Exhibit 5-F
WEIGHT GAIN GUIDELINES
1. Select the appropriate gain grid based on the individual’s height and pregravid weight status.
Height
Weight in pounds
58”
91
96
100
105
110
115
119
124
129
134
138
143
59”
94
99
104
109
114
119
124
128
133
138
143
148
60”
97
102
107
112
118
123
128
133
138
143
148
153
61”
100
106
111
116
122
127
132
137
143
148
153
158
62”
104
109
115
120
126
131
136
142
147
153
158
163
63”
107
113
118
124
130
135
141
146
152
158
163
169
64”
110
116
122
128
134
140
145
151
157
163
169
174
65”
114
120
126
132
138
144
150
156
162
168
174
180
66”
118
124
130
136
142
148
155
161
167
173
179
186
67”
121
127
134
140
146
153
159
166
172
178
185
191
68”
125
131
138
144
151
158
164
171
177
184
190
197
69”
128
135
142
149
155
162
169
176
182
189
196
203
70”
132
139
146
153
160
167
174
181
188
195
202
209
71”
136
143
150
157
165
172
179
186
193
200
208
215
72”
140
147
154
162
169
177
184
191
199
206
213
221
73”
144
151
159
166
174
182
189
197
204
212
219
227
74”
148
155
163
171
179
186
194
202
210
218
225
233
75”
152
160
168
176
184
192
200
208
216
224
232
240
BMI
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Underweight
Normal Weight
Overweight
Obese
Chart for Estimating Body Mass Index (BMI) Category and BMI (Pounds and Inches)
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Exhibit 5-F
2. Plot weight gain
If pregravid weight is known:
a. Calculate the amount of weight gained or lost.
b. Find the vertical line on the grid that corresponds with the number of weeks gestation for
the visit.
c. Place a mark where the weeks gestation intersect the number of pounds of weight gained
or lost.
d. At each prenatal visit, the weight gain or loss is plotted at the appropriate weeks
gestation.
If pregravid weight is unknown, or if reported pregravid weight seems unreasonable:
a. Use the weight measured at the first clinic visit to select the correct grid.
b. Place a mark on the grid at the point where the weeks gestation intersect with the curve in
the first trimester or middle of the established range during the second and third trimester.
If gestational age is changed due to ultrasound testing during the course of the pregnancy,
begin plotting for the new gestational age on the same grid and note the reason for the change.
3. Inform woman of recommended total weight gain ranges for her pregravid weight.
Pregravid Status
Underweight
Standard Weight
Overweight
Obese
Pounds
(<19.8 BMI)
(19.8 to 26.0
BMI)
(26.1 to 29.0
BMI)
(>29.0 BMI)
28 – 40
25 – 35
15 – 25
at least 15 lbs.
4. Monitor rate of weight gain.
The rate of weight gain is just as important as total weight gain. Women with excessive or
inadequate weight gains will need personalized counseling in order to determine the cause
and to help them normalize their gain. These women should be referred to their health care
provider for assistance.
Recommended Weight Gain
st
1 trimester
2nd and 3rd
trimester
2 – 5 pounds
Underweight:
Standard
Weight:
Overweight:
Slightly more than 4 lb/month
Obese:
1 lb/month
Slightly more than 2 – 3 lb/month
2 – 3 lb/month
The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s
TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint, write the Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. USDA is an equal opportunity
employer.
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