The nurse discusses the recommended weight gain during pregnancy with a newly pregnant client who is 5 ft 3 in (160 centimeters) tall and weighs 130 lb (59 kilograms). The nurse explains that, with the recommended weight gain, the client should weigh how much by term?
Biology · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021
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Answered on
- The recommended weight gain during pregnancy largely depends on the mother's pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). For a woman who starts out at a normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), the recommended weight gain is usually between 25 and 35 pounds (11.3 to 15.9 kilograms).
- If we assume the client has a normal BMI, we can calculate her expected weight at term by adding the recommended weight gain to her pre-pregnancy weight.
- First, calculate the BMI to ensure that the client has a normal BMI: BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))^2 = 59 kg / (1.60 m)^2 = 59 kg / 2.56 m^2 = 23.05
- The woman's BMI is within the normal range. So the recommended weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds. This weight gain includes the weight of the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, increased blood volume, larger uterus, and additional fat stores.
- If the client gains the minimum recommended amount: 130 lb (pre-pregnancy weight) + 25 lb (recommended weight gain) = 155 lb (weight at term)
- If the client gains the maximum recommended amount: 130 lb (pre-pregnancy weight) + 35 lb (recommended weight gain) = 165 lb (weight at term)
- Therefore, by term, the client should weigh between 155 to 165 pounds, assuming a normal BMI and the recommended weight gain.