The uterus, or womb, in which the foetus grows is a thick-walled, hollow, pear-shaped organ, with two parts, the body above and the narrower cervix which protrudes into the vagina below. Its position in the female body is between the bladder and the rectum. During pregnancy the uterus expands as the foetus grows, increasing thirtyfold by full term. Uterine contractions are usually the beginning of the labour process. When the uterus starts contracting, it presses the amniotic sac into the cervix, which ruptures the sac. In the second stage of labour the uterine contractions become more severe and are aided by the contraction of the abdominal muscles in propelling the foetus through the vagina. After delivery the uterus contracts in volume and slowly shrinks. Research Uterus
Abbreviations
Medicine
Research Uterus