Maternity Nursing Q 53
The expected weight gain in a normal pregnancy during the 3rd trimester is:
A. 1 pound a week
B. 2 pounds a week
C. 10 lbs a month
D. 10 lbs total weight gain in the 3rd trimester
Correct Answer: A. 1 pound a week
During the 3rd trimester, the fetus is gaining more subcutaneous fat and is growing fast in preparation for extrauterine life. Thus, one pound a week is expected.
Option B: In the first trimester, most women don’t need to gain much weight — which is good news if she is struggling with morning sickness. If a pregnant woman starts out at a healthy or normal weight, she needs to gain only about 1 to 4 pounds (0.5 to 1.8 kilograms) in the first few months of pregnancy.
Option C: Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase the baby’s risk of health problems, such as being born significantly larger than average (fetal macrosomia). The woman might also be at increased risk of pregnancy-related hypertension, gestational diabetes, prolonged labor, and the need for a C-section or delivery before her due date. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can also increase the risk of postpartum weight retention and increases the risk of blood clots in the postpartum period.
Option D: Steady weight gain is more important in the second and third trimesters — especially if a pregnant woman starts out at a healthy weight or she is underweight. According to the guidelines, the pregnant woman will gain about 1 pound (0.5 kilogram) a week until delivery. An extra 300 calories a day — half a sandwich and a glass of skim milk — might be enough to help her meet this goal.