What does a fundal height equal to the height of the last rib suggest?

Fundal height is an important clinical measurement during pregnancy, as it helps assess fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume. The measurement of fundal height in centimeters typically correlates with the gestational age in weeks from approximately 20 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

When the fundal height is equal to the height of the last rib, it generally indicates a stage around 26 weeks of gestation. At this point in the pregnancy, the uterus has expanded enough to reach this anatomical landmark, reflecting normal fetal growth and development. The use of fundal height measurements provides valuable information to healthcare providers regarding the progression of pregnancy and can help identify potential complications if the measurements do not align with expected gestational ages.