How long does it take for the uterus to return to normal size after a normal birth?

During pregnancy, the uterus is continuously expanded by the continued growth of the baby. When the pregnant woman gives birth, the baby leaves the uterus and the uterus will shrink immediately in an instant. But this does not mean that the uterus will immediately return to its pre-pregnancy state. It requires a recovery process. How long does it take for the uterus to return to its size after giving birth? This question can be explained to you.

Uterus restoration after childbirth

There are three levels of uterine repair after giving birth, namely the restoration of the uterine body, the restoration of the cervix, and the restoration of the uterine wall. The key to repairing the uterus is to continuously contract it, from the time of delivery, to push the fetus out, and then push the embryo into the uterus. The blood in the uterus is continuously discharged from the body, which is called lochia. The uterus contracts continuously and forcefully, pressing the opening of the blood vessels, thus forming a blood clot and stopping the bleeding. The uterus is further squeezed and shaped, and the blood clots are continuously discharged, and the volume of the uterus will gradually decrease. The uterus can be said to be the organ that undergoes the greatest changes during pregnancy and childbirth. It can grow from the original 50 grams to 1000 grams at full term.

1. Restoration of the uterus

After the embryo is expelled, the uterus will begin to contract immediately. We can feel a slightly hard and spherical uterine body on the abdomen with our hands. Its highest point is at the same height as the belly button. After that, the height of the fundus of the uterus will decrease by 1-2 cm every day. About 10-14 days after giving birth, the uterus will shrink and descend into the small pelvic cavity. At this time, the fundus of the uterus cannot be felt in the abdomen.

2. Reduction of the cervix

When a pregnant woman gives birth soon, due to hematoma and edema of the cervix, it will immediately become very soft. The cervical wall is also too thin and wrinkled like a sleeve. It will take 7 days to restore to its original shape. After 7-10 days the internal cervical opening will close. It won't be until about 4 weeks after giving birth that the cervix returns to its normal size.

3. Restoration of the uterine wall

After the embryo and fetal membrane are separated from the endometrium and expelled by the pregnant mother, a new layer of uterine wall will grow from the dermis of the uterine wall. About 10 days after giving birth, except for the surface where the embryo is attached, the rest of the uterus will be completely covered by the newly formed endometrium. Shortly after delivery, the area of ​​the endometrium where the embryo adheres is about the size of the palm. About 2 weeks after delivery, the diameter has shrunk to 3-4 cm, but it will take 6-8 weeks after delivery to fully heal.