At what gestational age should the fundal height typically reach the level of the umbilicus?

The fundal height typically reaches the level of the umbilicus around 20 weeks of gestation. During pregnancy, fundal height is a useful measurement that helps assess fetal growth and development as well as the progression of the pregnancy.

At approximately 12 weeks, the uterus is still relatively small and confined to the pelvic cavity, so fundal height would not yet reach the level of the umbilicus. Around 20 weeks, the uterus has expanded significantly and rises to the level of the umbilicus, which serves as an important marker during prenatal assessments.

By 28 weeks, the fundal height will be above the umbilicus and continue to rise as the pregnancy progresses. Similarly, by 36 weeks, the fundal height will be much higher, often approaching the xiphoid process. Therefore, recognizing that 20 weeks is the typical gestational age when the fundal height aligns with the umbilicus is essential for monitoring normal fetal development and uterine growth throughout pregnancy.