A 22-year-old woman pregnant with a single fetus has a preconception body mass index (BMI)of 24.When she was seen in the clinic at 14 weeks of gestation,she had gained 1.8 kg (4 lbs)since conception.How would the nurse interpret this?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement "The woman's weight gain is appropriate for this stage of pregnancy" is accurate.This woman's BMI is within the normal range.During the first trimester,the average total weight gain is only 1 to 2 kg.Although weight gain does indicate possible gestational hypertension,it does not apply to this patient.The desirable weight gain during pregnancy varies among women.The primary factor to consider in making a weight gain recommendation is the appropriateness of the prepregnancy weight for the woman's height.A commonly used method of evaluating the appropriateness of weight for height is the BMI.Although weight gain does indicate risk for IUGR,this does not apply to this patient.Weight gain should occur at a steady rate throughout the pregnancy.The optimal rate of weight gain also depends on the stage of the pregnancy.

A 22-Year-Old Woman Pregnant with a Single Fetus Has a Preconception