O71: Other obstetric trauma

O71.2: Postpartum inversion of uterus

The uterus or womb sits in the pelvis and is pear-shaped. The narrower part extends downward into the vagina and is called the cervix. When a woman is pregnant, the child grows in her uterus. The wall of the womb is mainly made up of muscles. On the outside, a thin skin surrounds the uterus. On the inside, the uterus is lined with mucous membrane.

The mucous membrane can turn outwards and then protrude into the vagina. This can happen, for example, if the uterus has been significantly stretched. It can also happen if the placenta doesn’t come away properly after the birth or you pull hard on the umbilical cord. The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The placenta supplies the unborn child with nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord.