The nurse is educating a client who is 10 weeks pregnant about prenatal nutrition. The client is of normal weight. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of weight gain during pregnancy?
Rationale: Most women of average weight should gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. If they are overweight, they should gain a little less, whereas underweight women should gain a little more. Excessive weight gain increases the risk of preeclampsia. Failure to lose extra weight after the baby is born increases the risk of hypertension and diabetes. For most women, 15 to 20 pounds is inadequate weight gain, while a gain of 35 or more pounds is excessive. The client should work with her health care provider to monitor her weight gain and maintain an appropriate weight.
