##How Big Does A Uterus Get During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the uterus tends to grow significantly in size in order to accommodate the growing fetus inside. By the middle of the third trimester, the uterus has grown an astonishing 500 times in size 1.
**The Normal Uterus Size Pre-Pregnancy**
The average size of a uterus before pregnancy is analogous to that of a pear. It measurably appears to be 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length, 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide, and 2.5 inches (6 cm) tall, when sitting in its normal resting position of being tipped over the bladder 2.
**Growth of Uterus During Pregnancy**
In general, the uterus tends to grow in size every pregnancy trimester. As listed in the table below, during the first trimester, the uterus will expand to the size of a grapefruit, by the second trimester it will become the size of a soccer ball and by the third trimester, the uterus can be compared to the size of a watermelon.
| Trimester | Uterus Size Comparison |
| — | — |
| First | Grapefruit |
| Second | Soccer ball |
| Third | Watermelon |
The more a woman carries, the larger her uterus may become. Twins and other multiples tend to require extra space inside the uterus, leading to a further increase in size.
**Uterus Size Post-Partum**
Once the baby has been delivered, the uterus typically shrinks back down in twelve weeks or less. This is largely due to the hormone oxytocin released during delivery and following breastfeeding.
Other measures, such as healthy eating, exercise, and the consumption of iron-rich postpartum foods can help to restore the uterus back to its original pre-pregnancy size.
##Conclusion
The uterus is a remarkable organ, which is capable of 500-fold growth during pregnancy. The change in size allows it to accommodate the growing fetus inside, as well as give birth to the baby during the delivery process. Pre-pregnancy, the average uterus measures 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length, 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide, and 2.5 inches (6 cm) tall. During each of the three trimesters, the uterus increases approximately in size from a grapefruit, to a soccer ball, to a watermelon respectively.
By following a healthy diet, engaging in exercise post-partum, and breastfeeding, the uterus typically returns to its normal size of a pear in 12 weeks or less.
References:
1. https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/how-your-body-changes-during-pregnancy#1
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317009
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
