At 16 weeks' gestation, where should the fundus of the uterus be located?

• A. At the level of the umbilicus
• B. Just above the symphysis pubis
• C. Below the pelvic bone
• D. In the lower abdomen

Answer: (B)

At 16 weeks' gestation, the fundus of the uterus is expected to be just above the symphysis pubis. At this stage of pregnancy, the uterus has typically risen out of the pelvis and can be palpated above the pubic bone. This is an important development in pregnancy, as it indicates that the uterus is growing to accommodate the developing fetus.

As pregnancy progresses, the fundal height will continue to increase, eventually reaching the level of the umbilicus around 20-22 weeks of gestation. By understanding where the fundus is located at different points during pregnancy, healthcare providers can assess fetal growth and uterine development effectively.

In the early stages of pregnancy, prior to 16 weeks, the fundus is not yet palpable above the pelvic bone, so any answer indicating it would be located below the pelvic bone or in the lower abdomen is inaccurate for 16 weeks. Being at the level of the umbilicus is correct for a later stage of pregnancy. Therefore, stating that the fundus is just above the symphysis pubis accurately reflects the position of the uterus at 16 weeks’ gestation.