When you are pregnant, the uterus begins to grow and change shape. Once you enter the second trimester, you will be able to feel the uterus by applying gentle pressure to the lower abdomen. This can be a simple and curious way to connect with your baby. If you are not pregnant, you may experience certain symptoms, such as cramps, in the uterus. If these symptoms are of concern, see your doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Locating the Uterus During the Second Trimester
Step 1. Lie on your back
If you are lying on your back, it will be easier to locate your uterus. You can do this on the bed, sofa, or anywhere you feel comfortable. Take a few deep breaths to relax.
- Doctors generally advise pregnant women not to lie on their back for a long time, because the weight of the uterus could compress a major nerve. This could impair blood flow to the baby. Stay in this position for only a few minutes.
- You may also want to ease the pressure by using a pillow to hold one side of your body up.
Step 2. Locate the pubic bones
Locating the pubic bones can help you understand where you will be able to locate the uterus. The pubic bones are located just above the pubic hair line. These are the bones you feel when palpating the abdomen to find the uterus. In general, the uterus should be between the two pubic bones or slightly above that area.
Step 3. Feel the abdomen below the navel if you are 20 weeks pregnant
Before the twentieth week of pregnancy, the uterus is located below the navel. Place your hands on your stomach, just below the navel.
- The first day of the last menstruation is considered the beginning of pregnancy. You can count from that date to understand where you are in your pregnancy.
- You may still be able to locate the uterus even if you have been pregnant for less than 20 weeks.
Step 4. Palpate above the navel if you are 21 weeks or more pregnant
When you are later in the pregnancy, the uterus is located above the umbilical line. Place your hands on your belly, just above your navel.
During the third trimester, the uterus becomes the size of a watermelon and you will have no problem locating it
Step 5. Gently press on the stomach with your fingertips
Begin to move your fingers all around the abdomen, slowly and carefully. You should feel a round mass is a bit stiff. You can apply fingertip pressure to the top of the uterus, which is called the fundus.
Step 6. Measure the size of your uterus to understand where you are in your pregnancy
You and your doctor can measure the uterus to determine how many weeks you are pregnant. Using a tape measure, measure the distance between the top of the uterus and the pubic bones. The value obtained should correspond to the weeks of pregnancy.
- For example, if this distance is 22 cm, you are approximately 22 weeks pregnant.
- If the numbers do not seem to match, this could indicate that the date of conception is not accurate.
Part 2 of 2: Noticing any Change in the Uterus When Not Pregnant
Step 1. Contact your gynecologist if you think you have uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles fail and cannot support the uterus in the correct position. Uterine prolapse typically affects menopausal women or those who have had more than one vaginal birth. If your uterus has prolapsed, you may have a feeling that it is exiting the vagina. Contact your gynecologist as soon as possible. Other symptoms include:
- A feeling of heaviness in the pelvis
- More or less evident leakage of the uterus from the vagina
- Difficulty urinating and passing body
Step 2. Look out for symptoms of uterine fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus that mainly affect women of childbearing age. Fibroids don't always cause symptoms, but sometimes you may feel pressure or pain in your pelvis or have problems with constipation. You may also experience painful periods or bleeding between periods.
Contact your gynecologist if you have any of these symptoms
Step 3. Look out for symptoms of adenomyosis
The endometrial tissue lines the walls of the uterus, but in the course of adenomyosis it also develops in the context of the muscle tissue (myometrium). This condition generally occurs in menopausal women. Contact your gynecologist if you have symptoms such as:
- Very severe cramps in the uterus
- Shooting pain in the pelvic area
- Blood clots during menstruation
Step 4. Deal with menstrual cramps
It is normal to feel cramps during menstruation. If the cramps are severe, you may experience pain. You can fight this with home remedies or over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Naproxen. You can also use a hot water bottle or take a hot bath for some relief.
Advice
- See your doctor if you have symptoms that make you think of a problem with your uterus.
- Your uterus may show no difference from a single pregnancy if you are carrying out a multiple pregnancy, but it could be significantly larger.
- Ask your doctor to help you feel the uterus.
- After giving birth, it will take 6 to eight weeks for the uterus to return to normal size.
