The weight of the uterus in a non-pregnant woman is approximately 70 g, and the volume of the cavity is about 1 ml.
In the first weeks of pregnancy, the uterus begins to grow rapidly and blood flow around the uterus increases. Although the uterus grows during the first three months (first trimester), the bone remains in the pelvis and its size cannot be observed from the outside or noticed by touch. Due to the growing uterus in these weeks, it is considered normal for the woman to feel slight discomfort during position changes (for example, when sitting or lying down).
In the 12th-14th weeks of pregnancy. After the first week of pregnancy, the uterus rises above the bone called pubis, which forms the lower abdominal border, and can now be felt by hand. The fundus of the uterus grows 1 cm above the pubis every week and reaches the level of the belly button in the 20th week. Generally 16th-20th. After the first week of pregnancy, the pregnancy status begins to be noticed by external observation. In the first 6 months, the uterus is spherical and becomes oval in the last three months.
The growing uterus in the last three months changes the body's center of gravity, causing the spine to bend more inward in the waist and shoulder parts and more outward in the back. . If the muscles are not strong, neck and back pain may occur. These pains do not pose a danger to pregnancy, but they are quite disturbing. The top of the uterus finally rises to the breastbone. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, especially when lying down, may occur. The growing uterus and the high level of Progesterone hormone secreted during pregnancy cause the digestive organs to work slower and constipation may occur. As a result of the stomach rising under the pressure of the uterus and the effect of Progesterone, the mechanism that protects the esophagus from stomach acid weakens, a burning sensation in the esophagus called reflux and a bitter taste in the mouth may occur.
At the end of pregnancy, the uterus weighs approximately 1000 grams. Its internal volume reaches the capacity to accumulate a total of 20 liters, including the placenta, the baby itself and the amniotic fluid containing the baby.
Immediately after birth, the uterus shrinks rapidly. It reaches its previous size approximately six weeks after birth, at the end of the puerperal period.
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