A woman who is obese at the onset of her pregnancy should aim to gain how many pounds during the pregnancy?

For a woman who is obese at the onset of her pregnancy, the recommended weight gain is typically between 11 to 20 pounds. This guideline is based on the understanding that excessive weight gain can lead to complications for both the mother and the child. Women with obesity are at a higher risk of various issues such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and delivery complications.

The rationale behind the guideline of 11 to 20 pounds is to minimize these risks while still providing adequate nutrition for the developing fetus. This amount of weight gain allows for the healthy development of the baby without significantly increasing the mother's health risks. Overall, it aims to strike a balance between ensuring the health of both the mother and child during this critical period.