Uterus in early pregnancy

The uterus in the early stages of pregnancy is subjected to a large number of modifications. First, the changes take place in the innermost layer of the uterus - the endometrium - thickening and hyperplasia are observed, and they are not visible to the naked eye, and as pregnancy develops, these changes affect all layers of the uterus, which becomes visible and externally.

The uterus swells, softens, especially on the site of the isthmus, as a result, it acquires some mobility. The mucous uterus acquires a cyanotic (cyanotic) color, which is explained by the intense inflow of blood and the increase in the number of blood vessels.

The increase in the uterus in the early stages is already observed from the fifth to the sixth week of pregnancy in the anteroposterior direction, and then in the transverse direction. At the same time there is a change in the shape of the uterus from pear-shaped to spherical. 

• At the end of the fourth week of pregnancy, the size of the uterus is comparable to the size of a chicken egg. 
• At the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy, the size of the uterus can be compared with the size of a goose egg. 
• At the end of the sixteenth week of pregnancy, the volume of the uterus is comparable to the volume of the average male fist.

The uterus in the early stages of pregnancy is located in the pelvic area and the external signs of pregnancy are not yet visible, the circumference of the abdomen, especially in primiparas, may increase slightly.

In the early stages of pregnancy, the uterus body softens, and its neck retains its density, which makes it possible to bring the fingers of both hands closer to each other when carrying out a two-hand vaginal examination - this is a sign of Gorwitz-Gegar pregnancy. Also, during a gynecological examination in early pregnancy: 

• The uterus slightly contracts and becomes denser, and after the termination of the examination again becomes soft - this is an early sign of Snegirev's pregnancy; 
• In one of the corners of the uterus there is a dome-shaped protrusion, which is due to the introduction of the fetal egg, as a result the uterus looks asymmetrical - this is also an early sign of Piskachek's pregnancy. 
• Characterized by the easy mobility of the cervix, due to softening of the uterus of the isthmus - this is an early sign of pregnancy Gubarev and Gauss. 
• There is a slight bend of the uterus anteriorly due to softening of its isthmus, in addition, it can be found, but not always, a comb-shaped thickening along the anterior surface of the uterus along its middle line is a sign of Genter.

Clinically, in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman can feel minor distracting pains, discomfort in the lower abdomen and / or lower back, which can be observed normally, and is associated with: 

• introduction of the fetal egg into the endometrium, 
• change in the hormonal area of a pregnant woman,
• changes in the osteo-ligament apparatus, in view of the preparation of the organism for the forthcoming labor activity, secretion in the pregnant organism of the hormone relaxin, under the influence of which the connective tissues become extensible and become loose, as a result - the pelvic bones become mobile; 
• an intensive increase in the body weight of the pregnant woman, which creates an increase in the load on the vertebral column, especially if there is a pathology in it - osteochondrosis, scoliosis.

If pains of this nature are not intense, do not increase and are not accompanied by pronounced bloody or other secretions, then you should not worry.

But if there is an increase in the intensity of pain, the appearance of copious amounts of bloody or brown character or the feeling that the uterus is "stone" or heavy, it is necessary to urgently seek help from an obstetrician-gynecologist, as this may indicate an increased tone (hypertonicity) of the uterus and threat miscarriage.

Hypertension of the uterus can result from: 

• hormonal failure in the body of a woman, 
• inflammatory changes in the pelvic organs, 
• anomalies of the development of the uterus, 
• stress, 
• strong physical exertion, 
• bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol, 
• endometriosis or uterine myoma.

In most cases, it is enough to normalize your lifestyle and exclude bad habits, but in any case, you need to contact a doctor who observes a pregnant woman in order to quickly identify the cause of hypertension of the uterus, eliminate it and provide favorable conditions for pregnancy.

Cervix in early pregnancy

The cervix in the early stages of pregnancy also undergoes changes, namely - changes its color, location, consistency, shape and size. In the early stages of pregnancy, the cervix becomes bluish and loosens, and its glands are made more branched and enlarged. Cyanosis of the cervix is associated with an increase in the number of blood vessels and, accordingly, the flow of blood. Cervix in the early stages of pregnancy performs a very important role: 

• keeps the fetus in the uterus, 
• prevents penetration of infection into the uterine cavity from outside.

In the early stages of pregnancy, a mucous plug is formed in the cervical region, which also performs a barrier, protective function - prevents the entry of bacterial infectious agents into the uterus.

In the early stages of pregnancy, excreta, usually not plentiful, smearing, or may be absent altogether. The color of the discharge may be creamy, pink, with a yellowish or brownish tinge, bloody. Minor discharge brownish or bloody, odorless, rapidly passing and not accompanied by a strong pain syndrome can be normal in the third to fourth week of pregnancy due to the introduction of the fetal egg into the endometrium.

If the amount of bloody discharge is large and increases, and at the same time there is a strong pain in the abdomen and / or lower back, it is felt that the uterus is very tense, then it is necessary to go to the doctor-gynecologist without delay.

The discharge of a bloody species in the early stages of pregnancy can be caused by erosion of the cervix, which was before pregnancy. And due to the increased blood flow in the cervix in early terms, its aggravation occurs. Most often, bleeding during erosion of the cervix arises after intimate closeness or for no apparent reason, not abundant and not accompanied by pain, can pass independently. But it is better to seek medical advice from a gynecologist. Local therapy may be necessary.

In the early stages of pregnancy, cervical insufficiency (Isthmiko-cervical) may be noted, which is characterized by insufficient muscle contraction or its absence in the isthmus of the uterus, as a result of which the cervix can prematurely open, not retain the fetus and miscarriage will occur. The risk of miscarriage increases with the development of pregnancy. The cause of ishmiko - cervical insufficiency can be: 

• hormonal disorders in the female body, 
• injuries due to previous births or abortions, 
• pathology of the development of the uterus.

Usually, ismiko - cervical insufficiency is asymptomatic and in the early stages of pregnancy it is impossible to independently identify it, so it is advisable to visit the obstetrician and gynecologist on a regular basis to recognize it in time.

Thus, the uterus in the early stages of pregnancy creates coziness and favorable conditions for the formation and development of a future child.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]