For a client with a normal prepregnancy weight, the recommended total weight gain during pregnancy is about:

• A. 15-25 pounds
• B. 25-35 pounds
• C. 35-45 pounds
• D. 5-15 pounds

Answer: (B)

Weight gain during pregnancy is guided by pre-pregnancy body mass to support the growing baby and placenta while keeping maternal health in balance. For someone with normal pre-pregnancy weight, the recommended total gain is about 25 to 35 pounds. This range provides enough additional tissue and fluid for the uterus, placenta, amniotic fluid, breasts, and fetal growth without adding excessive maternal fat.

Typically, only a small amount of weight is gained in the first trimester, with roughly 0.8 to 1 pound gained each week in the second and third trimesters. Gains outside this range can raise concerns: too little may risk fetal growth restriction, while too much can increase the chances of gestational diabetes, hypertension, larger-than-average babies, cesarean delivery, and more postpartum weight retention.