A client at 28-weeks gestation is concerned about her weight gain of 17 pounds. What information should the nurse provide this client?

• A. It is not necessary to keep such a close watch on weight gain.
• B. Try to exercise more because too much weight has been gained.
• C. Increase the calories in your diet to gain more weight per week.
• D. The weight gain is acceptable for the number of weeks pregnant.

Answer: (D)

Weight gain during the second and third trimesters follows a pattern: the body naturally adds weight to support the growing baby, placenta, increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and changes in tissues. By about 28 weeks, gaining roughly 0.8 to 1 pound per week is expected. Being at about 17 pounds by this point fits that typical trajectory for a person with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI, making it an acceptable amount of weight gain for the number of weeks pregnant.

Maintain a balanced diet and regular activity as advised, and continue routine prenatal checkups to monitor the trend. If there were rapid, unexplained increases in weight or swelling suggesting possible complications, that would require further evaluation.