North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is the correct position of the uterus after six months of pregnancy?

1. Central region

2. Upper quadrants

3. Lower quadrants

4. It has no set position

The correct answer is: Upper quadrants

After six months of pregnancy, the uterus typically ascends into the upper quadrants of the abdomen. At this stage, the growing uterus has stretched and moved above the level of the pubic symphysis, often reaching just below the xiphoid process. This upward movement is due to the rapid growth of the fetus and the expanding uterus, which occupies more space as pregnancy progresses. The positioning of the uterus in the upper quadrants is important for healthcare providers to consider during assessments and examinations, as this position can impact how they conduct certain physical evaluations and monitor fetal heart tones. Understanding this anatomical change helps in providing appropriate prenatal care and anticipating possible complications related to the location of the uterus at various stages of pregnancy.