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The doctor-approved way to feel your uterus in early pregnancy safely
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When you’re pregnant, your uterus grows and changes shape. Once you’re in your second trimester, you can feel your uterus by gently pressing down on your lower abdomen. This can be a fun way to connect with your baby and estimate your due date. Feeling your uterus won’t hurt or distress your baby, and the farther along you are in your pregnancy, the easier feeling your uterus will be, especially as your belly grows. In this article, we’ll teach you how to locate your uterus when you’re pregnant using a self examination (and know when to call a doctor).
Things You Should Know
- To feel your uterus, first lay down on a flat surface and find your pubic bone (the bone right above your pubic hairline).
- Then, use the tips of your fingers to gently press on the skin between your pubic bones. The uterus will feel round and firm.
- This technique works best if you’re over 12 weeks pregnant, but keep in mind that the farther along you are, the higher your uterus will be.
Steps
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Lie down on your back. You can locate your uterus more easily if you’re flat on your back. Lay down on your bed, sofa, or wherever you feel most comfortable. Place your feet flat on the floor with your knees bent. Then, take a few deep breaths to help yourself relax. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Go to the bathroom before lying down, as a full bladder can make finding your uterus harder.
- Doctors generally advise not to lie on your back too much after about 20 weeks of pregnancy, as the weight of the uterus can compress blood vessels and restrict blood flow to you and your baby. Only stay in this position for a few minutes, and sit up or roll onto your side if you start to feel dizzy, breathless, or nauseated. [2] X Research source
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Locate your pubic bone. Finding your pubic bone or pubis can help you get a sense of where you’ll feel your uterus. The pubic bone is directly above your pubic hairline and is the most protruding bone in your pelvis. Generally, it’ll feel like a hard rounded point under your pubic area. Your uterus is located behind or slightly above your pubic bone in the early stages of pregnancy.
- In early pregnancy, your uterus will still be behind or under your pubic bones, making it difficult or impossible to feel; however, the top of the uterus will gradually get higher in your belly as the pregnancy progresses.
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Press your fingertips gently against your stomach. Begin moving your fingertips slowly and carefully around your abdomen. Use your left palm to push any skin and fat away from your pubic bone. Then, while supporting your stomach with your left hand, use your right hand to carefully press your fingers above your pubic bone. Gently rock your fingers back in forth until you feel a round firm ball. This is your uterus. [3] X Research source
- The top of the uterus is called the fundus, and it can feel like a firm ball inside your belly.
- This technique works best if you’re at least 12 weeks pregnant, as this is when the uterus fills the pelvis and moves up toward the abdomen. [4] X Research source
- At 12 weeks, your uterus is roughly the size of a grapefruit.
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Feel your belly below your navel if you’re under 20 weeks pregnant. Your navel is commonly referred to as your belly button. Before you’re 20 weeks, your uterus will be beneath your navel. Place your hands on your belly right below the belly button to feel the uterus. There may also be a slight or noticeable bulge. [5] X Research source
- The first day of your last menstrual period is considered the start of your pregnancy. Count from that date to figure out how far along you are.
- During your second trimester, your uterus will grow to be the size of a papaya.
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Find your uterus above your navel if you’re 21 weeks (or more) pregnant. When you’re further along in your pregnancy, the uterus moves above your naval. Place your hands on your abdomen just above your belly button to find it. [6] X Research source
- During your third trimester, your uterus will be the size of a watermelon, so you’ll have an easier time feeling it.
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Measure the size of your uterus to determine how far along you are. With the help of your doctor, you can use this massaging technique to determine how many weeks pregnant you are. This is called fundal height. Using centimeters, measure the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus. The number on the measuring tape should correspond with the progression of your pregnancy. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- For example, if the distance is 22 centimetres (8.7 in), you’re likely 22 weeks along.
- If the numbers don't match up, this may be because your original due date is inaccurate, the baby is bigger or smaller than expected, or there’s an unusually large or small amount of amniotic fluid.
- If you get an unexpected number when you measure your uterus, try not to worry. Your doctor can perform an ultrasound or other tests to figure out what’s going on.
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Understand that having a hard time feeling your uterus is normal. If you’re struggling to find your uterus, take a deep breath. There are many reasons why this may be the case. For instance: [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- It may be too early in the pregnancy. If you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant, the uterus may still be hidden behind your pubic bones.
- This is your first pregnancy. If this is your first baby, your abdominal muscles may be tight around your uterus, making it more difficult to feel.
- You’re overweight. If you have extra fat around your abdomen, it may make it harder to find the uterus.
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Call your gynecologist if you think you have a prolapsed uterus. Uterine prolapse happens when the pelvic floor muscles weaken and can’t hold the uterus in place. This typically occurs in postmenopausal people and those who've had more than one vaginal delivery. If your uterus is prolapsed, you might feel like it is falling out of your vagina. Contact your gynecologist as soon as possible. Other symptoms include: [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- A sensation of heaviness in your pelvis
- Tissue sticking out of your vagina
- Trouble urinating or having bowel movements
- A feeling of looseness or lack of muscle tone in your vagina during sex
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Watch for symptoms of uterine fibroids, such as pelvic pressure or pain. Fibroids are benign growths that often develop in the uterus during childbearing years. Fibroids don’t always have symptoms, but sometimes you’ll feel pressure or pain in your pelvis or become constipated. Experiencing heavy periods or bleeding between periods is also a possibility. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Contact your gynecologist if you have any of these symptoms.
- Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding can also be signs of an ectopic pregnancy—but only when combined with other symptoms like severe abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and lightheadedness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Reader Poll: We asked 232 wikiHow readers and 59% of them agreed that they would immediately seek emergency medical care if they suspected an ectopic pregnancy. [Take Poll]
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Be aware of signs of adenomyosis, like heavy or painful periods. Endometrial tissue typically lines the uterine wall, but with adenomyosis, the tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This condition typically clears up on its own after menopause. Contact your gynecologist if you experience symptoms such as: [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Severe cramping or knife-like pain in your uterus or pelvis during your period
- Blood clots or unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding during your period
- Pain during sex
- Persistent pelvic pain, even when you’re not having your period
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionI might be pregnant, and I don't have a menstrual cycle. I have a lot of the signs and symptoms. What should I do? I'm on disability.Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.Contact your doctor for a proper evaluation and care of your current symptoms.
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QuestionIs it possible for a woman to feel pains in her uterus while pregnant?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.Yes, it is possible to feel mild to moderate pain similar to cramping while pregnant. If these sensations are brief, transient, and are not increasing in intensity or frequency, it is nothing to worry about. These mild aches can be related to changes that are taking place in your body. It can also be related to constipation, bloating, food intolerance, or pressure on the round ligaments that support your uterus. If the pain feels severe and is not going away, don’t ever hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
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Tips
- If you’re struggling to locate your uterus yourself, ask your doctor for help.Thanks
- After pregnancy, your uterus can take 6 to 8 weeks to return to its normal size.Thanks
- Your uterus won't necessarily feel different if you're carrying multiple babies, but it might be noticeably larger.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22294-fundal-height
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/should-pregnant-women-avoid-sleeping-on-their-backs
- ↑ http://www.newkidscenter.com/Uterus-Size-During-Pregnancy.html
- ↑ https://nationalpartnership.org/childbirthconnection/healthy-pregnancy/your-body-throughout-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://nationalpartnership.org/childbirthconnection/healthy-pregnancy/your-body-throughout-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://nationalpartnership.org/childbirthconnection/healthy-pregnancy/your-body-throughout-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/fundal-height/faq-20057962
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22294-fundal-height
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-prolapse/symptoms-causes/syc-20353458
About This Article
Article Summary
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To feel your uterus when you’re pregnant, start by lying on your back on a bed or sofa. Then, locate your pubic bones, which are the bones directly above your pubic hair line. If you’re under 21 weeks pregnant, place your hands on your belly just below your navel or belly button. If you’re 21 weeks pregnant or more, feel for your uterus above your naval. Either way, use your fingertips to feel for the round firmness of your uterus. To work out the size of your uterus, measure the distance between your pubic bone and the top of your uterus. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to recognize the symptoms of a prolapsed uterus, read on!
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