It allows for the flow of oxygen and nutrients to, and waste products from, the fetus. The Placenta: The uterus supports the placenta, which is an essential structure during pregnancy. The fertilized egg receives nutrients and support from the uterus as it develops. During this event, the uterus accepts a fertilized egg, which burrows into the uterine lining. Implantation: One of the first stages of pregnancy is implantation. Growing with the Fetus: A key role of the uterus is to grow alongside the fetus to ensure they have enough room to develop. The uterus plays many important roles during pregnancy, including: For pregnancies with more than one fetus, the uterus stretches more quickly to keep up with the space demands of the babies within. Some pregnant people may start feeling short of breath as their lungs have less room to expand.Īfter Birth: The uterus slowly returns to its pre-pregnancy size, shape, and position. The Third Trimester: The uterus is the size of a watermelon! Extending from the pubic area to the rib cage, the uterus now takes up a lot of space in the body. Many people start noticing a pregnancy bump during the second trimester as the uterus expands. This can cause some discomfort since the organs are displaced from their usual position. The Second Trimester: The uterus is the size of a papaya and starts to grow upwards into the abdominal cavity. The growing uterus may put pressure on the bladder, causing the pregnant person to feel like they constantly need to pee! The First Trimester: The uterus is the size of a grapefruit. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the size and position of the uterus changes during pregnancy in the following ways (3):īefore Pregnancy: The uterus is the size of an orange and is found in the pelvis. Because the fetus undergoes such a dramatic growth spurt, it’s essential that the uterus can keep up. The Size and Position of the Uterus During Pregnancyĭuring pregnancy, a fetus transforms from a microscopic embryo into a fully developed newborn. The uterus also becomes home to the placenta and other pregnancy-related structures, such as the umbilical cord and amniotic sac. Over the course of a pregnancy, the uterus expands and adapts to accommodate the growing fetus. If a pregnancy does not take place, the endometrium breaks down and the body sheds it as a period (2). If pregnancy occurs, the endometrium provides the embryo with nutrients and support. This is a hormone-responsive lining that thickens over the course of the menstrual cycle in anticipation of receiving a fertilized egg. The innermost layer is called the endometrium. The uterus is made up of three distinct layers that help support its function. In a non-pregnant person, this structure is situated in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ found in the bodies of people assigned females at birth. This article examines how the uterus adapts during pregnancy to support and protect the fetus, as well as tips for keeping the uterus healthy. It can expand many times its pre-pregnancy size by the end of the third trimester (1). One of the biggest transformations can be seen in the uterus. During pregnancy, the body goes through a series of miraculous changes.
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