Which statement made by a patient at 17 weeks pregnant may indicate a risk for having an infant with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)?

The statement indicating that the patient weighed less than 5 lb (2,268 gm) at birth is significant for assessing the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in her current pregnancy. Infants who are born small for their gestational age, particularly those who are classified as low birth weight, are at a higher risk of experiencing IUGR during subsequent pregnancies. This is because low birth weight can be associated with maternal health factors that may contribute to impaired fetal growth in later pregnancies, such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic health issues, or socioeconomic factors.

In contrast, having never been pregnant before does not necessarily correlate with IUGR risk. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly during pregnancy, while beneficial for overall maternal and fetal health, do not indicate prior risks or history of low birth weight that could affect the current pregnancy. Therefore, the statement about the patient's low birth weight at her own birth stands out as a pertinent risk factor for IUGR in her developing fetus.