How Much Does the Uterus Grow During Pregnancy?
Think of blowing up one of those big punching bag balloons kids play with — that’s basically what your uterus does during pregnancy. It gets heavier too, by about two pounds total.
The uterus is normally pretty small and hangs out deep in your pelvis. It doesn’t typically stretch up and out of there until about your 12th week of pregnancy (slightly earlier if you’re carrying twins or other multiples). By about midpregnancy (18 to 20 weeks), your uterus should be as high as your belly button. After that, your OB will use a tape measure at each visit to measure the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus in centimeters; that number usually corresponds with the number of weeks of pregnancy you’re in. So you should measure about 30 centimeters when you’re 30 weeks, for example.
If your uterus is about the size it should be at each visit, your OB will see that as a sign that everything’s A-OK. If you’re measuring too big or too small, it may mean your due date’s wrong, or you may need additional tests to rule out any unusual pregnancy complications.
After birth, your uterus—which will, in the end, reach almost as high as your rib cage—will gradually return to its pre-pregnancy position. (That deflation is called “involution.”) It generally takes about six weeks after delivery for the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and shape—but in general, it does. (Yay!)
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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