Uterine changes during pregnancy

This is an automatically translated article.

This article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Truong Nghia Binh - Obstetrician-Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
During pregnancy, the uterus is the organ that is affected and has the most changes. This is where the fetus is and nurtures the developing fetus (including embryo, amniotic fluid and placenta). This is due to the elasticity of the tissues in the structure of the uterus. The following article will provide information about the changes of the uterus during pregnancy.

1. Why can the length of the uterus during pregnancy change?

During pregnancy, the uterus is the place where a fertilized egg implants and develops. Therefore, the uterus also grows to accommodate the development of the fetus. The length of the uterus can be changed during pregnancy without causing problems to other organs thanks to the elasticity of the stretched abdominal wall muscles; Besides, other organs also adapt well to the new position when pushed out by the uterus. Thanks to this feature, the fetus can grow and develop in the womb.

2. How does the length of the uterus during pregnancy change?

The uterus is a small muscle located in a woman's pelvis. During pregnancy, the uterus measures from 7.5 x 5 x 2.5 cm to 30 x 23 x 20 cm, weighs from 50g to 1kg and reaches a volume of 6ml to 5 liters. The process of changing the length of the uterus during pregnancy is as follows:
Normally, the uterus is shaped like a pear. In the first month of pregnancy, the uterus does not enlarge significantly and is described as a large mandarin; 2nd month of pregnancy: The uterus is as big as an orange; 3rd month of pregnancy: The uterus is shaped like a sphere. With the change in the length of the uterus during pregnancy, the pregnant woman can now see the uterus clearly above the pubic area. By the 11th week of pregnancy, the uterus is as big as a fist and presses on the bladder, causing the pregnant mother to urinate more and causing constipation, hemorrhoids...; 4th month of pregnancy: The uterus has changed quite clearly, the height of the uterus reaches between the pubic area and the navel. By week 14, the uterus is as big as a grapefruit; May - June of pregnancy: The length of the uterus during pregnancy changes and reaches the navel;

7th month of pregnancy: The uterus is shaped like an upside down pear and has risen above the navel about 4-5 cm. When the uterus is getting higher and higher in the abdominal cavity, the abdominal skin begins to expand and at this time, the development of the fetus can cause digestive disorders for the mother due to pressure from the bottom up; 8th month of pregnancy: At this time, the uterus has reached between the tip of the sternum and the navel; 9th month, when preparing to give birth: This is when the length of the uterus during pregnancy reaches its maximum size. However, you may also have a feeling that the uterus has started to descend again 2 to 3 weeks before giving birth. When the pressure on the abdomen decreases, breathing becomes easier. Details of fetal development week by week, every parent should learn:

3. How does the cervix change during pregnancy?

In addition to the change in size and position during pregnancy, the cervix - part of the uterus also has the following changes:
From the 4th week of pregnancy, the cervix will gradually change in color both textures; Five weeks after the egg is fertilized, the cervix begins to form a mucus plug to help the uterus hold the fetus and avoid foreign agents causing inflammation. The length of the uterus during pregnancy varies greatly. As the fetus grows, the uterus expands and causes the pregnant mother's waist to sink, causing pregnant women to often feel back pain. Therefore, pregnant women should exercise gently and regularly to strengthen their abdominal muscles, help the lumbar region to relax, and avoid back pain. After giving birth, pregnant women can check the position of the uterus again because the uterus will return to its original position. The first trimester is the most sensitive time during pregnancy. In order for mother and baby to be healthy, parents need to pay attention to:
Understand early signs of pregnancy, pregnancy poisoning, bleeding during pregnancy. Timely, correct and sufficient first prenatal check-up, avoiding too early/too late. Fetal malformation screening at 12 weeks detects dangerous fetal malformations that can be intervened early. Distinguish between normal vaginal bleeding and pathological vaginal bleeding for timely intervention to maintain pregnancy. Screening for thyroid disease in the first 3 months of pregnancy avoids dangerous risks before and during delivery. Vinmec currently has many maternity packages (12-27-36 weeks), in which the 12-week maternity package helps monitor the health of mother and baby right from the beginning of pregnancy, early detection and timely intervention of health issues. In addition to the usual services, the maternity monitoring program from 12 weeks has special services that other maternity packages do not have such as: Double Test or Triple Test to screen for fetal malformations; Quantitative angiogenesis factor test to diagnose preeclampsia; thyroid screening test; Rubella test; Testing for parasites transmitted from mother to child seriously affects the baby's brain and physical development after birth.
Doctor Truong Nghia Binh has over 13 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has high expertise and long experience in the diagnosis and treatment of Obstetrics and Gynecology diseases.
For more information about the 12-week maternity package and registration, you can contact the clinics and hospitals of Vinmec health system nationwide.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.