If the fundal height of a pregnant patient is at the level of the umbilicus, what is the corresponding gestational age?

The correlation between fundal height and gestational age is a key component of prenatal assessments. At approximately 20 weeks of gestation, the fundal height typically reaches the level of the umbilicus. This is a critical milestone in pregnancy as it indicates that the uterus has grown sufficiently to reach that anatomical landmark due to the expanding fetal size.

Monitoring fundal height is essential for assessing fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy. By the second trimester, particularly around the 20-week mark, the growth of the uterus can be palpated at the umbilical level, which is a standard clinical finding. This understanding helps healthcare providers evaluate whether the pregnancy is progressing normally. In the case presented, when the fundal height is measured at the level of the umbilicus, it is most consistent with a gestational age of 20 weeks, making that the correct answer.