Uterus

The uterus is a muscular reproductive organ found in the pelvis of women. The uterus is where a baby develops during pregnancy.

Often called the womb, the uterus expands dramatically during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. During labor, powerful contractions of its muscular wall help open the cervix and push the baby through the birth canal.

After childbirth, the uterus contracts again, helping reduce bleeding and gradually returning to its pre-pregnancy size.

QUICK FACT

The uterus can increase to more than twenty times its original size during pregnancy.

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Clinical & Educational Context

Discussed in Health Articles & Guides

Explore how "Uterus" is covered across our evidence-based editorial guides:

1 Article
Medicine without Jargon

The Best Birthing Position: What Current Evidence Says

It is a carefully coordinated process involving the uterus, cervix, pelvis, pelvic floor muscles, and the baby.