During pregnancy, the size of a woman's uterus will enlarge and its shape will change. Generally, women who are entering the second trimester of pregnancy can begin to feel the uterus by gently pressing the lower abdominal area. This method can actually deepen the connection between you and your baby, you know! If you are not pregnant, your uterus may show various symptoms (such as cramping) that may indicate a health problem. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience it!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Finding the Position of the Uterus in the Second Trimester
Step 1. Lie on your back to find the position of the uterus more easily
You can lie in bed, on the couch, or wherever you feel comfortable. Take deep breaths to relax your body.
- Generally, doctors will recommend pregnant women not to sleep on their backs too often, especially because the weight of the uterus can put pressure on some of the main nerves in the body, and can cut off blood flow to the fetus and throughout your body. Therefore, make sure you only lie down for a few minutes.
- To release pressure and make your body more relaxed, you can also support one side of your body with a pillow.
Step 2. Find the location of your pubic bone
After that, surely you will find it easier to find the position of the uterus. Generally, the pubic bone will always be on top of and in line with your pubic hair; That's what you will feel when you rub your stomach to find the position of your uterus. In general, your uterus should be between your pubic bone or slightly above it.
Step 3. Feel the uterus below the belly button if you are 20 weeks pregnant
Before the age of 20 weeks, the position of the uterus will be below your belly button. To feel it, place your hand on your stomach just below your belly button.
- The first day of your period or last period is counted as the first day of your pregnancy. Count from that date to find out your gestational age.
- Chances are, you can still feel the uterus even though the gestational age is under 20 weeks.
Step 4. Feel the uterus above the belly button if you are more than 21 weeks pregnant
At a fairly old gestational age, the position of the uterus will be above the navel. To feel it, place your hand on your abdomen just above your belly button.
By the third trimester, your uterus will be about the size of a watermelon, so you should have no trouble feeling it
Step 5. Slowly press your fingertips against your stomach
After that, move your fingertips around the abdomen very slowly. Your uterus should feel round and a little firm. If you want, you can press your finger on the top of the uterus, also known as the fundus.
Step 6. Measure your uterus to find out your gestational age
One way to find out a woman's gestational age is to measure her uterus. For that, try measuring the distance between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus in centimeters. The number that comes out should be your gestational age in weeks.
- For example, if the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus is 22 cm, you are most likely 22 weeks pregnant.
- If the results don't match, it's likely that your baby's due date is not accurate.
Method 2 of 2: Noticing Changes in the Womb When Not Pregnant
Step 1. Call your obstetrician immediately if you think you have uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles weaken and have difficulty holding the uterus in place. Generally, this condition occurs in women who have passed menopause and/or women who have given birth vaginally several times. A person who has uterine prolapse will feel as if his uterus is about to come out of his vagina. If you experience the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
- There is something heavy in the pelvis
- Presence of soft tissue or membranes protruding from the vagina
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of uterine fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors that often form in a woman's uterus after giving birth. Unfortunately, fibroids are not always symptomatic, but some patients complain of pain or pressure in the pelvic area and/or experience constipation. Alternatively, you may experience increased menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.
Contact your gynecologist immediately if any of the above symptoms occur to you
Step 3. Watch for symptoms of adenomyosis
Generally, endometrial tissue will line the uterine wall. However, in patients with adenomyosis, the soft tissue will actually grow into the muscle wall of the uterus. Usually, the disorder occurs in women who have experienced menopause. Contact your gynecologist immediately if you experience symptoms such as:
- Severe cramps in the uterine area
- Pain like being stabbed by a knife in the pelvic area
- Blood clots during menstruation
Step 4. Treat menstrual pain
Experiencing uterine cramps during menstruation is a very normal situation. However, sometimes you will feel excruciating pain if the level of cramping is severe enough so that daily activities are vulnerable to disruption. To overcome this, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Midol. In addition, you can also take a warm bath or compress the stomach area with a warm pad to relieve the pain caused.
Tips
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience any medical symptoms related to the uterus!
- Generally, the size of the uterus will only feel enlarged if you are carrying more than one fetus. Apart from that, there is no significant difference.
- Ask your doctor for guidance to feel your uterus the right way.
- Generally, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the uterus to return to its original size after delivery.
