A postpartum woman attends her routine check-up. On abdominal examination, the fundus of the uterus should normally no longer be palpable by:

• A The end of the first week
• B The end of the sixth week
• C The end of the fourth week
• D The end of the second week ✓

Explanation

The uterus involutes rapidly after delivery, losing roughly half its weight in the first week. By the end of the second week the fundus has descended into the true pelvis and can no longer be palpated per abdomen, although it remains palpable vaginally. A fundus still palpable abdominally after two weeks suggests subinvolution, retained products or infection. Six weeks marks completion of anatomical involution, not disappearance from the abdomen.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.