Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

A pelvic exam on a woman who is 12 weeks pregnant would reveal that her uterus is located at which area?

1. Between the umbilicus and the suprapubic bone

2. Just rising above the suprapubic bone

3. Between the suprapubic bone and the xiphoid process

4. Between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process

The correct answer is: Just rising above the suprapubic bone

At 12 weeks of gestation, the uterus will be located just rising above the suprapubic bone. During this stage of pregnancy, the uterus starts to expand and becomes more palpable as it grows. By 12 weeks, it generally rises above the pelvic brim, making it possible for a clinician to feel the uterus during a pelvic examination. Understanding fetal growth patterns is essential in obstetric care. By this time, the fundus of the uterus is about the size of a grapefruit and is typically at the level of the pubic symphysis or slightly above it, but not yet reaching the level of the umbilicus. This information helps guide clinical assessments of the uterine size and position during prenatal visits. Other locations, such as between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process or between the umbilicus and the suprapubic bone, would occur later in pregnancy as the uterus continues to grow and expand throughout the trimesters. Understanding the correct anatomical locations of the uterus at various stages helps clinicians provide accurate assessments and care for pregnant individuals.