Question about uterus position

DemoDoll · July 2012

I've been wondering this for quite some time and keep forgetting to ask my OB. Does your uterus get lower as you are getting closer to going into labor? Every time my OB's do a cervical check, they have a really hard time reaching it and basically feel like they are shoving their whole hand up there just to reach it. They always say things like "you are still really high." I'm 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I know the dilation and effacement don't mean much as far as when you will go into labor but does your uterus actually move down when you are giving birth? Is the high position an indication that it's going to be awhile for me? (I'm fine with going to my due date or over a little, just wondering if this is an indication).

Does anyone else have a high uterus but are further dilated than I am? Does your OB have a hard time reaching it?

MommyMelRN · July 2012

I haven't gotten any checks yet, so I can't really answer the last part of your question, but I think your uterus drops lower when baby drops, so it might not happen until you are in labor...but I could be wrong.

DemoDoll · July 2012

MommyMelRN:
I haven't gotten any checks yet, so I can't really answer the last part of your question, but I think your uterus drops lower when baby drops, so it might not happen until you are in labor...but I could be wrong.

Yeah I was wondering if it lowers while you are in labor or slowly the weeks up to you going into labor?

lily225 · July 2012

I'm pretty sure it's just your cervix coming down and thinning out, not your uterus moving down. The same thing happens during different phases of your menstrual cycle which is what people check for when they chart, whether it's high (fertile) or low (non-fertile).

It will be easier for your dr. to reach your cervix as it comes down in prep for labor.

KacieLeigh · July 2012

Your doctor is talking about your cervix, not your uterus. While preparing for labor, your cervix will get lower and be easier for your doc to reach.

it's similar to dilation and effacement. Good sign, but nothing telling of how much longer you have.

aimee1899 · July 2012

On Friday, Dr. said my cervical opening was VERY posterior. From what I understand, the opening starts in that position, which is difficult for a Dr. to sometimes reach. As you ready for labor the opening will move it's way to the front. Once the cervical opening is anterior, you are then in active labor.

DemoDoll · July 2012

KacieLeigh:
Your doctor is talking about your cervix, not your uterus. While preparing for labor, your cervix will get lower and be easier for your doc to reach. it's similar to dilation and effacement. Good sign, but nothing telling of how much longer you have.

Thank you for this explanation, it makes sense now. I'm glad it's like dilation and effacement. I won't get discouraged about it being high now, since it sounds like it could happen all of a sudden or gradually over time. The way my doctor made it sound was that she didn't think I'd be having this baby anytime soon because I was so high (but did say baby is -2 station).

I don't mind going over my due date, just really hoping she will come on her own rather than being induced

MommyMelRN · July 2012

KacieLeigh:
Your doctor is talking about your cervix, not your uterus. While preparing for labor, your cervix will get lower and be easier for your doc to reach. it's similar to dilation and effacement. Good sign, but nothing telling of how much longer you have.

I understand this, however, 1) the cervix is the opening to your uterus, and 2) your uterus doesn't just grow during pregnancy, it actually moves up in your abdomen...which is why I still think your uterus actually drops as well. I really could be wrong, I honestly don't know, but that's where my thinking was.

MommyMelRN · July 2012

MommyMelRN:
KacieLeigh:
Your doctor is talking about your cervix, not your uterus. While preparing for labor, your cervix will get lower and be easier for your doc to reach. it's similar to dilation and effacement. Good sign, but nothing telling of how much longer you have.
I understand this, however, 1) the cervix is the opening to your uterus, and 2) your uterus doesn't just grow during pregnancy, it actually moves up in your abdomen...which is why I still think your uterus actually drops as well. I really could be wrong, I honestly don't know, but that's where my thinking was.

Ok, after consulting Dr. Google, the uterus does drop (which is the same as when baby drops) but the changes in cervical position actually occur due to baby's head entering the vaginal canal, not the uterus dropping like I previously thought.

squireremillard · July 2012

The height I believe refers to the position of where baby's head is. They usually refer to this in numbers -3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3 google this and you will see what it means. I don't think your uterus drops, just baby.

latnprincess · July 2012

Hmm.. good question... I always thought it meant uterus too because I have a friend who never dropped and had to have a CS. Happened both pregnancies for her. She never dropped.

Want a personalized experience?

Question about uterus position

Re: Question about uterus position

Choose Another Board

Search Boards