By the 10th to 14th day postpartum, the fundus is in the pelvic cavity and cannot be palpated abdominally. Which statement best matches this timeline?

By the 10th to 14th day postpartum, the fundus is in the pelvic cavity and cannot be palpated abdominally. Which statement best matches this timeline?

• A. Immediately after delivery
• B. By 24 hours the fundus rises above the umbilicus
• C. By the 10th to 14th day, the fundus is in the pelvic cavity and cannot be palpated abdominally
• D. It remains at the level of the umbilicus for the first week

Answer: (C)

Postpartum fundal involution—the uterus shrinks and descends steadily after birth. The fundus is at the level of the umbilicus right after delivery and then moves downward about 1 cm per day. By about the 10th to 14th day postpartum, it has descended into the pelvic cavity and is typically no longer palpable abdominally. This timeline fits the normal involution pattern, which is why that statement is the best match. The fundus does not rise above the umbilicus after birth, does not stay at the umbilical level for the whole first week, and immediately after delivery is not in the pelvis.

Postpartum fundal involution—the uterus shrinks and descends steadily after birth. The fundus is at the level of the umbilicus right after delivery and then moves downward about 1 cm per day. By about the 10th to 14th day postpartum, it has descended into the pelvic cavity and is typically no longer palpable abdominally. This timeline fits the normal involution pattern, which is why that statement is the best match. The fundus does not rise above the umbilicus after birth, does not stay at the umbilical level for the whole first week, and immediately after delivery is not in the pelvis.