The height of the uterus at the level of the umbilicus during pregnancy is at?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

The height of the uterine fundus is a reliable indicator of gestational age.
The fundus typically reaches the level of the umbilicus between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Among the given options, 22 weeks is the most accurate and commonly accepted milestone for the fundus being at the umbilicus.
This predictable growth pattern allows healthcare providers to monitor fetal development throughout the second and third trimesters.

Option A: At 28 weeks, the uterine fundus is significantly above the umbilicus, typically about one-third of the way to the xiphoid process.
Option C: At 18 weeks, the fundus is still below the umbilicus, having risen above the midpoint between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus but not yet reaching it.
Option D: At 16 weeks, the fundus is located approximately midway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fundal height measurement during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses perform fundal height measurements at each antenatal visit to track fetal growth and estimate gestational age.
A significant discrepancy (greater than 2-3 cm) between the measured height and the expected weeks of gestation can signal potential issues like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), multiple pregnancies, or incorrect dating, prompting further investigation.
What if? If at 30 weeks of gestation, the fundal height measures only 25 cm, the nurse should suspect potential IUGR and report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation, which would likely include an ultrasound.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about key obstetric landmarks during pregnancy.
First, identify the anatomical landmark mentioned in the question, which is the umbilicus.
Recall the standard progression of uterine fundal height throughout gestation.
Remember the specific milestone: the fundus reaches the umbilicus at approximately 20-24 weeks.
Compare this timeframe with the given options (28, 22, 18, 16 weeks).
Select the option that falls within or is closest to the 20-24 week range, which is 22 weeks.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QflYA-P4fhKafEDoR5lLiw

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 50-60

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 20-36

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.