What is recommended rate of weight gain . . .

Mrs.Paws · August 2012

I'm just starting to wrap my head around the thought of carrying twins. To be honest, between that nausea and my stomach being in knots, eating is just a chore. In the past three days, I've lost three pounds.

And now I'm starting to worry I'm not doing enough to keep this pregnancy healthy. I'm at a normal weight and with DD I gained 35 pounds. Everything I read seems to say between 35-50 is where you need to go with twins.

What's the right rate . . .how many in the first trimester, second etc.?

And any suggestions of what I can eat to get more nutrients? Are any kind of shakes okay? I just can barely look at food.

E&RMommy · August 2012

Most MFMs have you see their nutritionist who will help you with both food and supplements (Ca/Mg/Zn).

General rule of thumb is 20 lbs by 20 weeks or 24 by 24.

Even with vomiting or hyperemsis, most MoM are able to gain at least 35 lbs by the end. Recommended is 35-50 for the pregnancy.

Protein rich foods help more than anything (nuts, tofu, meat, dairy, etc).

I only gained 3 lbs by 14 weeks and by 20 weeks I had almost gained 20 lbs. I did not really change my eating habits. The weight just came.

Good luck!!

macchiatto · August 2012

Dr. Luke's book breaks this down in detail. I started out pregnancy normal weight and I think her recommended gain rate was about 1.5-2 lbs/wk. I gained a pretty steady 2 lbs/wk from 12w on (by 12w I had only gained 2 lbs but that's the visit where I found out I was having twins, and I read Dr. Luke's book a week or two later).

crystaleyes39 · August 2012

I'm naturally a petite person. Pre Pregnancy weight 100 pds. So I was super worried about gaining weight. I pretty much just ate when i was hungry and ended up mananging to gain 40 pounds by the time I delivered (early) at 32 w 5 d. I wouldn't worry too much!

Rynleigh · August 2012

There are so many different opinions on how much you "should" gain.... but every last one of them changes depending on what your body type is (are you under, over, or normal weight, is that weight primarily fat or muscle build, do you have diabetes or no, are you exercising more or less than before pregnancy, etc etc). The "recommended" weight gain is anywhere between 25 and 50lbs for most mothers of twins (3+ and the numbers change).

As a borderline obese woman at the start of my pregnancy, I am currently 3lbs lighter now than I was 10 weeks ago because I've improved my diet and exercise for the babies, as well as had all kinds of weird fluctuations because of ovarian cysts. My babies, however, are not only on target, but measuring ahead of schedule for almost every ultrasound.

Work with your MFM, OB, and nutritionist to know how much *YOU* need to be gaining and what kind of a routine you should have in place.

shaunah816 · August 2012

Focus on getting protein with just about every meal, and incorporating healthy fats. Above all, listen to your body. If you're still hungry after a huge meal, EAT! If you get full after a half portion, stop. You'll be hungry again shortly thereafter I started the pregnancy with about 10 extra pounds on me, and so far I've gained 23-24 lbs (lost a pound this week, grrrr) at 33 weeks. My gain is on the lower side for twin moms, but I also started out a little heavier so it balances out. My boys have been consistently growing right on track and my doctors are happy with my weight gain.

It's so easy to worry, but ultimately the babies will take what they need from you, even if it's at the expense of your own body fat stores. It's important to aim for good nutrition not only for them, but for you, since they get top priority nutritionally during the pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about it if you're not seeing an MFM and he/she will have good suggestions for how much you should aim to gain and how to achieve that in a healthy way. You're going to do great and grow beautiful babies!

ks3pink · August 2012

I lost 21 lbs in the first 14 weeks, I was sick as a dog. I gained 43 by the end. Glad I lost in the beginning or I'd have potentially gained 64 lbs!

rinascita · August 2012

macchiatto:
Dr. Luke's book breaks this down in detail. I started out pregnancy normal weight and I think her recommended gain rate was about 1.5-2 lbs/wk. I gained a pretty steady 2 lbs/wk from 12w on (by 12w I had only gained 2 lbs but that's the visit where I found out I was having twins, and I read Dr. Luke's book a week or two later).

Yes

The book When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads by Dr. Barbara Luke is something I actually spent a few hours today reading... I just wish I had bought and read it sooner! I like how it breaks everything down and explains the source/research behind the numbers and rationale.

My CNM and MFM both told me that I would gain whatever my babies needed me to gain and not to focus on a number, but after reading this book it makes me think I'm not gaining enough - only 7 pounds and almost 19 weeks.

From here on out, I'm just going to focus on following some of the guidelines to up my calories/nutrients in a healthy way and hopefully the weight will follow...

ColleenS629 · August 2012

My thyroid went out of whack when I got pg so I wasn't actually able to gain anything no matter how much I ate until they finally got me on the right dose of meds. I didn't gain anything by 14w and I was really worried but the babies were measuring fine so that helped a little. My MFM told me I was eating "too healthy" haha and to start eating cheeseburgers and ice cream every day. I think he was partially joking. Once they got my meds right, I gained 8 lbs in the next month and ended up gaining a total of 34 pounds by 36w5d. My OB said 35-50 but my MFM wanted me closer to 50 based on my pre-pregnancy weight. I ate all.the.time but I just barely missed my OB's range and was a good bit off from my MFM's recommendation. FWIW, my boys were born at 5lb3oz and 6lb5oz at 36w5d. More than the amount of weight, they stressed that protein should be the first thing I ate at every meal and snack and that everything else should come second.

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