What is the expected assessment finding for the fundal height after delivery in a woman who had a cesarean section?

After delivery, the assessment of fundal height is an important indicator of uterine involution, which is the process of the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy size and position. In a woman who has had a cesarean section, the expected finding is that the fundus has not returned to baseline immediately after delivery.

The fundus typically should be at the level of the umbilicus within 24 hours postpartum, but right after a cesarean, the fundus might be found higher than expected due to factors such as the surgical impact, the presence of uterine atony (where the uterus fails to contract properly), and the surrounding edema from the surgical site. The assessment of fundal height can also be influenced by blood volume changes and the patient’s overall recovery from surgery.

In this context, it is important for healthcare providers to monitor the fundal height regularly after delivery to ensure that the uterus is contracting appropriately and to detect any potential complications early. Hence, finding that the fundus has not returned to the baseline indicates that further assessment and intervention may be necessary to support the woman’s recovery and address any underlying concerns related to the surgical delivery.