On the first day postpartum, where would the nurse expect to palpate the fundus?

On the first day postpartum, the fundus of the uterus is generally expected to be located about 1 cm below the umbilicus. This positioning occurs as the uterus begins to involute, or shrink back to its pre-pregnant size. Immediately after delivery, the fundus is typically at the level of the umbilicus, but by the end of the first day, the descent of the fundus is a normal part of the postpartum recovery process.

The measurement below the umbilicus indicates that the involution process is progressing appropriately. Monitoring the fundal height is crucial in postpartum care, as it can provide insight into the mother's recovery and the potential for complications such as retained placental fragments or uterine atony if the fundus is higher than expected.