At what physical landmark should a 20-week pregnant uterus typically reach?

At 20 weeks of pregnancy, the size and position of the uterus can be roughly described in relation to the woman's anatomy. By this stage, the uterus typically ascends to the level of the umbilicus (belly button). This correlates with the general rule of thumb that the top of the uterus, known as the fundus, can be estimated at about the same height as the umbilicus around the halfway point of a typical 40-week gestation.

This understanding is useful for clinicians during prenatal examinations, as it provides a way to assess fetal growth and development by palpating the fundus. The height of the fundus can indicate whether the pregnancy is progressing as expected. As pregnancy advances, the uterus continues to rise towards the costal margin and beyond, but at the 20-week mark, the umbilicus serves as the most accurate reference point for the fundal height.

The options involving the pubic symphysis and halfway points are either too low or do not accurately reflect the position of the uterus at this gestational age. The costal margin describes a later stage in pregnancy, further along than 20 weeks, when the uterus has expanded significantly. Thus, the umbilicus is indeed the correct landmark for