Final answer:
The recommended weight gain for a woman with a prepregnancy BMI of 20.0 is 25 to 35 pounds. This includes about 1 pound per month in the first trimester and about 1 pound per week in the second and third trimesters, with an additional 300 calories consumed per day.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a woman with a prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 20.0, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is typically 25 to 35 pounds. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 18 to 24.9 is considered normal, and for those within this range, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
During the first trimester, it's common to gain about 1 pound per month without consuming additional calories. In the second and third trimesters, appetite may increase, requiring an additional 300 calories per day to support the growing fetus. Most women gain about 1 pound per week during this time. Excessive weight gain can be detrimental and lead to complications like gestational diabetes and obesity in the baby later in life. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy.