Which factors should a nurse consider most important for managing a client with diabetes during pregnancy?

For a client with diabetes during pregnancy, managing blood glucose levels is critical to ensure the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Among the presented options, maintaining appropriate weight gain is highly relevant. In pregnancies complicated by diabetes, it is essential to focus on achieving a healthy weight gain that mirrors non-diabetic pregnancies, adjusted for the individual’s specific health circumstances.

This approach helps avoid excessive weight gain that could lead to complications such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and macrosomia (larger-than-normal infant size). Consistent monitoring of weight gain in conjunction with glucose levels allows the nurse to collaborate effectively with the healthcare team to provide tailored care, emphasizing balanced nutrition and appropriate caloric intake.

The other choices, while elements of broader care for clients with diabetes, are not as central to immediate management during pregnancy. High-caloric intake could lead to excessive weight gain and negatively affect blood sugar control. Promoting physical activity is important, but it must be balanced and considered alongside the individual’s diabetes management plan and any pregnancy-related risks. Carbohydrate counting is a viable method for managing blood sugars, but the primary concern in pregnancy is maintaining appropriate weight gain to support overall health and development.