As a rule, a woman does not feel anything in the first days of pregnancy. There are no visible signs of pregnancy. The fertilized egg moves towards the uterus through the fallopian tube and, at the same time, divides.

At the same time, during pregnancy in the early stages, many signs that are not specific to pregnancy may be felt, which, however, appearing in combination, can, with a certain degree of certainty, indicate the beginning of fetal development.

These signs include:

• morning sickness, vomiting, drooling, a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region, a strange “metallic” taste in the mouth, heartburn, constipation, intestinal disorders, bloating due to gas, a noticeable increase in abdominal circumference (the symptom itself may be associated with gastrointestinal problems -intestinal tract);
• increased appetite, increased sensitivity to smells or aversion to them, unusual eating habits (if nothing else indicates pregnancy, may be associated with metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal problems);
• drowsiness, apathy, increased fatigue, feeling tired even in the morning, and not just in the evening or during the day, lethargy, lack of composure, mood swings, isolation, tearfulness, sometimes even aggressiveness or unusual excitability, restless sleep (without other symptoms of pregnancy may be a sign chronic fatigue syndrome, functional disorders of the nervous system, psyche, lack of vitamins, consequences of serious illnesses);
• weakness, fainting, dizziness, which usually occurs when being in a stuffy room, standing for a long time, taking hot baths in the absence of other signs of pregnancy, can be caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain, vegetative-vascular dystonia, low blood pressure);
• migraines, headaches;
• worsening of hearing;
• frequent urination (as a separate manifestation, frequent urge to go to the toilet can be a sign of colds, inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, urinary system)
• a feeling of “fullness” in the lower abdomen, heaviness in the pelvic area, stabbing, pulling, unusual sensations in this area (without other signs of pregnancy, this may be associated with gynecological problems);
• tension, swelling, soreness, increase in the size of the mammary glands, sensitive nipples, darkening of the skin of the area around the nipple, an increase in the diameter of this area, increased sensitivity of the breast, engorgement and the appearance of colostrum (white discharge) from the nipple when pressed (in the absence of other signs of pregnancy, this may be an indicator problems, including oncology, breast);
• elevated for about 2 weeks to 37-37.5 ° C (even in the absence of menstruation, it can be associated with an inflammatory process in the body, including mononucleosis). In the case of pregnancy, the temperature is maintained until the placenta begins to function, measured in the rectum for five to seven minutes, and the thermometer is inserted into the cavity to a depth of 2 cm. When measuring this temperature, a sign in the second phase is also a sharp decrease in temperature for one day (“implantation retraction”) ") occurring as a result of hormonal changes: a decrease in the production of the hormone progesterone during this period, which caused an increase in basal temperature, as well as the release of the hormone tarragon, which is responsible for the decrease in temperature;
• repeated mild “lumbago”, mild pain in the lower back, discomfort in the sacral area (in the absence of other pregnancy symptoms, it may be associated with spinal problems, sciatica);
• a feeling of heat, cold, chills, a feeling of general malaise, as with a cold or a mild form of the flu;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• darkening of the skin, the appearance of age spots, including the appearance of pregnancy scars (stripes) on the face, darkening of the line on the abdomen from the navel to the groin and pubis, blue or pink lines on the abdomen and chest. They usually appear at 1-3 months of pregnancy; in its absence, it may indicate a hormonal imbalance, or be the consequences of a previous pregnancy;
• slight swelling of the hands, decreased blood pressure
• periodic tingling in the uterus, spasms of the uterus, in the lower abdomen, as during or before menstruation, but there is no menstruation;
• the appearance, increase in vaginal discharge, implantation bleeding due to the attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall, appearing 6 - 12 days after conception in the form of slight bleeding, or just a few brown drops, or only a “yellowish trace” on toilet paper, which resembles the harbingers of menstruation, these phenomena may appear repeatedly;
• internal sensations, intuition;
• dreaming fish;
• unusual activity in setting up your “nest” at home (wiping dust, cleaning, washing, putting things in order, etc.).

All these signs, each in itself, can be either a direct consequence of pregnancy, changes in the body, hormonal changes, or evidence of a number of diseases, and quite often, self-hypnosis.

The uterus is one of the most important organs female reproductive system. The uterus becomes a refuge for the unborn baby throughout pregnancy.

The condition of this organ affects the possibility of conceiving and bearing a fetus, so many women panic when they learn about any abnormalities at an appointment with a gynecologist. An increase in the size of the uterus is a controversial symptom, as it can indicate the development of a pathological process, indicate an approaching period or pregnancy. It is not recommended to make a diagnosis on your own; in any case, it is better to consult a gynecologist.

Causes of uterine enlargement

The uterus increases in size under the influence of the following factors and pathological conditions:

• Onset of pregnancy. At 2-3 weeks from the moment of conception, the uterus begins to increase in size under the influence of a special hormone progesterone, which prepares the woman’s body for bearing a fetus.
• Approaching menstruation. The maximum thickening of the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium, in which the fertilized egg is implanted, occurs in the last days of the menstrual cycle. It is during this period that the uterus increases in size.
• Benign tumors in the uterus: fibroids or polyps. The growth of the tumor contributes to the enlargement of the uterine body.
• Menopause. When the female body completes the work of the reproductive system of the body, the uterus increases slightly in size. It is worth noting that after menopause, it is advisable to visit a gynecologist every 6 months, since after 50 years the risk of developing tumors of various nature increases sharply.
• Endometriosis disease. The main symptom of this pathology is the growth and thickening of the inner layer of the uterus endometrium. As a result, the uterus thickens and increases in size.
• Ectopic pregnancy. When a fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, the corpus luteum continues to produce the “pregnant” hormone progesterone, which triggers the processes of preparing the body for pregnancy and the uterus enlarges.
• Cancer of the uterus. Damage to uterine tissue by a malignant process provokes uncontrolled growth of tissue and atypical cells, as a result of which the uterus increases in size depending on the growth of the tumor.
• Hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance provokes disruption of the ovaries and contributes to an enlargement of the uterus on any day of the menstrual cycle.
• Myometritis. Inflammation of the inner layers of the uterus and muscle tissue.
• Endometritis. Inflammation of the endometrium.

Treatment of pathology

Treatment is prescribed only when confirmed development of the pathological process in the uterus or due to hormonal imbalance. Inflammation of the uterus is treated with antibiotics in a hospital setting; drug therapy is accompanied by strengthening the immune system with infusions of herbs and vitamins.

After relieving acute inflammation, for the purpose of prevention, a woman is recommended to undergo a course of magnet therapy or current treatment. Such procedures normalize blood circulation in the uterus, eliminate the effects of inflammation and stabilize the processes of monthly renewal of the endometrium. Benign formations in the uterus, such as fibroids and polyps, can only be removed surgically.

In some cases, when the tumor is small and does not increase in size, removal is not required, but there remains a need for constant monitoring of the growth of the tumor.

Modern medicine makes it possible to remove benign tumors through laparoscopic surgery. This method allows you to avoid ugly stitches on the abdomen and injury to the muscle tissue of the uterus.

Malignant neoplasms in the body of the uterus, unfortunately, are an absolute indication for removal of the entire organ. In some cases, removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is required. Hormonal imbalance is treated with hormonal medications that normalize hormone production and help restore the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms

Processes that provoke an increase in the size of the uterus cause the following symptoms:

• Bloating of the lower abdomen associated with an enlarged organ.
• Menstrual irregularities. Long delays in menstruation, lack of ovulation, heavy or scanty bleeding.
• Premenstrual syndrome. Irritability, pain in the uterus, swelling of the mammary glands, weight gain.
• Constant pain in the uterus caused by tumor growth.
• Bleeding.
• Brown spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
• Hormonal imbalance causes constant headaches, sudden weight changes, acne and pimples, seborrhea, increased oily or dry skin, and irregular menstrual flow.
• Pregnancy is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight gain, hormonal changes, and frequent urge to urinate.
• Ectopic pregnancy is expressed by sharp unilateral pain from the damaged fallopian tube, nausea, increased body temperature, and heavy uterine bleeding.

Enlarged uterus before menstruation

Enlargement of the uterus before the onset of menstruation is normal physiological phenomenon. Every month, the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium, is renewed and exits through the cervix and vagina in the form of bloody discharge with small clots. With each day of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium grows (increases in thickness, becomes looser), which leads to an increase in the size of the uterus.

Growth of the endometrium is necessary during conception, since a layer of endometrium about 9 millimeters thick is required to secure the fertilized egg in the wall of the uterus. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is separated from the walls of the uterus, excreted from the body and the uterus decreases to normal size. With the start of a new menstrual cycle (after the end of menstrual flow), the endometrium grows again.

During pregnancy

An increase in the size of the uterus during pregnancy is normal physiological phenomenon. From the moment of conception, the body begins to produce a special “pregnant” hormone, progesterone, under the influence of which the entire body begins to prepare for bearing a baby. Hormones influence the uterus and it begins to increase in size.

Already at the first examination by a gynecologist after a delay in menstruation, the doctor, using two-handed palpation of the uterus through the vagina, can with some probability determine whether a woman is pregnant or not. With each week of pregnancy, the uterus increases more and more, depending on the process of increasing the size of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid.

A greatly enlarged uterus may indicate a multiple pregnancy even before an ultrasound examination.

The uterus is a muscular structure that is held in place by the pelvic muscles and ligaments. And if these muscles or ligaments stretch or become weak, then prolapse or prolapse occurs. In medicine, this diagnosis is called “uterocele” or “uterine prolapse.”

Every woman has anatomical boundaries of the uterus, which under favorable conditions are not violated. Normally, this important female organ is located in the pelvic area between the colon and bladder. Prolapse of the uterus leads to displacement of “neighboring” organs, which leads to additional problems.

Uterine prolapse can occur in women of any age, but in most cases it occurs in women who have had a vaginal birth. Ligament damage during pregnancy and childbirth, gravity, and loss of natural estrogen all combine to weaken the pelvic floor muscles. It has been established that almost 1/5 of all “female” operations are carried out specifically to correct prolapse or prolapse of the uterus.

Sometimes prolapse and prolapse of the uterus can occur in young women and girls. In this case, every year the prolapse progresses more and more and brings a huge amount of trouble to the young lady.

Types of prolapse and prolapse of the uterus

1. Prolapse of the uterus and its cervix (during examination, the gynecologist sees the cervix near the entrance to the genital slit, but it does not extend beyond the boundaries of the entrance to the vagina).
2. Partial prolapse (in a calm state, the cervix is ​​located inside the vagina, but with tension it becomes visible from the genital slit).
3. Incomplete prolapse (the cervix is ​​visible through the genital slit, but the body of the organ itself is not visible even with straining).
4. Complete prolapse (the body of the uterus extends beyond the vagina).

In foreign medicine, it is customary to divide uterine prolapse into stages, depending on its depth. In most cases, other pelvic organs (such as the bladder or bowel) also descend into the vagina, and the ovaries are lower than usual.

The following 4 stages of uterocele are distinguished:

• Stage 1 - the uterus is located in the upper half of the vagina.
• Stage 2 - the uterus has dropped almost to the entrance to the vagina.
• Stage 3 - the uterus protrudes from the genital slit.
• Stage 4 - the organ completely falls out of the vagina.

What can cause prolapse?

• The period of waiting for a child, especially cases of multiple pregnancies.
• Problems with the intestines, when there is constant bloating due to an increased amount of gas and overeating.
• Chronic constipation can also lead to uterocele. The colon puts pressure on the uterus, especially if a woman wears tight clothes or shapewear.
• Sedentary lifestyle. When a woman at work spends the whole day in a sitting position and does not pay due attention to gymnastics.
• Lack of proper nutrition and rest after pregnancy.
• Obesity.
• Intervention in the process of childbirth of a woman by inexperienced people.
• 2 or more pregnancies.
• Vaginal birth, especially the risk increases when the newborn weighs more than 4 kg or during rapid labor.
• Tumors or surgical trauma.
• Loss of muscle tone due to aging and the natural decline of hormone levels.
• Chronic cough and tension.

How can a woman determine that she has uterine prolapse or prolapse?

Main symptoms:

• It feels like you are sitting on a small ball.
• Difficult or painful sexual intercourse.
• Frequent urination or lack of sensation of smooth filling of the bladder (immediately a strong urge to urinate without first feeling full).
• Lower back pain.
• Constant feeling of fullness in the bladder and intestines.
• The cervix or its body protrudes from the vagina.
• Frequent recurrent bladder infections.
• Feelings of heaviness and aching pain in the pelvis.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Increased discharge from the genital tract.
• Constipation.
• Painful menstruation.

Many of the signs of prolapse are worse when a woman stands or sits for long periods of time, and before and during menstruation.

Diagnostic methods. How will the doctor make a diagnosis?

If you notice symptoms of uterine prolapse, you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible. During a gynecological examination, the doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina and determine the presence and extent of prolapse. The gynecologist may ask you to push, as you would during childbirth, to determine whether the cervix or uterus itself is pushing beyond the vagina.

Next steps

If the doctor has diagnosed uterine prolapse, what should I do now?

• Change your lifestyle. This includes proper nutrition, moderate and regular exercise,.
• Lose weight if you are obese.
• Avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects (more than 3kg).
• Try to avoid straining. To do this, take all measures to prevent constipation and colds. And for this you need to boost your immunity. Please note that smoking can cause a chronic cough, which in turn will worsen the symptoms of uterine prolapse.
• Use a uterine ring (pessary) if your doctor advises.
• May be assigned. But this will only happen if the risk from the operation is lower than from the consequences of prolapse, and also if the woman is planning a pregnancy in the future.

During pregnancy, the tummy is an indicator of good health and mood for many expectant mothers. What can I say, if nothing bothers a woman, then she is in a good mood and has thoughts that are conveyed to the baby. Sensations in the abdomen in early pregnancy can be varied. Very often they are caused by physiological processes associated with the growing uterus.

Sensations in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy include the following:

1. It is caused by the fact that more blood than usual begins to flow to the location of the uterus. This condition does not require any intervention and is not painful for the pregnant woman.
2. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen. This is another one of the normal conditions. The hormone relaxin, which begins to be produced during pregnancy, causes women to feel a sprain in the groin muscles and lower abdomen. As a rule, these pains are not severe and have an intermittent, wandering character.
3. In early stages of pregnancy, a woman may feel this condition, like a slight petrification of the lower abdomen. Moreover, the uterus in this period is of such small size that it will not yet be possible to feel it. But she will force you to go to the toilet often. The uterus with the fertilized egg grows quickly, pressing on the bladder, which causes frequent urges to visit the ladies' room.
4. Bloating. A feeling of bloating is also normal for women in early pregnancy. This condition is due to the fact that the gastrointestinal tract of the expectant mother gradually begins to rebuild, making room for the growing tummy. In addition, the hormone progesterone, which begins to be actively produced from the first days of pregnancy, helps reduce muscle tone in the intestines, which leads to constipation and bloating. To get rid of this not entirely pleasant phenomenon, it is enough to slightly adjust your diet. You should remove from your diet all foods that can cause bloating: legumes, cabbage, brown bread, etc. And also eat small portions 5-6 times a day.

In addition, gynecologists recommend combating the feeling of a bloated belly in the early stages of pregnancy with the help of special gymnastics. It is a set of gentle exercises for the lumbar region. As a rule, these are all kinds of bends with and without outstretched arms, as well as raising the legs to strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Considering that in the first trimester a woman is susceptible to miscarriage, a set of exercises should be performed only after consultation with a gynecologist.

But not all abdominal sensations in early pregnancy are harmless. There are several criteria under which you simply need to call an ambulance:

So, not all abdominal sensations in the early stages are harmless. But in fairness, it must be said that nature protects pregnant women and, as a rule, they do not develop appendicitis. Listen to yourself and your pregnancy will be easy.

Problems on the female side arise for most representatives of the fair sex extremely unexpectedly. And in order not to become a hostage to the situation, you need to carefully listen to all the signals that the body gives.

What are the causes of uterine swelling?

It is almost impossible to determine unambiguously why the uterus swells. The reason for this can be either a serious illness or minor changes in the female body:

1. Uterine dysplasia. Dysplasia is the disordered occurrence of compacted formations in the epithelial layer. If the disease was not detected in time, the compaction begins to gradually grow, producing the effect of swelling of the uterus. Dysplasia occurs mainly in women who have given birth;
2. Cyst. This disease is one of the most dangerous, in the initial stages it is completely asymptomatic. Often it is diagnosed only when it is impossible to do without surgery. If the patient notices even slight swelling of the walls of the uterus, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor and solve the problem at minimal cost;
3. The reason for a slight increase in the cervix may also be the period of ovulation, when the egg is ready for fertilization. This phenomenon usually occurs on days 15-28 of the menstrual cycle and is accompanied by several other symptoms: irritability, headache, and chest pain. Ovulation may occur intermittently, occurring every few months. While it is absent, the cervix, even during the menstrual cycle, remains in normal condition.

You can learn more about the cause of dysplasia by watching this video:

At the same time, it will be quite difficult for a patient who does not have a medical education to determine on her own whether the uterus is swelling or not. Even with enlargement, the uterus will open slightly, by 5-7 mm, and it will be almost impossible for an inexperienced eye to catch such changes. At the same time, we should not forget about the individual characteristics of the body, when the cervix is ​​naturally enlarged. This phenomenon does not cause any pathology and does not lead to the development of serious diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment of “female” diseases

It is also almost impossible to independently diagnose the presence of “female” diseases to which the cervix is ​​susceptible. This should be done exclusively by a specialist, based on tests and initial examination. You should visit a gynecologist at least once a year in order to promptly identify and prevent a potential illness.

A swollen cervix can cause aching pain in the lower abdomen, which intensifies during sexual intercourse. The pain can be of a point nature, concentrated in one point of the abdomen, or encircle the entire surface, when it seems that the entire cervix hurts. You won’t be able to get by with traditional painkillers here, because they only remove the symptom, not the cause. Only a doctor can prescribe effective treatment, and self-medication will only do harm!

A swollen cervix can also signal problems through mucous discharge. They do not have any periodicity, but indicate that there is an infection in the body.

In order to monitor the clinical picture and even minor changes at home, patients are advised to measure their basal temperature daily in the morning, without getting out of bed, when the cervix is ​​at rest. Often, an increase in temperature indicates the onset of ovulation, but it can also characterize an increase in the level of white blood cells. The presence of white blood cells is the main sign that the body is actively fighting infection.

No matter how well the symptoms of the disease have been studied, you should never try to eliminate them yourself. The payback for this can be many unwanted problems that any woman prefers not to know about.