If the uterine fundus is palpable at the level of the umbilicus, what is the approximate gestational age?

If the uterine fundus is palpable at the level of the umbilicus, what is the approximate gestational age?

• A. 16 weeks
• B. 24 weeks
• C. 20 weeks
• D. 12 weeks

Answer: (C)

When the uterine fundus is palpable at the level of the umbilicus, it typically indicates that the pregnancy has progressed to approximately 20 weeks gestational age. At this stage, the uterus has grown significantly enough to rise above the pubic symphysis and reach the level of the umbilicus. In early pregnancy, such as around 12 weeks, the fundus is usually still located within the pelvis, and by 16 weeks, it would generally not yet have reached the umbilical level. By 24 weeks, the fundus would be situated above the umbilicus, further indicating that 20 weeks is the most accurate estimation when the fundus is at the umbilical level. Thus, palpating the uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus is a clinical sign that helps determine the gestational age, reinforcing that the correct answer is associated with a 20-week pregnancy.

When the uterine fundus is palpable at the level of the umbilicus, it typically indicates that the pregnancy has progressed to approximately 20 weeks gestational age. At this stage, the uterus has grown significantly enough to rise above the pubic symphysis and reach the level of the umbilicus.

In early pregnancy, such as around 12 weeks, the fundus is usually still located within the pelvis, and by 16 weeks, it would generally not yet have reached the umbilical level. By 24 weeks, the fundus would be situated above the umbilicus, further indicating that 20 weeks is the most accurate estimation when the fundus is at the umbilical level. Thus, palpating the uterine fundus at the level of the umbilicus is a clinical sign that helps determine the gestational age, reinforcing that the correct answer is associated with a 20-week pregnancy.