Answer :
The weight loss in the pregnant woman can be attributed to inadequate energy intake due to daily nausea and vomiting, which has led to her inability to maintain the necessary caloric intake during her first trimester. So the correct answer is B.
The reason for the weight loss in the 28-year-old pregnant female who is experiencing nausea and vomiting daily is inadequate energy intake. Due to her daily vomiting, she is likely unable to maintain an adequate caloric intake, leading to a significant weight loss of 9 lb throughout her first trimester. While some weight change can occur naturally during pregnancy, the extent of her weight loss is concerning and suggests that the caloric deficit from vomiting outweighs the typical weight gain expected in the first trimester of pregnancy.
In the second trimester, women often feel more energized, and symptoms like nausea and vomiting tend to subside, which should help the expecting mother to regain her appetite and begin to gain weight. Proper weight gain is crucial for the health of both the mother and the fetus, and maintaining it is a balance between managing early symptoms like nausea and later needs for increased caloric intake to support the growing baby. A continued pattern of inadequate weight gain can risk the unborn baby’s health, potentially leading to low birth weight and developmental issues.
For those with severe symptoms that persist, like in cases of hyperemesis gravidarum, medical treatment may be necessary to manage the condition to ensure the mother can maintain nutritional balance. So the correct answer is B.
