Pregnant Woman at 22 Weeks of Gestation, Lateral View (Black Skin)

Description

Seen from the left side, the maternal torso is rendered semi-transparent so the gravid uterus can be followed from the pelvic inlet up above the level of the umbilicus, consistent with roughly 22 weeks of gestation. The fetus lies curled in a cephalic-leaning attitude within the amniotic sac, its head directed inferiorly toward the pelvis, limbs flexed against the trunk, and the umbilical cord looping anteriorly from the ventral abdominal wall. Behind and below the uterus the rectum and sacrum are visible, the urinary bladder sits anteroinferior to the cervix, and loops of small intestine are displaced superiorly and posteriorly by the enlarging fundus. The lumbar vertebrae, sacrum and pelvic bone give the spatial frame for uterine position and the accentuated lumbar lordosis of mid-pregnancy. The lateral projection is the clearest way to demonstrate the second-trimester relationships that dominate obstetric assessment: fundal height measurement, displacement of the bowel, compression of the bladder with resulting urinary frequency, and the shifted centre of gravity that underlies low back and sacroiliac pain. At this stage the fetus is approaching the threshold of viability, making the week 22 anatomy relevant to counselling, anatomy-survey ultrasound follow-up, and discussions of preterm birth. The relationship of the presenting part to the pelvic inlet and the position of the cervix above the bladder also frame examination technique and cervical length assessment. The image suits obstetric and midwifery teaching sequences that track uterine growth week by week, antenatal class handouts, and patient-facing material explaining common second-trimester symptoms in plain terms. Publishers of obstetrics atlases, nursing curricula and pregnancy apps can use it as a figure in a serial gestational timeline, while clinics may display it during ultrasound counselling. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.