Weight of the placenta at term is

Appeared in: KGMU 2024

Explanation

At full term (around 40 weeks of gestation), the placenta reaches its maximum size and functional capacity to support the fetus.
The average weight of a healthy placenta at term is approximately 500 grams.
This weight is consistent with the overall maternal weight gain distribution, where the placenta accounts for a fraction of the total weight of the products of conception.
The fetal-to-placental weight ratio at term is roughly 6:1, meaning a 3000g baby would have a placenta weighing around 500g.

Option A: A weight of 250 gms is significantly underweight for a term placenta and would be more typical of a placenta in the second trimester. Such a low weight at term could indicate severe placental insufficiency or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Option B: 125 gms is extremely low for a placental weight at any stage past the early second trimester. This value does not correspond to normal placental development.
Option D: While closer to the correct value than other options, 350 gms is still on the lower side of the normal range for a term placenta. It might be seen in cases of smaller babies or mild growth restriction but is not the average weight.

Visual 1: Diagram - A pie chart or bar graph illustrating the different components of maternal weight gain during pregnancy (fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, maternal stores, etc.) and their respective proportions.
Visual 2: Illustration - A labeled diagram of a full-term placenta showing its maternal and fetal surfaces, umbilical cord insertion, and cotyledons.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal physiological parameters during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the placenta after delivery is a standard nursing and midwifery practice. The weight, shape, and integrity are checked for completeness and abnormalities.
An abnormally small placenta (low weight) can be an indicator of conditions like pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which affect fetal well-being.
An abnormally large or heavy placenta can be associated with maternal diabetes, fetal hydrops, or congenital infections.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core question: It asks for a specific physiological value - the weight of the placenta at term.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge of normal physiological changes during pregnancy.
Recall the key measurements associated with a term pregnancy, including fetal weight, amniotic fluid volume, and placental weight.
Compare the given options to the standard, textbook value. The average weight of the placenta at term is widely cited as 500 grams.
Select the option that matches or is closest to this standard value.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full KGMU 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.