Dr. Luke's "When you're expecting twins..."

mismatched · January 2013

Lurker coming out to say hi. I'm currently 9 weeks pregnant with twins as a result of IVF.

I noticed in a post asking about MFMs, many of you hinted that you had strong opinions about the guidelines presented in Dr. Luke's book. I'm really curious to hear from others who have BTDT as to what they agree with or don't agree with. I haven't yet met with my OB as I was just released from my RE, so I don't have any other professional opinions to compare her advice.

Anyone care to share their thoughts?

GoMaltby18 · January 2013

I thought it was helpful, but, like any other book with specific recommendations, it's not a bible to multiple pregnancy or anything.

I had other pregnancy books from my prior pregnancies, but they are really short on twin info. I liked that this was more specific and went into what to expect that would be different than a singleton pregnancy, but take it all with a grain of salt until you talk to your doctor(s).

macchiatto · January 2013

I thought it was very helpful, followed a lot of her recs and things went well with my pregnancy. I would read the book, do some research and see what you think.

LuvWIfootball · January 2013

I've read the book and think the advice is good. I think those that don't like her book have an issue with her nutritional guidelines. I use her recommendations as suggestions and a goal, rather than what I must do. I've followed the book for the nutritional guidelines and weight gain and can say that my triplets' weights are measuring above average compared to singletons. Now, it could be that I just make big babies (DS was 9lb1oz), but I like to think that the extra protein I've been eating throughout has been a big factor. During the first Tri, I met with a nutritionist who also used Dr. Luke's guidelines as a suggestion. She agreed that some of the guidelines (4000cal/day for triplets) are excessive, but if I can shoot for something close then I'm doing good. I was also able to meet the weight gain recommendations for 20wks and 30wks.

As for the MFM issue, I think it's always wise to have the best care possible, so why not see an MFM? Better to be safe than sorry. In my case, the OB refused to see me as soon as she found out I was having triplets, so I went from the RE straight to the MFM and couldn't be happier with the extra level of care I've received.

mommyof4boys · January 2013

Keep in mind I was pregnant almost 8 years ago but I was told to throw it out. I was hospitalized around 7 weeks with HEG and the nurse caught me crying after about a week in the hospital. She saw a copy of the book on my night stand as I was sobbing. They sent a nutritionist in to talk to me and she said that the advice about packing on protein was good but the weight recommendations were unrealistic. I ended up with a positive 10 pound weight gain because of my HEG. I was fed through an IV most of the pregnancy.

jessican08 · January 2013

I thought a lot of the information was helpful, particularly about precautions you should take.

I certainly didn't come anywhere near meeting her dietary guidelines though - my OB and MFM thought they were a little excessive. Just make sure you're eating frequently and making all of your calories count and you'll do great!

RobinR91 · January 2013

LuvWIfootball:
I've read the book and think the advice is good.nbsp;I thinknbsp;those that don't like her booknbsp;have an issue with her nutritional guidelines.nbsp;Inbsp;use her recommendationsnbsp;as suggestions and a goal, rather than what I must do.nbsp; I'venbsp;followed the booknbsp;for the nutritional guidelines and weight gain and can say that my triplets' weights are measuring above average compared to singletons.nbsp; Now, it could be that I just make big babies DS was 9lb1oz, but I like to think that the extra protein I've been eating throughout has been a big factor.nbsp; During the first Tri, I met with a nutritionist who also used Dr. Luke's guidelines as a suggestion.nbsp; She agreed that some of the guidelines 4000cal/day for triplets are excessive, but if I can shoot for something close then I'm doing good.nbsp;I was also able to meet the weight gain recommendations for 20wks and 30wks.
As fornbsp;the MFM issue, I think it's always wise to have the best care possible, so why not see an MFM?nbsp;nbsp;Better to be safe than sorry.nbsp; In my case, the OB refused to see me as soon as she found out I wasnbsp;nbsp;having triplets, so I went from the RE straight to the MFM and couldn't be happier with the extra level of care I've received.

Ditto for me exactly in the mfm department. I also met with a nutritionist often as dr Luke's protein requirements freaked me out I'm a vegetarian. Like others, I loved all the info, but used the nutritional stuff as a loose goal, not a must do. My triplets were born very healthy and the nicu folks were thrilled at their weight and development. I'd certainly read it, but with anythingbe a critical consumer.

Dragonfly1226 · January 2013

I don't even come close to following the suggested calories for twins, but I thought the book as a whole was very informative and helped me to understand what I could do to help make this pregnancy more successful. I think it has good suggestions but I don't follow it to a T.

Sascha3 · January 2013

My friend just sent me this book, and it said for someone of normal weight, that I should already have gained 10-15 lbs by my tenth week. I have been eating as much as I am able to, and I am only up 4 lbs. Well, 2 lbs after the stomach flu Saturday, but I am sure I will gain those two back quickly. So it had me a little worried that I will not be able to gain enough weight in time. I gained 28-30 with both of my full term singleton pregnancies.

lynn0926 · January 2013

I liked the book. I don't necessarily take in all of the calories that the book recommends. I eat when I am hungry. I do try to hit the protein goals. I def have not done a good job with my veggies. I have had an adversion to them. I also follow the vitamin regimine in the book. Knock on wood, I have had a nearly picture perfect pregnancy. I am hoping it finishes off that way too. My boys have also been weighing above the 50% tile.

ETA: I have hit the weight gain goals. I am currently up 47.5lbs, and I am all belly! I started off at 5'5" and 130lbs.

SwetaV · January 2013

I just recently started reading this book. I found it helpful at first, taught me a lot about twin pregnancies that I didnt know, but then when it got into the details about MFM, testing, etc. I got a little weary. (I posted about the MFM situation on the boards, you may be referring to that post, not sure)

I am still going to read it as a reference point, but will take it all with a grain of salt. Overall, I think its dependent on each individual and how much information you want.

OctoberCAPA · January 2013

It's good in that it actually talks about twin or higher-order multiple pregnancy, which isn't covered in much depth in a lot of books. At least half of the families in my local twin club had NICU time, so reading about that in advance can be helpful.

I didn't like the way she presents the nutritional info as "if you don't do this, your babies will be premature and it will be your fault." So if you can read the facts without her attitude, go for it.

FWIW, I was induced at 38 weeks, DD was 7 pounds and DS was 5 pounds, 3 ounces. I was on modified bed rest and had GD diagnosed at 27 weeks. Total weight gain of about 45 pounds.

MandaS08 · January 2013

Like others said, I don't think its a bad book, but as far as the nutrional guidelines, I'm not stressing myself out about meeting those goals. I'm still queasy most of the time, and eating that many calories just isn't possible.

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