhat lowered bottom of the uterus squeezes and displaces her stomach and diaphragm. A woman can be tormented by heartburn and general indigestion. At 40 weeks of waiting for a baby, the uterus decreases to 35, or even to 32 cm. The child is already considered full-term - he lives in anticipation of the cherished hour of birth. As soon as he descends into the pelvis, labor will begin.

This is a table of the size of the uterus by week of pregnancy. Immediately, we note that all indicators cannot be considered the ultimate truth, since each woman is individual in her own way. Even when the size of the uterus during pregnancy does not correspond to the norm displayed in the table, one cannot immediately talk about pathology - minor deviations from the tabular standards are considered acceptable.

It is not entirely correct to perceive the parameters of the uterus during the period of bearing a child as the main indicator. The size of the uterus is closest to the parameters indicated in the table if the woman has a standard physique, one fetus and there are no diseases that could somehow affect the course of pregnancy. To understand whether the indicators of the size of the uterus are the norm for a particular woman, you need to find out what condition the uterus was in before pregnancy.

For example, if there was a diagnosis in the anamnesis that sounded like “omission of the uterus”, then the entire pregnancy is guided by the initial state and size of the organ. When lowered, the size and height of the muscular organ is controlled more often than usual - sometimes the expectant mother is forced to visit the gynecologist every week. In addition, it makes sense to regularly do an ultrasound scan by the same specialist, so that he would have in mind the individual parameters of the patient. Also, in the presence of a prolapsed uterus, tests for intrauterine pathologies are supposed to be taken more often than in the normal state of the uterus.

Size of the cervix during pregnancy

Let's talk about one more nuance of internal changes under the influence of pregnancy. In the uterus, the body and neck are isolated, the latter increases in size in the same way as the organ itself. At the same time, a very important condition for the normal course of pregnancy is the closed state of the cervix, which allows the baby to stay in the womb for as long as is required for its full development.

With the approach of childbirth, the tissue of the cervix begins to soften, becoming more elastic, and also increase in length. It is this part of the uterus that the baby has to overcome during childbirth. Each woman who has given birth, most likely, remembers the words of doctors on the eve of childbirth about dilating by 5, 6, 7 centimeters - it was just about the degree of dilatation of the cervix.

The more elastic the cervix is, the more painless the birth of the baby will be. Nature intended that a sufficiently softened neck opens exactly at the moment when it is really needed. When this part of the uterus is in an immature state, it cannot open in time, and the pregnant woman in this situation is not immune from ruptures. In some cases, the problem is solved with a caesarean section.

After the birth of a child, the uterus, which during pregnancy managed to increase up to 10 times, gradually returns to its original size. Its significant reduction is noted already in the first hours after the birth of the baby. The acquisition of the natural shape and volume of the uterus is also facilitated by breastfeeding, during which oxytocin is produced, which causes the uterus to contract.

The size of the uterus and deviations from the norm

Sometimes it happens that pregnancy does not correspond to the size of the uterus. So, if the height of the uterine fundus is less than the generally accepted norm at a certain gestational age, then this may be a sign of the following conditions:

• oligohydramnios;
• wide pelvis in the patient;
• incorrectly determined gestational age;
• delays in the development of the baby.

If the IRR, on the contrary, exceeds the norm characteristic of a certain period of pregnancy, then this indicates signs:

• narrow pelvis of the expectant mother;
• big fruit;
• two or more babies in the uterus;
• multiple pregnancy;
• unfortunate position of the child in the uterus.

In addition, along with the measurement of the uterus, much attention is paid to calculating the volume of amniotic fluid: this indicator can also be used to judge the developmental features of the fetus. The amount of this fluid is determined by the physique of the woman and the size of the layer of adipose tissue under the skin. At 9 months of gestation, based on these two parameters, the weight of the child is calculated. Having learned about the important diagnostic value of the size of the uterus, one can no longer be surprised why the doctor at each examination so carefully feels the patient's stomach.

How does the "pregnant" uterus change. Video

Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology can help a woman avoid problems during conception, pregnancy and childbirth, as well as prevent various reproductive diseases. Therefore, it is useful to learn about such an important organ of the female reproductive system as the uterus: how it is arranged and how it changes during life, during the bearing and birth of a child.

What is the uterus and where is it located

The uterus is the organ of the female reproductive system in which the fetus develops from the moment the fertilized egg leaves the fallopian tube until the baby is born. It is shaped like an inverted pear.

The uterus is located in the small pelvis between the bladder and the rectum. Its position can change during the day: when the organs of the urinary and digestive systems are filled, it shifts slightly, and after urination or defecation, it returns to its original place. But the most noticeable change in the position of the uterus is observed simultaneously with its growth during pregnancy, as well as after childbirth.

The structure of the uterus

With the help of ultrasound of the uterus, you can see that it consists of three structural parts. The upper convex side is called the bottom, the middle expanded part is the body, and the lower narrow one is called.

The cervix consists of an isthmus, an elongated cervical canal and a vaginal part. Inside the uterus is hollow. Its cavity communicates on the lower side with the lumen of the vagina, and on the sides with the canals of the fallopian tubes.

The wall of the organ is three-layered:

1 The outermost layer facing the pelvic cavity is called perimetry. This membrane is closely connected with the outer integument of the bladder and intestines, and consists of connective tissue cells.

2 Middle, thickest layer - myometrium, includes three layers of muscle cells: outer longitudinal, circular and inner longitudinal - they are named so in the direction of the muscle fibers.

3 Inner shell, endometrium, consists of a basal and functional layer (facing the uterine cavity). Contains epithelial cells and many glands in which uterine secretions are formed.

In the cervix, there is more connective dense collagen tissue, and there are fewer muscle fibers than in other parts of the organ.

The wall of the uterus is permeated with numerous blood vessels. Arterial blood, saturated with oxygen, is brought by paired uterine arteries and internal branches of the iliac artery. They branch and give rise to smaller vessels that supply blood to the entire uterus and its appendages.

The blood that has passed through the capillaries of the organ is collected in larger vessels: uterine, ovarian and internal iliac veins. In addition to blood vessels, there are also lymph vessels in the uterus.

The vital activity of the tissues of the uterus is controlled by the hormones of the endocrine system, as well as the nervous system. Branches of the pelvic splanchnic nerves connected with the lower hypogastric nerve plexus enter the wall of the uterus.

Ligaments and muscles of the uterus

In order for the uterus to maintain its position, it is held in the pelvic cavity by connective tissue ligaments, of which the most famous are:

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1 Paired wide ligaments of the uterus(right and left) are attached to the membrane of the peritoneum. Anatomically, they are associated with ligaments that fix the position of the ovaries.

2 round ligament contains both connective tissue and muscle cells. It starts from the wall of the uterus, passes through the deep opening of the inguinal canal and connects with the fiber of the labia majora.

3 cardinal ligaments connect the lower part of the uterus (near the cervix) with the urogenital diaphragm. Such fixation protects the organ from displacement to the left or right side.

Through ligaments, the uterus is connected to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which ensures the correct relative position of the organs of the female reproductive system.

In addition to the ligaments, the correct location of the pelvic organs, including the uterus, provides a set of muscles called the pelvic floor. The composition of its outer layer includes the ischiocavernosus, bulbous-spongy, superficial transverse and external muscles.

The middle layer is called the urogenital diaphragm and contains the compresses the urethra and the deep transverse muscle. The internal pelvic diaphragm combines the pubococcygeal, ischiococcygeal, and iliococcygeal muscles. The muscles of the pelvic floor prevent the deformation of organs, which would lead to a violation of their blood supply and performance of functions.

Uterine dimensions

When a girl is born, the length of her uterus is about 4 cm. It begins to increase from the age of 7. After the final formation of the reproductive system during puberty, the uterus reaches a size of 7-8 cm in length and 3-4 cm in width. The thickness of the walls in different parts of the organ and in different phases of the menstrual cycle varies from 2 to 4 cm. Its weight in a nulliparous woman is about 50 g.

The most significant changes in the size of the uterus occur during pregnancy, when in 9 months it increases to 38 cm in length and up to 26 cm in diameter. Weight increases to 1-2 kg.

After childbirth, the woman's uterus decreases, but no longer returns to its original parameters: now its weight is about 100 g, and its length is 1-2 cm more than before conception. Such dimensions persist throughout the childbearing period; after the second and subsequent births, there is no noticeable increase.

When the reproductive period of a woman's life ends and menopause occurs, the uterus decreases in size and mass, the wall becomes thinner, and the muscles and ligaments often weaken. Already 5 years after the end of menstruation, the body returns to the size that it was at birth.

uterus during pregnancy

During each menstrual cycle, a woman of reproductive age undergoes periodic changes in the structure of the uterus. Most of all they affect the functional endometrium.

At the beginning of the cycle, the woman's body prepares for a possible onset of pregnancy, so the endometrium thickens, more blood vessels appear in it. The amount of discharge from the uterus increases, which maintain the viability of spermatozoa.

If conception did not take place, after the death of the egg released from the follicle, the functional layer is gradually destroyed under the action of hormones, and during menstruation, its tissues are rejected and removed from the uterine cavity. With the beginning of a new cycle, the endometrium is restored.

If the egg is fertilized and pregnancy occurs, the continuous growth of the uterus begins. The thickness of the functional endometrium increases: it is no longer rejected, because menstruation has stopped. The layer is penetrated by even more capillaries and is supplied with more abundant blood to provide oxygen and nutrients to the organ itself (which is growing intensively) and to the baby developing in the uterine cavity.

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The volume of the myometrium also increases. Its spindle cells divide, elongate and increase in diameter. The layer reaches its maximum thickness (3-4 cm) around the middle of pregnancy, and closer to childbirth it stretches and becomes thinner because of this.

During regular examinations, starting from the 13-14th week of pregnancy, the gynecologist determines the height of the fundus of the uterus. By this time, its upper part, due to an increase in the size of the organ, extends beyond the small pelvis.

By week 24, the bottom of the uterus reaches the level of the navel, and at week 36 its height is maximum (palpable between the costal arches). Then, despite the further growth of the abdomen, the uterus begins to descend due to the baby moving down, closer to the birth canal.

The cervix during pregnancy is compacted and has a bluish tint. Its lumen is covered with a mucous plug, which protects the uterine cavity from infections and other adverse factors (read about the discharge of the plug on the website site). Due to the rapid growth of the uterus and displacement from its usual place, its ligaments are stretched. In this case, pain may occur, especially in the third trimester and with sudden movements.

Uterus contraction during pregnancy and childbirth

The myometrium (the middle, thickest layer of the uterus) contains smooth muscle cells. Their movements cannot be controlled consciously, the process of fiber contraction occurs under the influence of hormones (primarily oxytocin) and the autonomic nervous system. The muscle fibers of the myometrium contract during menstruation: this ensures the expulsion of secretions from the uterine cavity.

During the bearing of the baby, the uterus also sometimes contracts. Its surface hardens, and the pregnant woman may feel pain or heaviness in the abdomen.

This happens either because of a threat (hypertonicity), or during times that periodically occur when carrying a child and prepare the myometrium for labor.

A complete restructuring of the body's work in the name of preserving and bearing a new life growing in the womb. A fertilized egg, finally fixed in the uterus, is classified as a fetus over time, and as it develops and improves, it turns into a baby, the outlines of which can be fully seen when carried out at a later date.

The growth and development of the baby affect the work of the whole organism of the mother, the work of all its organs and systems. And, probably, initially, during all the time of pregnancy, the temporary "house" of the crumbs - the uterus - undergoes changes. A unique organ, thought out by nature for the “settlement” and development of a baby in it, changes very, very noticeably throughout the entire pregnancy. It is not surprising that the topic of the uterus during pregnancy is of interest to a fairly large number of women - both mothers who have already taken place, and pregnant women, and potential future mothers.

Changes concerning the uterus begin to occur from the first moment of fixation in the uterus of a fertilized egg. As soon as it is introduced into the wall of the uterus, the body instantly receives the appropriate "signal" about the mobilization of all forces and resources to preserve such a fragile new life. In the place where the egg was fixed, the uterus during pregnancy will differ in a characteristic bulge. In parallel, and especially in the place of fixation, and along the entire wall, the uterus gradually becomes edematous, filled with fluid, swells. And, if before pregnancy the uterus has a pear-shaped shape and weighs in the range of 50-100 g, then as the baby develops, the uterus will change shape, increasing in, and by the end of pregnancy it will have a weight of about 1000 g.

In the first months of pregnancy, the uterus does not yet increase to a significant size, so that it can be felt by palpation - this will be possible to do around the third month of pregnancy, when the uterus reaches the approximate size of the head of a newborn. The shape of the uterus during pregnancy changes several times: first, from pear-shaped, acquiring a spherical shape (up to about 2-3 months), and then, until the end of pregnancy, retaining an ovoid shape.

The uterus during pregnancy grows in size and stretches continuously, parallel to the growth of the baby in it. There is also a gradual displacement of the uterus: if the uterus during pregnancy is in the abdominal cavity for the first three months, in the 4th month its bottom reaches the level between the navel and the pubis, by the 5th month - the bottom is determined at the level of the navel, and in late pregnancy - lower edge of the sternum. Towards the end of pregnancy, the uterus rises so high that it puts pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult for the mother to breathe. At the same time, constantly increasing in size, the uterus during pregnancy also puts pressure on the abdominal organs: it compresses the stomach and intestines, and the bladder. This explains the frequent cases for pregnancy, the appearance of digestive difficulties, and frequent urination.

The elastic fibers of the uterus during the bearing of the baby are stretched, softened and stretched, and the ligaments that support the uterus. As the ligaments are stretched, mommy may experience pulling sensations in the abdomen. However, it is necessary to identify them as a result of stretching of the ligaments and an increase in the size of the uterus with the participation of a doctor: pulling sensations in the lower abdomen may also indicate an increased tone of the uterus, which threatens with premature termination of pregnancy.

The uterus during pregnancy is characterized by increased blood circulation through the blood vessels penetrating the organ. Thus, the baby receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients, while in the opposite direction, the end products of metabolism are removed through the blood vessels. After 35 weeks, when the baby takes the final presentation in the uterus, after a while the woman will experience some relief. So, at 38 weeks, when the uterus reaches its highest position during pregnancy, the baby slides down, nestling against the outer part of the birth canal and finally preparing for the journey to the new world. In this regard, the uterus descends, its pressure on the diaphragm decreases, and the woman's breathing becomes freer and easier.

As a rule, when uterine prolapse occurs, the onset of labor should be expected as soon as possible - in 1-2 weeks. By this time, the uterus during pregnancy already weighs about 1 kg, and its muscles have been contracting slightly for some time. So, already by the 20-22nd week of pregnancy, mommy can feel the so-called, and a few weeks before pregnancy - false contractions. Through such contractions, the uterus during pregnancy trains in a peculiar way, preparing for the upcoming birth. Real contractions begin after the separation of the mucous plug, the discharge of water - according to the norm, in the period of 36-40 weeks.

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How does the uterus change during pregnancy, what should a woman expect? The uterus is the main female reproductive organ with many functions. These include the conception of the fetus, its development and the birth of a child. In her cavity, the child spends 9 months, which are very important for him. After all, a baby grows from a microscopic cell in such a short time, which has a fully formed organism. And since all the features of the development of the crumbs, as well as its viability, directly depend on this female organ, it becomes clear that the uterus plays a special role.

How to check the position of the cervix

Before you can check your cervical position, you first need to find it. This is the lowest part of your uterus and is usually 3-6 inches inside your vagina. It usually looks like a small donut with a tiny hole in the center. Now that you know what you will be looking for, pay attention to the following steps to check the position of the cervix in early pregnancy.

Wash your hands properly with soap and warm water to avoid transferring bacteria to your reproductive system. Do not use hand cream or lotion to prevent a vaginal infection. Trim your nails and make sure your fingers don't harm your cervix or vagina.

The uterus at the beginning of pregnancy

From the very first days of conception, significant changes occur in a woman's body. But at the same time, the uterus itself practically does not change in the first weeks, unlike its cervix.

It is she who changes greatly from the moment of conception:

Get into a seated position to access your cervix with ease. Gently slide your long finger into your vagina. If you feel dry, you can use a water-based lubricant on your finger to glide it on easily.

Cervical changes in early pregnancy

You may have to insert your fingers a few inches before you can feel your cervix. Your cervix may feel soft, like pursed lips, if you're ovulating, or hard, like the tip of your nose, if you're not pregnant. Your cervical mucus will change during pregnancy. It may not look like egg white unless you are pregnant, instead it will be thick, clear and viscous. This mucus will also turn into your mucosa during early pregnancy and you won't notice that your vagina is slippery like it was before pregnancy.

1. Immediately after fertilization, the cervix changes color. If until that time it was a light pink hue, then after fertilization it becomes much darker and acquires a lilac color. This can be explained by the fact that immediately after the onset of conception, the blood supply to the uterus increases significantly. Due to the fact that the blood vessels are constantly expanding, the color of the uterine cervix also changes.
2. One of the signs of pregnancy is softening of the cervix. Immediately after fertilization, the cervical canal acquires elasticity, because during childbirth, in just 9 months, it will need to increase greatly (more than 100 times).
3. In the absence of conception, the neck of this organ is slightly elevated, and the cervical canal is opened during the onset and course of ovulation. After fertilization, the position of the cervix changes - it drops slightly.

It is worth knowing that by examining the uterine canal, the gynecologist is able to determine not only the course of the current pregnancy, but also the previous bearing of the baby. In patients who have previously given birth, the cervix is ​​\u200b\u200bcone-shaped, and in primiparas, it is similar in shape to a cylinder and has a wide size.

Your cervical mucus will also tell you a little about your health. You may be dealing with an infection if you notice a foul-smelling, yellow or green discharge and secretion that is accompanied by itching. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. You don't have to worry about anything though if your implantation discharge is clear, smells good and has a normal consistency. Just keep proper hygiene to avoid infections.

Cervical length in early pregnancy

Cervical length during pregnancy is usually associated with preterm labor, which begins before you get past 37 weeks of pregnancy. A preterm birth is likely to happen when your cervix is ​​still short. Under normal circumstances, the cervix is ​​stiff and close. your child is growing. If it opens too early, you may have to deal with preterm labor. A number of factors can change the length of the cervix during pregnancy, for example.

Despite the fact that in the first days of bearing a baby, ultrasound diagnostics will not yet show the conception of a fetus, a gynecologist will be able to determine the onset of pregnancy based on the signs of “standing” of the uterus and based on its location.

How is an increase in the body during pregnancy

It's no secret that the parameters of the uterus during conception are constantly changing.

• Stretched uterus.
• Biological difference between different women.
• Bleeding complications.
• Inflammation and infection of the uterus.
• Incompetent cervix.

A normal uterus is usually the shape and size of a pear turned upside down. According to the National Fibrous Uterus Foundation, the organs measure approximately 5 x 5 inches and weigh about six ounces. During pregnancy, the uterus naturally enlarges.

• walls thicken;
• mucous membrane grows on the walls of the organ.

After some time, the fetal egg will attach to this mucous membrane when it leaves the fallopian tube.

In addition to the mucous membrane, the uterine muscles also increase in size, since this is where the growing baby will fit. It is worth knowing that at the onset of 9 months, the uterus will increase by more than 500 times, based on their previous size. Knowing the size of the uterus by weeks during pregnancy, a highly qualified gynecologist will accurately determine the term of conception when conducting a study of this reproductive organ.

Normal conditions that cause an enlarged uterus. Changes in the size and shape of the uterus are common and may be a natural part of the changes a woman experiences during her reproductive years and during menopause. Physiological changes can lead to an enlargement of the uterus; some conditions are perfectly normal, while others may require medical attention. Pregnancy creates an enlarged uterus that continues to grow throughout all stages of pregnancy.

The changes are completely natural and are to be expected given that the baby is developing in the womb. The uterus is five times its normal size when the pregnancy reaches full term. Postpartum changes include a rapid decrease in the size of the uterus. The organ shrinks to about the size of a grapefruit shortly after delivery, and it usually reaches normal size about six weeks after the baby is born.

It is also worth knowing that during the bearing of a child, a woman's vagina also undergoes a change - the labia become much darker.

If you look at the uterus in the 1st trimester, you can notice the following changes:

As women age, the size and shape of their uterus changes, and an enlarged uterus is quite common as a woman approaches menopause. Changes in hormone levels in a woman's body can lead to an enlarged uterus, as these hormone fluctuations can mimic pregnancy.

An enlarged uterus can be completely normal, but in some cases it can be a sign of a physical problem that needs medical attention. Normal changes in the body include changes in the shape and size of the uterus. However, an enlarged uterus can be a sign of a medical problem.

• as the course of 5 weeks is completed, the shape changes, which becomes round from pear-shaped;
• at week 8, the organ can be safely compared with a fist;
• at week 12, the dimensions increase even more, and the bottom rises to the level of the pubis.

When carrying a baby, the body should not only constantly stretch and increase in size, but also slowly shift. If in the 1st trimester it is located in the peritoneum, then at the end of the 4th month the bottom shifts and is already located in the area between the navel and the pubis. By the 5th month of bearing the baby, the organ is located near the navel, while already from the 6th month it reaches the edge of the chest.

The endometrium is the lining in the uterus. Lining problems can lead to changes in the size and shape of the uterus. Endometrial cancer can cause the uterus to become enlarged, but other types of uterine cancer can also enlarge the uterus. Adenomyosis is the presence of subcutaneous endometrial tissue in areas where this is not the case. Women with this condition may experience uterine enlargement, menstrual clotting, cramps, and spotting between periods.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that occur in the uterus. Among the symptoms of uterine fibroids is the enlargement of the uterus and complications during pregnancy. Ovarian cysts are common causes of enlargement. Fatty cysts appear inside or on the surface of the ovaries. The condition is serious and medical attention is needed to prevent rupture of the cysts. Ovarian cysts are associated with an increased chance of developing ovarian cancer.

By the time of childbirth, the pregnant uterus is so high that the organ strongly presses on the diaphragm, thereby making it difficult to breathe and putting strong pressure on some internal organs.

Body changes to the touch during pregnancy

After 3 months from the start of pregnancy, this organ can not only be seen on ultrasound, but also palpated. In this case, it is easy to set the term of conception by the height of its standing. The necessary measurements are performed using a "centimeter", constantly applying its edge to the pubis.

Determination of uterine enlargement. Finding an enlarged uterus can be very difficult without an internal examination. If you experience any signs of enlargement, be sure to call your doctor about symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the enlargement and finding out the cause of the problem is the surest way to get proper treatment. The neck of the uterus in a woman is called the cervix and it extends into the vagina. The cervix is ​​shaped like a narrow tube that remains open. The hole is small to allow semen and menstrual blood to pass through.

1. At week 16, the bottom should be located 6 cm above the pubic area, while the upper part of this genital organ can be felt approximately in the middle of the lower abdomen.
2. By week 20, the uterus is located 12 cm from the pubis.
3. By the time of 28 weeks, the organ is already quite high - its bottom is 24 cm above the pubis.
4. At 36 weeks, the fundus of the uterus is palpable at a height of 34-36 cm.
5. At week 40, the organ begins to gradually descend, so at this time it can be felt at a distance of 30 cm.

However, it must be remembered that the above dimensions are not categorical, since the location and growth rate of the uterus are strictly individual and depend on the characteristics and condition of the body of any woman.

Bandage for pregnant women

However, during pregnancy, this small opening is covered by mucous membranes. This is done so that any infection does not penetrate the growing fetus. Slime slime acts as a protective barrier. During pregnancy, the cervix undergoes great changes. Read on to know the changes that occur in the cervix as pregnancy progresses.

When the pregnancy is still fresh, the position of the cervix rises, but before implantation, it does not change to its original position. The neck softens. A woman herself can feel these changes using her finger. The pregnant cervix is ​​soft, while the non-pregnant cervix is ​​comparatively harder. A woman must have a good knowledge of the texture and feel of her cervix prior to pregnancy in order to fully appreciate the changes that occur during pregnancy. Softening of the cervix is ​​due to the fact that there is a surge of blood in the cervical area, which causes it to swell and feel softer to the touch.

What does the displacement of the uterus to the side mean?

In some cases, if there is inflammation in the tubes of the organ or ovaries that cause the formation of adhesions, lateroversia occurs, which means the deviation of the uterus to the right or left side. In other words, the organ is displaced towards the pathological focus.

It should be noted that not every woman can track the progress of her pregnancy by feeling changes in her cervix. Another first sign that is observed is the thickening of the cervix. This is due to the fact that the body produces more glandular cells, forming mucus. Inflammation and redness are also common. For some women, light pinkish-brown bleeding may occur, which is mistaken for menstruation. This is also called implantation bleeding.

The purpose of cervical thickening is to protect the uterus. As pregnancy approaches, the cervix begins to undergo changes to prepare the body for childbirth. Mucus mucus is lost when the cervix begins to open or dilate. The actual timing of this expansion can vary from woman to woman. Some experience it weeks before their due date, while for others it happens during labor itself.

• unilateral tumor of the genital organs;
• cysts in the ovaries.

Their growth puts a lot of pressure on the uterus, as a result of which it shifts to the side. Therefore, it is necessary to notice these pathologies before the onset of pregnancy.

If the displacement of the organ was detected while carrying a baby, then such a woman needs special and constant attention from doctors. After all, an improperly located organ can develop serious complications in a child, which can lead to negative consequences for his health.

Other changes in the uterus during pregnancy

Cervical examination is a simple yet distinctive method that can be very helpful in detecting pregnancy and also indicates the most favorable time to conceive. A woman may maintain a chart or journal to keep track of her cervical positions at different times of the month.

This pressure can cause the cervix to dilate before the fetus is fully developed. This can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. There are several factors that can contribute to an incompetent cervix. The most basic of these is genetics. Some women are genetically more prone to premature cervical dilatation, while others are. However, for others, this may be exacerbated if a surgical procedure has been performed on the cervix before. Sometimes an abortion or miscarriage can also lead to a weakened cervix.

The uterus is a unique organ, the structure of which is such that it is able to stretch and increase its size tenfold during pregnancy and return to its original state after childbirth. In the uterus, a large part is isolated - the body located on top, and a smaller part - the neck. Between the body and the cervix there is an intermediate area, which is called the isthmus. The highest part of the body of the uterus is called the fundus.

Women who have previously undergone complex and difficult labor risk increasing the likelihood of a weakened cervix during their next pregnancy. There are certain symptoms and signs that point to premature labor. If a woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should consult her doctor as soon as possible.

If the pregnant woman is indeed in early labor, she and her doctor can sit down and discuss the options available. The doctor may try to delay the labor process. However, if the cervix begins to dilate early in pregnancy, a doctor may suggest a cervical cerclage. This is a procedure in which the cervix is ​​closed with strong sutures. This step is taken as a last resort. This is done when there is solid ultrasound evidence that the cervix has begun to explode dangerously.

The wall of the uterus consists of three layers: the inner one - the endometrium, the middle one - the myometrium and the outer one - the perimetrium (serous membrane).

endometrium- mucous membrane, which changes depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. And if pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is separated and released from the uterus along with the blood during menstruation. In the event of pregnancy, the endometrium thickens and provides nutrients to the fertilized egg in early pregnancy.

The main part of the uterine wall is the muscular membrane - myometrium. It is due to changes in this membrane that the size of the uterus increases during pregnancy. The myometrium is made up of muscle fibers. During pregnancy, due to the division of muscle cells (myocytes), new muscle fibers are formed, but the main growth of the uterus occurs due to lengthening by 10-12 times and thickening (hypertrophy) of muscle fibers by 4-5 times, which occurs mainly in the first half of pregnancy , by the middle of pregnancy, the thickness of the uterine wall reaches 3-4 cm. After the uterus increases only due to stretching and thinning of the walls, and by the end of pregnancy, the thickness of the uterine walls decreases to 0.5-1 cm.

Outside of pregnancy, the uterus of a woman of reproductive age has the following dimensions: length - 7-8 cm, anteroposterior size (thickness) - 4-5 cm, transverse size (width) - 4-6 cm. The uterus weighs about 50 g (for those giving birth - up to 100 G). By the end of pregnancy, the uterus increases several times, reaching the following dimensions: length - 37-38 cm, anteroposterior size - up to 24 cm, transverse size - 25-26 cm. The weight of the uterus by the end of pregnancy reaches 1000-1200 g without a child and fetal membranes . With polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, the size of the uterus can reach even larger sizes. The volume of the uterine cavity by the ninth month of pregnancy increases 500 times.

What is considered normal?

Pregnancy is characterized by an increase in the size of the uterus, a change in its consistency (density), shape.

Enlargement of the uterus begins in (with 1-2 weeks of delay), while the body of the uterus increases slightly. First, the uterus increases in anteroposterior size and becomes spherical, and then the transverse size also increases. The longer the gestation period, the more noticeable is the increase in the uterus. In the early stages of pregnancy, asymmetry of the uterus often occurs, with a bimanual examination, a protrusion of one of the corners of the uterus is palpated. The protrusion occurs due to the growth of the fetal egg, as pregnancy progresses, the fetal egg fills the entire uterine cavity and the asymmetry of the uterus disappears. To the body of the uterus increases approximately 2 times, to - 3 times. To the uterus increases 4 times and the bottom of the uterus reaches the plane of the exit from the small pelvis, i.e., the upper edge of the pubic joint.

Bimanual examination of the uterus
To assess the position, size, density (consistency) of the uterus, a two-handed (bimanual) examination is performed. When conducting a bimanual examination, the obstetrician-gynecologist inserts the index and middle fingers of the right hand into the woman's vagina, and with the fingers of the left hand gently presses on the anterior abdominal wall towards the fingers of the right hand. By advancing and bringing together the fingers of both hands, the doctor gropes for the body of the uterus, determines its position, size and consistency.

How is the state of the uterus assessed?

If in the first trimester of pregnancy the condition of the uterus is assessed during a bimanual examination, then from about the fourth month, an obstetrician-gynecologist uses four external obstetric examination techniques (Leopold's techniques) to assess the progression of pregnancy and the condition of the uterus:

1. At the first reception of an external obstetric examination, the doctor places the palms of both hands on the uppermost part of the uterus (bottom), while determining the VDM, the correspondence of this indicator to the gestational age and the part of the fetus located in the bottom of the uterus.
2. At the second external obstetric examination, the doctor moves both hands from the bottom of the uterus down to the level of the navel and places it on the lateral surfaces of the uterus, after which he alternately palpates the parts of the fetus with his right and left hands. With the longitudinal position of the fetus, the back is felt on one side, on the other, small parts of the fetus (arms and legs). The back is felt in the form of a uniform platform, small parts - in the form of small protrusions that can change their position. The second technique allows you to determine the tone of the uterus and its excitability (uterine contraction in response to palpation), as well as the position of the fetus. In the first position, the back of the fetus is turned to the left, in the second - to the right.
3. At the third appointment, the obstetrician-gynecologist determines the presenting part of the fetus - this is the part of the fetus that faces the entrance to the small pelvis and passes through the birth canal first (more often it is the head of the fetus). The doctor stands on the right, face to face with the pregnant woman. One hand (usually the right one) is palpated slightly above the pubic joint, so that the thumb is on one side, and the other four on the other side of the lower part of the uterus. The head is palpable in the form of a dense rounded part with clear contours, the pelvic end is in the form of a voluminous softish part that does not have a rounded shape. With a transverse or oblique position of the fetus, the presenting part is not determined.
4. At the fourth appointment, palpation (palpation) of the uterus is carried out with both hands, while the doctor becomes face to the legs of the pregnant woman. The palms of both hands are placed on the lower segment of the uterus on the right and left, with outstretched fingers carefully palpate the height of its standing and the presenting part of the fetus. This technique allows you to determine the location of the presenting part of the fetus relative to the entrance to the mother's small pelvis (the presenting part is above the entrance to the small pelvis, pressed against the entrance, descended into the pelvic cavity). If the head is present, then the obstetrician determines its size, the density of its bones and the gradual lowering into the small pelvis during childbirth.

All techniques are carried out very carefully and carefully, as sudden movements can cause reflex tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and increase the tone of the uterus.

During an external obstetric examination, the doctor assesses the tone of the muscles of the uterus. Normally, the wall of the uterus should be soft, with an increase in the tone of the uterus, the wall of the uterus becomes hard. Increased tone (hypertonicity) of the uterus is one of the signs of a threatened abortion, it can occur at any time, while a woman, as a rule, feels pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. Pain can be slight, sipping or very strong. The severity of the pain symptom depends on the threshold of pain sensitivity, the duration and intensity of uterine hypertonicity. If the increased tone of the uterus occurs for a short time, then the pain or feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen is most often insignificant. With prolonged hypertonicity of the muscles of the uterus, the pain symptom is usually more pronounced.

What does a woman feel?

It should be emphasized that during physiological pregnancy, a woman most often does not feel the growth of the uterus, since the process of increasing the uterus occurs gradually and smoothly. At the beginning of pregnancy, a woman may notice unusual sensations in the lower abdomen associated with a change in the structure of the uterine ligaments (they "soften"). With rapid growth of the uterus (for example, with polyhydramnios or), with adhesions in the abdominal cavity, with posterior deviation of the uterus (most often the uterus is tilted anteriorly), if there is a scar on the uterus after various operations, pain may occur. It should be remembered that if any pain occurs, it is necessary to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist as soon as possible.

A few weeks before giving birth, many women experience so-called precursor contractions (Brexton-Hicks contractions). They are in the nature of pulling pains in the lower abdomen and in the sacrum, are irregular in nature, short in duration, or represent an increase in the tone of the uterus, which the woman feels as a tension that is not accompanied by painful sensations. Precursor contractions do not cause shortening and opening of the cervix and are a kind of "training" before childbirth.

What happens to the uterus after childbirth

After the birth of the child and the placenta, already in the first hours of the postpartum period, there is a significant reduction (decrease in size) of the uterus. The height of the bottom of the uterus in the first hours after childbirth is 15-20 cm. The restoration of the uterus after childbirth is called involution. During the first two weeks after childbirth, the fundus of the uterus drops by about 1 cm daily.

• On the 1st-2nd day after birth, the bottom of the uterus is at the level of the navel - VDM 12-15 cm;
• on the 4th day of WDM - 9-11 cm;
• on the 6th day of WDM - 9-10 cm;
• on the 8th day of WDM - 7-8 cm;
• on the 10th day of WDM - 5-6 cm;
• on the 12th-14th day, the bottom of the uterus is located at the level of the junction of the pubic bones.

The uterus shrinks completely to its pre-delivery size in about 6-8 weeks. The reverse development of the uterus depends on many different factors: the characteristics of the course of pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, the age of the woman, the general condition, the number of births in history. The uterus contracts more slowly in women over 30 years of age, in weakened and multiparous women, after multiple pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios, with myoma, as well as when inflammation occurs in the uterus (endometritis) during pregnancy, childbirth or the postpartum period. In lactating women, the involution of the uterus occurs faster, since the hormone oxytocin is produced during breastfeeding, which contributes to the contraction of the uterus.

Marina Ershova, obstetrician-gynecologist, Moscow

Discussion

In fact, it is very interesting to follow the development of the baby and the changes in your body. at least you understand what is happening to you) in my first pregnancy, I was surprised at many things. this time I found an informer for pregnant women - this is a calendar that constantly gives out information corresponding to your due date, directly to your desktop =) and you don’t need to look anywhere

yeah, and then in the early stages, it seems like menstruation begins ... here you don’t get pregnant after a manual examination. Modern doctors prefer ultrasound, which provides information about the size of the uterus, the position of the fetal egg and the condition of the cervix.

typical school of obstetrics and gynecology. This is how they take it in antenatal clinics, about visits to which, to put it mildly, the majority are not enthusiastic about. It’s somehow dumb for me that parts of the child’s body are felt through the stomach, and in the first trimester, why look “bimanually”?

The female body impresses with its uniqueness not only externally, but also from the inside. The conception of a new life, the development and birth of a child - all these tasks are performed by the main female reproductive organ. In it, the growing fetus spends an important and responsible nine months of its life. It is on the health of this organ that not only the developmental features, but also the viability of the baby depend. You will learn detailed information about what changes occur in the uterus during pregnancy, as well as possible pathologies of the organ, from this article.

uterus during early pregnancy

Let's start with the fact that already from the first days of the conception of the crumbs, the woman's body is going through revolutionary changes. However, the uterus itself in the early stages of pregnancy remains without any special modifications, which cannot be said about her neck. As a rule, it is in this place that significant changes take place first.

So, immediately after fertilization, the uterine neck changes its shade. If before pregnancy it had a predominantly light pink color, then after the birth of a new life, the cervix becomes darker, acquiring a lilac color scheme. This is explained by the fact that after conception, blood flow in the main reproductive organ of the female body increases, small vessels expand, changing the color of the neck.

When such a pathology occurs, a woman feels pain in the lower back or lower abdomen, aggravated by walking, changing the position of the body, and also when turning the torso. In this case, pain may occur depending on the place in which the egg is fixed. As the egg grows, the pain intensifies, and, as a rule, it is they that make it possible to determine the presence of a pathological pregnancy in a woman. For example, in cases where the egg is attached to the ampulla of the fallopian tube, pain appears around the eighth week of pregnancy. When the fetus is fixed in the isthmus, a woman may begin to feel pain as early as the sixth week. With an ovarian or abdominal ectopic pregnancy, there are no symptoms of pathology during the first month. When a cervical pregnancy occurs, when the egg is attached to the cervix, pain is extremely rare, as a result of which the ectopic development of the embryo often goes unnoticed. That is why, with a delay in menstruation, it is very important not only to do a pregnancy test, but also to be examined by a gynecologist.

Now you know what changes the main reproductive organ of a woman undergoes during pregnancy. We hope that our information will be useful to you. And finally, we want to wish you a happy pregnancy and easy delivery.

Especially for - Nadezhda Vitvitskaya