Maternity Nursing Q 71

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Which of the following fundal heights indicates less than 12 weeks’ gestation when the date of the LMP is unknown?

  

     A. Uterus in the pelvis

     B. Uterus at the xiphoid

     C. Uterus in the abdomen

     D. Uterus at the umbilicus

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Uterus in the pelvis

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When the LMP is unknown, the gestational age of the fetus is estimated by uterine size or position (fundal height). The presence of the uterus in the pelvis indicates less than 12 weeks’ gestation. At approximately 12 to 14 weeks, the fundus is out of the pelvis above the symphysis pubis.

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Option B: When the fundal height is at the level of the xiphoid, the woman is already at 40 weeks gestation.

Option C: When the physician measures how high the top of the uterus has reached in the mother’s abdomen, he or she is measuring the fundal height. This is a much more accurate way of estimating fetal growth than weighing the mother.

Option D: When the fundal height is at the level of the umbilicus, the woman is approximately 20 weeks gestation.

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