At what week of pregnancy is the fundus typically located at the level of the umbilicus?

The fundus of the uterus typically reaches the level of the umbilicus around 20 weeks of pregnancy. During the first trimester, the uterus remains relatively small and is not yet palpable above the pubic symphysis. As the pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, the uterus grows significantly and ascends into the abdominal cavity.

By approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the fundus is located at the umbilical level due to the rapid expansion of the uterus as it accommodates the growing fetus. This can be used as a point of reference for assessing fetal growth and development during routine prenatal care.

In contrast, at 16 weeks, the fundus is still below the umbilical level, while at 24 weeks, it would be above the umbilicus but not as elevated as it would be later in pregnancy. By 28 weeks, the fundus is positioned significantly higher, closer to the xiphoid process. Thus, recognizing the specific advancements in fundal height helps in monitoring the trajectory of a healthy pregnancy.