Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 8 weeks gestation and has a BMI of 34. The client asks about weight goals during her pregnancy. The nurse should advise the client to do which of the following?

a.Maintain her current BMI.
b.Gain approximately 6.8 kg (15 lb).
c.Lower her BMI to 30.
d.Gain 12.7 to 15.8 kg (28 to 35 lb).

Answer 1

A pregnant woman with a BMI of 34 should maintain her current BMI during her pregnancy. Weight gain of approximately 0.45 kg (1 lb) per month is common in the first trimester, with an additional 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week in the second and third trimesters. The mother should consume an additional 300 calories per day to support the growing fetus.

Step-by-step explanation:

During pregnancy, it is important for a woman to maintain a healthy weight. For a client with a BMI of 34 at 8 weeks gestation, the nurse should advise her to maintain her current BMI. During the first trimester, the mother does not need to consume additional calories to maintain a healthy pregnancy. A weight gain of approximately 0.45 kg (1 lb) per month is common. In the second and third trimesters, an additional 300 calories per day are needed, and most women gain approximately 0.45 kg (1 lb) per week.