What is the approximate weight of a non-pregnant adult uterus?

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

In a non-pregnant adult, the uterus is a small, pear-shaped muscular organ.
Its approximate weight is between 50 and 70 grams.
During pregnancy, it undergoes significant hypertrophy, increasing in weight more than tenfold to accommodate the fetus.

Option A: A weight of 230-270 grams is significantly higher than a normal non-pregnant uterus.
Option C: A weight of 150-220 grams is characteristic of a uterus that has already begun significant growth.
Option D: A weight of 310-330 grams is far above the normal non-pregnant range.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal anatomy and physiological changes of the uterus as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing uterine size is crucial for monitoring postpartum involution, where the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy state. A uterus that remains large (subinvolution) can indicate retained placental fragments or infection.
Knowledge of the normal uterine weight helps in diagnosing conditions like uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) or adenomyosis, which cause the uterus to become enlarged and heavier.
What if? If a non-pregnant patient's uterus is estimated to be 200 grams on ultrasound, it is a significant finding that rules out a normal state and points towards pathology like large fibroids, requiring further evaluation and management.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about normal human anatomy.
First, identify the key parameters in the question: 'non-pregnant', 'adult', and 'uterus weight'.
Recall the standard physiological data for the female reproductive system. The non-pregnant uterus is a relatively small organ.
Compare your recalled knowledge with the given options. The non-pregnant uterus weighs much less than it does during pregnancy.
Eliminate the higher weight options, as they are more consistent with a pregnant or pathologically enlarged uterus.
Select the option that falls within the known range of 50-70 grams.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Normal anatomy and physiological changes of the uterus.
Stem keywords: approximate weight, non-pregnant, adult uterus
Lead-in keywords: What is
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 61-63

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 384-386

Practise the full PGICH Noida NO-2025

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