A nurse is reinforcing dietary teaching with a client whose pregnancy BMI was 30.5. The nurse should include that which of the following is an acceptable weight gain for this client?

Choice A Reason: 8 lb is not an appropriate weight gain for this client because it falls below the recommended range. Choice B Reason: 32 lb is excessive weight gain for a client with a prepregnancy BMI of 30.5. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of various complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and larger-than-average birth weight. Choice C Reason: 16 lb is within the recommended range for weight gain during pregnancy for a client with a prepregnancy BMI of 30.5. This falls in the range of approximately 11 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kilograms) of weight gain. Choice D Reason: 24 lb is above the upper limit of the recommended weight gain range for a client with a prepregnancy BMI of 30.5. It exceeds the upper limit of approximately 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of weight gain.