A client who is gravida 1 para 1 vaginally delivered a 7-lb girl. She received a midline episiotomy at delivery. When assessing the level of her uterus immediately following delivery, the nurse would expect the fundus to be located:

Within 12 hours of delivery, the fundus of the uterus rises to, or slightly above or below, the umbilicus. Fundal height generally decreases 1 fingerbreadth, or 1 cm/day. The uterus descends into the pelvic cavity at approximately 10-12 postpartal days and can no longer be palpated abdominally. Within 12 hours of delivery, the fundus of the uterus rises to, or slightly above or below, the umbilicus. Fundal height generally decreases 1 fingerbreadth, or 1 cm/day. An enlarged uterus may indicate subinvolution or postpartal hemorrhage. Immediately following delivery, the uterus lies midline, about midway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis.