A patient visits the clinic for her regular prenatal check up at nine months gestation. The nurse monitors her weight. How many pounds per week is considered normal weight gain during the ninth month of pregnancy?

Explanation

•In the average woman, weight gain is considered excessive if it is more than 3 kg (6.6 lbs) a month during the second and third trimesters. It is unusual if it is under 1 kg (2.2 lb) per month during the second and third trimesters. Therefore the answer is 1 lb per week.

•A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds is currently recommended as an average weight gain in pregnancy. Weight gain in pregnancy occurs from both fetal growth and accumulation of maternal stores.

•Women who are underweight coming into pregnancy should gain slightly more weight, while an obese woman might be advised to gain less than average.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!