At term, how much of the uterus is normally covered by the placenta?

At term, the placenta typically covers approximately one-third of the surface area of the uterus. This coverage allows for adequate nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and the fetus while also facilitating the elimination of waste products. The placenta's positioning is crucial as it needs to be well-vascularized and in a location where it can effectively serve its functions throughout pregnancy.

Understanding this normal anatomical relationship helps in identifying potential complications, such as placenta previa, where the placenta covers a portion of the cervix, posing risks during delivery. Thus, recognizing that at term, the placenta covers about one-third of the uterus is important for assessing normal fetal development and maternal health.