A client with a normal prepregnancy weight asks why she has been told to gain 25-35 pounds during her pregnancy but her underweight friend was told to gain more weight.The nurse should tell the client that recommended weight gain during pregnancy should be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The recommended weight gain during pregnancy varies depending on a woman's prepregnancy weight. An underweight woman is recommended to gain up to 40 pounds, whereas an overweight woman is recommended to gain less than 25-35 pounds. This is because the ideal weight gain during pregnancy is based on the woman's body mass index (BMI) and taking into consideration the potential risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and excessive fetal growth. It is important for the nurse to educate the client about these factors so she understands the rationale behind the recommended weight gain.

A Client with a Normal Prepregnancy Weight Asks Why She