What is the weight of a placenta at term?

Correct option is C

At full term (around 37–40 weeks of gestation), the average weight of the placenta is approximately 500 grams. It measures about 15–20 cm in diameter and 2–3 cm in thickness. The placenta plays a crucial role in nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus and also helps in waste elimination. Any significant deviation from the normal weight may suggest pathological conditions like fetal growth restriction or placental insufficiency.
Explanation of options: (a) 100 gm – This is significantly below normal and would be considered a pathological finding, not typical at term. (b) 250 gm – This is below the average weight range of a term placenta. A placenta of this weight would raise clinical concerns. (c) 500 gm – This is the correct answer. It is the average and expected weight of the placenta at term and indicates healthy placental development. (d) 1000 gm – This is abnormally high and may indicate placentomegaly, which can be associated with maternal diabetes or infections like syphilis.