Diet or Calorie intake for twins?

NBA0703 · August 2013

I am curious if what your doctors have told you? I have read a couple different things on twins and wanted to see what you guys had to say! I don't have my appt until Friday with my OB. I have gained 10 pounds already and I am only 7wks4days! Soo I really need to figure out how to do this better! I am STARVING it seems like ALL the time! Any ideas or tips?

PinkinProvence · August 2013

My doctor wanted me to keep eating normally as I did pre-pregnancy but to increase my calcium. She said that I should only gain 2-4 pounds the first trimester and only about 1 pound a week thereafter.

At this point, you should probably be adding only 150-250 extra calories a day. And as you get scans and the babies are growing at the correct rate, there is no reason to increase your caloric intake at all. You just may want use the calories for good things like protein and calcium though.

I know there's some twin book out there that gives crazy advice to eat exhorbitant calories and gain 20 pounds the first tri, but my doc would have killed me if I did that! As it is, I get a talking to each appointment, and I have only gained about 14 pounds and I am 22 weeks.

Felicity86 · August 2013

I would go off of how much weight you're gaining. I was so sick I was losing weight so I pounded ensure drinks protein shakes twice/day. If you're doing a good job gaining, I wouldn't worry (although this may change for you if/when MS sets in). My ob said in the early stages, staying hydrated is most important. Down the road my mfm really stressed protein.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

My doctor told me to increase my calorie intake by 500 calories a day. But at the same time I'm 12 weeks today (with twins) and I've lost 7 lbs.

I think it might depend on what you've gained and lost already.

badbridey · August 2013

The amount of weight you're supposed to gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight - if you're thin, you will need to gain a bit more than someone who is overweight. I wouldn't really worry about the weight gain at this point. I gained 6 pounds before I even realized I was pregnant, then didn't put on any more weight by the end of my first tri. I think the most important thing is that you're eating healthy meals and snacks.

MrsCaseyK · August 2013

3 doctors recommended 80-120 grams of protein a day. That is tough. I basically tried to do the brewer pregnancy diet loosely. I highly recommend it for the health of mom and babies!

Gibson824 · August 2013

I gained my most weight from 12-16 weeks, ten pounds. Otherwise it's only been 1-2. I indulged, but mostly kept it pretty healthy. I am now 35 weeks and up about 34 pounds.

aliwisewoman · August 2013

Unless you are eating crazy unhealthy or binging, I would eat and gain as your body does naturally. I am 30 weeks and I've gained about 45 lbs. My appetite has slowed way down and I can't eat much at a time now. But I ate whenever I was hungry or starting to feel nauseous at the beginning. I was super hungry in the 2nd trimester. This is my third pregnancy and I've done the same in each one. I shed the baby weight super fast by breastfeeding. In my first two pregnancies I gained about 40-50 lbs. I'm guessing my weight gain will slow down quite a bit now that I'm in the last few weeks.

smscartozzi · August 2013

My OB recommended I gain 35-45lbs and right now I am almost up 30. That being said, the babies are on the larger side so I expect to gain closer to 45. My OB recommended eating a diet high in protein, veggies and fruit. And just good for thought...I have actually started losing weight because I can't eat as much food as I want or need to these days because there is no room!!

cailinmeister · September 2013

Please, please do not let yourself starve! You should eat to your hunger level while pregnant with multiples. It is extremely important that you meet your nutritional needs. There are studies showing that high weight gain can help you carry multiples to term, so don't worry too much about gaining quickly.

I know that anecdotal evidence is not the best, but I carried to 39 weeks, lost it all in 4 months and throughout the pregnancy ate whatever I felt I needed.

CaliCarly77 · September 2013

My hunger is insatiable lately.

I read the Dr. Luke book and forced myself to eat during the first few weeks when I had no appetite. I have kept it steady at about a lb per week - though lately now that appetite is back, it has been a little more than that. My doc has also told me about a lb per week, with a max of 35 - 40 lbs. at their birth.

I am 5'4" and started at 140 lbs and am usually very fit. I am at 160 now and my babies are HUGE!!! (which is funny because mh is 5'6" 150 and we figured we would have mini babies).

I have been trying to eat more fruit and protein (protein bars, ensure etc) but staying away from soy protein.

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