Pregnant Woman at 25 Weeks of Gestation, Lateral View (Black Skin)

Description

Shown from the left side, the maternal torso is rendered semi-transparent so that the gravid uterus fills the lower abdomen and rises well above the umbilical level, consistent with 25 weeks of gestation. The fetus lies in a flexed attitude within the amniotic sac, head directed inferiorly toward the pelvic inlet, with the coiled umbilical cord passing from the abdominal insertion to the placenta on the uterine wall. Behind and below the uterus, the collapsed urinary bladder sits anterior to the cervix and vagina, the rectum descends along the sacral curve, and loops of small intestine are displaced superiorly and posteriorly. The lumbar vertebrae, sacrum and pelvic bone provide the skeletal frame, while the woman's hands rest on the anterior abdomen and lower back. At this point in the second trimester the fundal height corresponds roughly to the number of weeks, making the lateral profile a useful reference for teaching symphysis-fundal height measurement and Leopold manoeuvres. The view also demonstrates the mechanical consequences of uterine growth: forward displacement of the maternal centre of gravity with increased lumbar lordosis and low back pain, compression of the bladder with reduced functional capacity and urinary frequency, and cranial displacement of the bowel. Fetal viability considerations, antenatal corticosteroid planning and surveillance for preterm labour are all framed around this gestational window, and the position of the placenta relative to the internal os is assessed at similar timepoints. The illustration suits obstetric and midwifery teaching sequences that track uterine and fetal growth week by week, antenatal class handouts, and patient-facing material explaining pregnancy-related back pain and urinary symptoms. It also works for textbook and journal figures on maternal anatomical adaptation, and for app or website timelines produced by publishers and healthcare communication agencies. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.