Question

Melanie's pregnancy progresses without dif­ficulty, but at 28 weeks the physician becomes concerned because Melanie has gained only 10 pounds. An ultrasound test is performed to get a better idea of gestational age; the results suggest an age of 30 weeks.

Laboratory: (At 30 weeks) Hgb 10 g/dl; Serum ferritin 18 ng/ml

Physical Exam: BP 125/85; weight 130; a trace of edema; the presence of fetal heart sounds.

From the Chart: Record of weight gain:                  

Weeks of Gestation               Weight (pounds)        

            0                                  120                                                     

12                                115                                                      .

            18                                120                                         

24                                125

            28                                130     

1.What pattern of weight gain would you recommend for the remainder of her pregnancy? Explain.   

2.How many total calories and grams of protein does she need per day?

Answer 1

From the given data, Weight (pounds) 120 115 120 125 130 Weeks of Gestation 12 18 24 28 The graph is as follows 132 130 128 2 126 124 122 130 125 120 118 116 114 15 10 15 20 25 30 Weeks of Gestation

By observing above graph, initially her weight decreased from 0 to 12 weeks of gestation, which might be due to lack proper diet. However, after 12 weeks of gestation she has gained weight abnormally. This is due a condition called p Pre eclampsia. The major symptoms of this condition are high blood pressure, edema (swelling of hands and legs) and protein in the urine. 2) The total calories required 2254.87 Kcal and the protein requirement is 70-100 grams per day