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

Correct answer is: B. 16 lb. Choice A rationale: 32 lb. is too much weight gain for a client whose prepregnancy BMI was 30.5. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, obese women (BMI greater than or equal to 30) should only gain 11 to 20 lb. during pregnancy12. Excessive weight gain can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean delivery, and postpartum weight retention1. Choice B rationale: 16 lb. is an acceptable weight gain for a client whose prepregnancy BMI was 30.5. This is within the recommended range of 11 to 20 lb. for obese women (BMI greater than or equal to 30) by the IOM guidelines12. Adequate weight gain can help ensure optimal fetal growth and development, as well as maternal health1. Choice C rationale: 24 lb. is too much weight gain for a client whose prepregnancy BMI was 30.5. This exceeds the recommended range of 11 to 20 lb. for obese women (BMI greater than or equal to 30) by the IOM guidelines12. Excessive weight gain can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean delivery, and postpartum weight retention1.