Learn about the uterus and changes during pregnancy

In addition to changes in size, what other changes does the uterus suffer during pregnancy? Is it unusual for a uterus to sneeze? For answers to these questions, please read the article of aFamilyToday Health.

During pregnancy, the organ most affected and also changed the most is the uterus. Please join aFamilyToday Health to learn about this important women's agency.

What is the uterus?

The uterus (womb) is a female reproductive organ, an upside-down pear-shaped hollow internal organ. When not pregnant, this organ is only about 4cm long, 4 - 5cm wide. Not only is the place for fertilization and implantation of eggs and fetus nurturing for 40 weeks of pregnancy but also has many roles in women's health .

The position of the uterus

The uterus is located between the pelvis, behind the bladder, and in front of the rectum. This organ is connected to the vagina by the cervix. The position of this organ varies widely from person to person and changes a lot during pregnancy.

The structure of the uterus

1. Bottom of the uterus

The base is the upper part of the uterus, broad and curved. The base has horns on either side, where the oviduct connects with the uterus.

2. Body of the uterus

The body is the main part of the uterus, made up of 3 muscle layers: the longitudinal muscle, the sphincter and the cross muscle. Thanks to the crossed muscle layer, the womb can contract, helping to stop bleeding after the placenta falls off during childbirth.

In the womb there is a mucus layer called the endometrium. The thinness of this endothelium varies depending on the hormonal action of the menstrual cycle. The fertilized egg will attach to this endothelium and gradually develop into an embryo. If fertilization does not take place, the endothelium will peel off and be removed by menstruation.

3. Cervical waist

The cervical waist is the connection between the uterus and the cervix, the narrowest place.

4. The cervix

The cervix is ​​at the lowest position of the uterus, connecting this organ to the vagina. In the lumen of the cervix there is a smooth mucus layer. When an egg is released, the fluid becomes thinner, making it easier for sperm to enter the uterus.

The cervix has a structure of 3 parts:

Hole in the cervix: This is the inner part of the cervix leading to the uterus.

+ Cervical canal: A cylindrical tube connecting the uterus with the vagina.

+ Extra-cervical hole: Is the lowest part of the cervix, connecting the cervix with the vagina.

Changes made by this organ during pregnancy

During pregnancy, this organ's size changes greatly. In addition to the change in size during pregnancy, the womb has the following changes:

1. Luteum growth (the rest of the follicles after ovulation)

The corpus luteum is a small structure that forms immediately after fertilization

It forms a protective layer around the embryo and will release progesterone, one of the most important hormones of pregnancy.

In addition, the corpus luteum also supports the development of the lining around the womb wall.

2. Placenta formation

The placenta will support the formation and development of the placenta to help nourish the fetus

The placenta produces both estrogen and progesterone, which change the size and position of the womb.

3. Blood vessels grow larger

After about a month of pregnancy, the blood vessels in the womb lining get bigger. This will contribute to the lining of the stomach

In addition, growing blood vessels will also support providing more full nutrients for the baby.

4. The cervix has also changed

After a 4-week pregnancy, the cervix gradually changes not only in color but also in texture

The cervix will begin to form a mucus node 5 weeks after the egg is fertilized. This helps the womb to hold the fetus and avoid external pollution. If the cervix is ​​opened earlier than the due date (usually between 16 and 24 weeks) this can lead to a cervical opening . This can cause you to go into labor early, causing miscarriage.

5. Variation in lower segment

As the fetus grows, the fetus will begin to grow outside of the pelvic region

When you are around 12 weeks pregnant, you should probably feel the tip of your uterus

Around 24 weeks pregnant, the upper part of the abdominal muscles will begin to stretch as the upper part of the uterus becomes thicker. The thinner layers will stay on the bottom so this part is often called the lower segment

The lower segment is the part that helps to fix the cervix and the upper segment. In addition, the lower segment also helps the fetal neck expand during labor

The muscles of the lower segment make up about a third of the fetus's lower part. This is the weak muscle layer and usually has lower blood volume than the upper part of the fetus

Caesarean section will be performed in the lower segment. The doctor will perform an incision in the lower section, where the blood flow is lower than the upper part. This will prevent excessive bleeding.

6. Changes in ligaments during pregnancy

From the onset of pregnancy to the late stages of pregnancy, the uterus will gradually lean toward the right side of the body

The ligaments will help keep the fetus in place, even as the uterus is growing to accommodate the development of the fetus.

The ligaments will support and stabilize the fetus, making it easier for the fetus to move inside

During pregnancy, there will be a lot of pressure on the ligaments that makes you feel uncomfortable, leading to stomach pain or pain in the groin area. This is called tendon pain. However, this is normal during pregnancy and will disappear quickly after the baby is born

During pregnancy, if you cough or sneeze, you may also feel a little throbbing.

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the uterus from size to other factors. Therefore, do not worry too much if one of the above cases occurs because these are very normal during pregnancy. Besides, if you have any concerns, please see your doctor right away!