At 12 weeks gestation, where would the nurse expect to palpate the uterine fundus?

At 12 weeks gestation, the nurse would expect to palpate the uterine fundus just above the symphysis pubis. At this stage in pregnancy, the uterus is still relatively low in the pelvis and has not yet ascended into the abdominal cavity significantly.

By around 12 weeks, the uterus is typically growing and may reach approximately the size of a grapefruit, positioned in the pelvic cavity. It is generally located above the symphysis pubis but not yet at the level of the umbilicus, which typically occurs around 20-22 weeks of gestation.

Therefore, the correct answer reflects the anatomical changes and positioning of the uterus at this early stage of pregnancy, indicating that the fundus is starting to rise above the pelvic brim but has not yet moved upward to the umbilical level. This understanding is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers in assessing fetal development and monitoring pregnancy progress.