Word parts
What it means
A pear-shaped organ above the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its lining builds up each month and is shed during a menstrual period if no pregnancy occurs. In pregnancy it stretches to hold the fetusFEE-tusAn unborn baby from about the ninth week of development until birth.Full entry and placentapluh-SEN-tuhThe organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy and passes oxygen and food from the parent's blood to the fetus.Full entry , and its strong muscle walls contract to push the baby out in labor. The lower narrow part is the cervixSER-viksThe narrow lower end of the uterus, which opens into the vagina.cervic/o neck, cervixFull entry .
For the nurse
After birth, check the top of the uterus (the fundus): it should be firm and near the navel. A soft (boggy) uterus is massaged until firm, because it can lead to heavy bleeding.
At a glance
| Everyday words | womb |
|---|---|
| Spanish | útero |
| Also written | uteri |
Related terms
uterine contraction
A tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.
placenta
The organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy and passes oxygen and food from the parent's blood to the fetus.
hysterectomy
Surgery to remove the uterus.
postpartum hemorrhage
Heavy bleeding after birth: a total blood loss of 1,000 mL or more, or blood loss with signs of low blood volume, within 24 hours.
cervix
The narrow lower end of the uterus, which opens into the vagina.