The average weight of placenta is

Appeared in: UPPSC 2022

Explanation

The average weight of a healthy human placenta at full term (40 weeks) is approximately 500 grams.
This weight corresponds to the typical fetal-to-placental weight ratio of about 6:1. For an average 3000 gm fetus, the placenta weighs around 500 gm.
At term, the placenta also has an average diameter of 15–20 cm and a central thickness of 2–2.5 cm.
This value represents the standard for a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy.

Option B: A weight of 600 gm is above the normal average for a term placenta.
Option C: A weight of 800 gm is significantly higher than the normal average and is a strong indicator of a pathological condition.
Option D: A weight of 900 gm is extremely high for a placenta, falling far outside the normal range.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and characteristics of the term placenta as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses routinely examine the placenta after delivery to assess its completeness, size, weight, and for any abnormalities. This is critical because retained placental fragments are a major cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
An abnormally large placenta (placentomegaly) can alert the clinical team to potential issues like undiagnosed maternal diabetes, fetal hydrops, or congenital infections. A small placenta is often linked to pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
What if? If the mother had poorly controlled gestational diabetes, the nurse would anticipate a larger, heavier, and often boggy placenta (placentomegaly, frequently exceeding 600 gm). This is due to fetal hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia stimulating excessive placental growth.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for a specific, standard value: the 'average weight' of a 'placenta'.
Recognize this as a factual recall question based on fundamental knowledge in obstetrics.
Recall the key characteristics of a term placenta from your studies. The average weight is a standard piece of information.
Compare the recalled value (approximately 500 gm) with the options provided.
Select the option that matches the known average.
Eliminate the other options (600 gm, 800 gm, 900 gm) as they are significantly higher than the average and typically represent abnormal or pathological conditions.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 51-62

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 3 p. 10-12

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