By the 20th week of pregnancy, where is the uterus typically positioned relative to the mother's body?

By the 20th week of pregnancy, the uterus typically reaches a position that is at or just above the level of the belly button. At this stage, the uterus has grown significantly from its initial size, which has allowed it to expand beyond the pelvic cavity and into the abdominal cavity. This positioning is an important landmark in pregnancy, as it indicates both the growth of the fetus and the changes in the mother's anatomy.

Around the halfway point of pregnancy, the top of the uterus, known as the fundus, should be palpated at approximately the level of the umbilicus, or belly button. This alignment serves as a convenient way for healthcare providers to assess fetal development and the mother's health during routine prenatal visits. The uterus's growth continues to ascend throughout the remainder of the pregnancy as the fetus continues to develop.