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The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in the lower abdomen. It is where a fetus grows during pregnancy. About once a month the lining of the uterus thickens. If a pregnancy doesn't occur, the uterus sheds its lining as a menstrual period.
The lower part of the uterus (cervix) opens into the vagina. The opening to the cervix is narrow except during labour and birth, when it stretches and widens to allow the baby's passage out of the uterus.
Current as of: August 2, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine
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