An 18-year-old woman at 18 weeks' gestation is being seen in the prenatal clinic.Her weight gain is 25 pounds over her prepregnant weight.Which is the perinatal nurse's best approach to care at this visit?

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This woman has gained much more than the average weight gain in the first trimester (1-2.5 kg).Nutrition and weight management play an essential role in the development of a healthy pregnancy.Not only does the patient need to have an understanding of the essential nutritional elements,she must also be able to assess and modify her diet for the developing fetus and her own nutritional maintenance.To facilitate this process,it is the nurse's responsibility to provide education and counseling concerning dietary intake,weight management,and potentially harmful nutritional practices.The nurse should facilitate this process while the woman is at her appointment.After assessment and mutually planning nutritional goals,the nurse can educate the woman about the possible concerns related to excessive weight gain and teach about the normal trajectory of weight gain during pregnancy.This series of actions follows the nursing process best.

An 18-Year-Old Woman at 18 Weeks' Gestation Is Being Seen