At what point in gestation is the uterus typically found at the level of the umbilicus?

During pregnancy, the position of the uterus can be tracked as it grows and expands to accommodate the developing fetus. At around 20 weeks of gestation, the fundal height, which is the distance from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, reaches the level of the umbilicus. This corresponds with a significant growth phase in pregnancy, as the uterus moves from a pelvic organ, which it is in the first trimester, to an abdominal organ.

By this point in pregnancy, the uterus has expanded enough due to the growth of the fetus and the accompanying tissues, and it is positioned significantly higher than in earlier weeks of gestation. Monitoring the fundal height is an important part of prenatal care, as it provides insight into fetal growth and helps ensure the health of the pregnancy. At 12 weeks, the uterus is still relatively low in the pelvis, and by 28 weeks and beyond, it continues to rise further above the umbilicus, reaching its highest point around 36 weeks. Therefore, the correct answer is that the uterus is typically found at the level of the umbilicus around 20 weeks of gestation.