The Uterus, More Than Just a Baby House
Picture of a uterus depicted in flowers.
The Uterus — Centre of Connection and Support
When most people think of the uterus, they picture pregnancy or periods. But this small, pear-shaped organ is so much more than a “baby house.” It’s a central hub of connection in your body, influencing and being influenced by muscles, fascia, nerves, hormones, and even your emotional state.
Let’s take this opportunity to explore what the uterus is, where it sits in your body, and how you can help to support it through every stage of life.
If we are aware then we can make sure we have functional uterus health from first menstruation through and beyond. menopause.
What Is the Uterus?
The uterus is a muscular, hollow organ about the size of a small pear when not pregnant. It has three layers:
Endometrium — the inner lining that thickens and sheds each month.
Myometrium — the strong muscular wall.
Perimetrium — the outer covering.
It’s incredibly dynamic, constantly responding to hormonal shifts, posture, breath, and the state of your nervous system.
“Generational Connections
Here’s a little fact that always blows people’s minds: the eggs you were born with were already inside your mother when she was growing inside your grandmother. That means the egg that eventually became you was once held in your grandmother’s womb.
The uterus doesn’t just connect body systems — it connects generations. In a way, the stories, health, and environment of your maternal line are all part of your beginning. While this can feel heavy if there’s a family history of trauma or illness, it can also feel incredibly empowering: your body is part of a long lineage of resilience.
This reminds us that looking after our uterus and pelvic health today doesn’t just affect us, but echoes forward into the next generation — in biology, in nervous system patterns, and in the way we pass down wisdom about our bodies..”
A russian doll image to signify how the egg that produced you was always inside your mum even when she was inside your grandma - line drawing in black and white
Where It Sits
The uterus lives in your pelvic bowl, tucked between the bladder (in front) and the rectum (behind), with the vagina forming its canal below. Most women’s uteri tip forward (anteverted), but some tilt backwards (retroverted) — both can be perfectly normal.
Support Structures
The uterus doesn’t float alone in your body, it’s anchored by:
Ligaments: the uterosacral, round, and cardinal ligaments tether it to the spine, hips, and fascia.
Pelvic floor muscles: the hammock beneath that works with the uterus for support and pressure management.
Fascial connections: linking diaphragm, spine, and pelvis into one continuous web (biotensegrity).
Relationship With the Bladder, Rectum, and Vagina
The uterus shares fascia with its neighbours. That means constipation, bladder pressure, or vaginal tone changes can all affect its position and function. It’s why posture, breath, and mobility in the whole pelvic system matter so much.
Nervous System Connection
The uterus is not just a muscular organ it’s alive with a exceptional nerve supply. This is one reason why emotions, stress, and even unresolved trauma can have such a strong influence on period pain, pelvic floor function, and overall pelvic health.
Sympathetic nerves arrive from the thoracolumbar spine (T10–L2). These are your “fight or flight” nerves. When they dominate, blood vessels constrict, muscles tighten, and pain sensitivity can rise. This is one reason why stress can make cramps or pelvic pain feel worse.
Parasympathetic nerves flow from the sacral plexus (S2–S4). These are the “rest and digest” nerves that soften, restore blood flow, and promote ease in the tissues. They are crucial for healthy uterine function and for lowering pain responses.
The hypogastric plexus acts like a central communication hub in the pelvis, carrying both sympathetic and parasympathetic signals to the uterus and surrounding organs.
The vagus nerve, although not directly innervating the uterus, plays an indirect but powerful role. By calming the whole system and lowering stress responses, it helps regulate tone and function in the pelvic organs.
This complex wiring means your uterus is highly responsive to what’s happening in your whole body and mind. When the nervous system is dysregulated perhaps stuck in fight-or-flight, or carrying layers of unprocessed tension then pain and dysfunction are amplified. But the good news is that the opposite is also true, when you bring your nervous system into balance, the uterus receives those calmer signals too.
This is where breath-work, Hypopressives, TRE®, and somatic release come in. By stimulating the vagus nerve, creating safety in the body, and restoring a rhythm of expansion and release, you can profoundly change how the uterus feels and functions. Pain eases, blood flow improves, and symptoms often become more manageable.
Your nervous system is the “control centre” for the uterus which means learning to regulate it may be one of the most powerful tools you have for your pelvic health.
Common Uterine Pathologies
The uterus is incredibly resilient, but like any organ, it can be affected by many different conditions. Knowing about them helps us to reduce fear and encourages us to seek support. earlier
Fibroids — These are non-cancerous muscular growths that develop within the wall of the uterus. They vary in size from tiny nodules to large masses and can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or no symptoms at all. Fibroids often shrink after menopause, but their impact depends on location and size. Supporting circulation, reducing systemic inflammation, and managing pelvic pressure through posture and breath can all ease symptoms alongside medical care.
Endometriosis & adenomyosis — Endometriosis happens when cells similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus, often on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic wall. Adenomyosis occurs when these lining cells grow into the muscle wall of the uterus itself. Both conditions can lead to severe pain, heavy periods, and fatigue, with strong links to inflammation and nervous system dysregulation. Gentle release work, nervous system regulation, and fascia hydration practices can complement medical management and help reduce flare-ups.
Uterine prolapse — This occurs when the ligaments and pelvic floor muscles that hold the uterus weaken, allowing it to descend into the vaginal canal. Symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness, dragging, or something “falling out.” Prolapse can be distressing, but it’s definitely not the end of the story, breath-work, Hypopressives, and pelvic floor–friendly movement can restore support and function without always needing surgery.
Scarring — Surgeries such as C-section, hysterectomy, or myomectomy (the removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus intact) can leave scar tissue, known as adhesions, around the uterus and pelvis. Depending on the type of surgery, whether hysteroscopic (a thin, lighted tube inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, laparoscopic, or open abdominal. They all leave scars and these adhesions may restrict movement, create pulling sensations, or affect neighbouring organs like the bladder and bowel. Scar tissue massage, fascial release, and gentle movement practices help restore glide and reduce discomfort, while nervous system support can soften protective tension around scars.
Hormonal imbalances — Because the uterus responds so directly to hormones, imbalances in oestrogen, progesterone, or stress hormones (like cortisol) can show up as irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or pain. Supporting the nervous system, prioritising sleep, nourishing the body with good food and hydration, and reducing stress can all help hormones regulate more smoothly alongside medical input when needed.
Cervical Health & Checks
The cervix is the gateway between the uterus and vagina. Cervical screening (smear tests) looks for early cell changes caused by HPV, preventing cervical cancer and protecting uterine health.
It’s normal to feel anxious about smears, but bringing tools like gentle breath-work, grounding, or even reframing them as “body literacy” can make the experience less stressful.
Sometimes, during checks, you may be told your cervix looks “red” or “vascular.” This is often a cervical ectropion (erosion) — when glandular tissue from inside the cervix is visible on the outside. It can cause spotting or discharge but is usually harmless.
Menopause & Post-Loop Changes
In menopause, oestrogen levels drop, leaving the vaginal and cervical tissues thinner and drier. This atrophy can make blood vessels more visible, so the cervix may look redder.
If you’ve had a loop procedure (LLETZ or LEEP) in the past to remove abnormal cervical cells, the cervix can look even more irregular in menopause:
Healing leaves scar tissue and sometimes a red, vascular surface.
The cervix may appear uneven or raw, especially as tissues become more fragile.
This can be alarming, but in most cases it’s a benign healing change. What matters is staying up to date with screening and checking anything new. Knowledge reduces fear, and regular care keeps you safe.
Supporting Your Uterus Through Life
Mindset
Shift from fear or shame to curiosity and respect.
Reframe symptoms as signals, not failures.
Nervous System Regulation
Breath-work (Hypopressives, box breathing, humming).
TRE® to release any stored tension.
Rest practices for hormonal balance.
Physical Support
Posture and 360° breathing to reduce pressure.
Pelvic floor mobility (not just squeezing).
Gentle, regular movement for blood flow and fascia hydration.
Nourishment and hydration for tissue resilience.
The stages of life for women - child, maiden, mum, warrior, queen and crone
Through the Stages of Life
Menarche — The arrival of your first period can feel confusing, awkward, or even shameful if it’s not talked about openly.
My mum sent me up to the Chemist with £5 (which was a lot for her as a single parent) and said to ask the pharmacist about it. This was traumatic for me and I remember it well. The pharmacist closed the chemist and we had a cup of tea and she talked me through all my options.
I would hate this to be the scenario for any young girls these days. Which is why normalising the conversation and building body literacy early, young women learn that their uterus and cycles are not a burden but a vital sign of health and balance. It is in my opinion vitally important. our sexual health should be openly discussed right from the start so we can advocate for ourselves when we need to later.
Reproductive years — During your 20s–40s, the uterus is often in the spotlight for fertility and pregnancy, but it also needs support in everyday life. Stress, posture, and unresolved tension can all affect menstrual cycles and pelvic health. Breath-work, nervous system care, and movement patterns help prevent dysfunction before it begins.
Perimenopause & menopause — As hormones fluctuate and oestrogen declines, the tissues of the uterus, cervix, and vagina naturally change. This stage is an invitation to adapt: supporting fascia hydration, pelvic floor function, and bone health through breath, movement, and self-regulation. Instead of “loss,” this can be a time of deep wisdom and body connection as we move from Mother to Warrior, with Queen and Crone to follow.
Post-surgery or hysterectomy — For some, surgery brings relief from pain or pathology; for others, it can feel like part of their identity has been taken away. Scar tissue, altered support structures, and nervous system changes all deserve care. By reframing identity and nurturing recovery with breath, fascia release, and nervous system support, women can restore function and reclaim confidence in their bodies.
Final Thoughts
The uterus is not a passive structure it’s a responsive, connected centre that reflects and influences the whole body. By caring for it through mindset, nervous system regulation, and physical practices, you can support it through every stage of life.
Your uterus is more than an organ. It’s part of your story and the story of the generations of women who went before you and when you work with it, not against it, you create the foundation for lasting pelvic health.
Suggested Reading & References
Astruc A, Roux L, Robin F, et al. Advanced Insights into Human Uterine Innervation: Implications for Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain. J Clin Med. 2024. PMC
Pinsard M, et al. Anatomic and functional mapping of human uterine innervation. Fertility & Sterility. 2022. FertSterT
Aleksandrovych V, et al. The Autonomic Innervation and Uterine Telocyte Interplay in Uterine Leiomyoma Microenvironment. PMC. 2019. PMC
Uimari O, et al. Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids (Leiomyomata). PMC. 2021. PMC
Quinn MJ, et al. Differences in uterine innervation at hysterectomy. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2002. AJOG
da Cunha Vieira M, et al. Association of Uterine Tissue Innervation and Peripheral Pain in Adenomyosis. 2024. SpringerLink
Fiore A, et al. Co-occurrence of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. eClinicalMedicine. 2025. The Lancet
Mension E. An update on the management of uterine fibroids. 2024 review. ScienceDirect
Bonus for curious readers:
The human cervix: Comprehensive review of innervation — for deeper insight into cervical nerve supply. Wiley Online Library
Endometriosis and uterine fibroids: comorbidity, risk factors & interaction PMC+1
Want to Work with Me?
If this blog resonated with you and you'd love hands-on support to move more gently, rebuild connection, and strengthen pelvic health through nervous system work, mindset tools, and movement I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.
Check out my work and ways to work with me here:
Hypopressive Scotland — Your Pelvic Health
Together, we can help your uterus (and the rest of you) move toward resilience, ease, and deep connection.
