I asked my Dr how many calories I should have...

keshakdavis · September 2015

So yeah I emailed her to find out because according to Google I'm not getting nearly enough. Doctors know what's best, right? She said she recommends her patients have 1500 to 1800 calories per day. I'm thinking, I'm not one of your normal patients. I'm carrying two. So I email her back to clarify if it's still the same with twins. Her response. Yes, let's say 1800 to 2000. "Let's say?" Really? Is she guessing with the health of my babies? I was so upset about this and feels she knows nothing about twin pregnancies. I bet I'm her first. Idk what to do but I'm not happy. I'm already high risk because of complications so I need everyone working with me to know what they're doing. Am I overreacting here? Please share your honest thoughts.

Thank you.

ashhsa · September 2015

I think if you are hungry, eat, just don't eat "too much" junk. There is no need to count calories. I think that your body will tell you what it needs. I do think you are overreacting, but at the same time, it's perfectly normal to worry!

hailees · September 2015

Hmm.. Could you ask her how she is calculating that number? Is she concerned with your weight gain? Could it have something to do with your pre preg weight? These aren't questions for you to answer here, but I know those are some of the things Drs take into consideration with pregnancy and caloric intake. Hard to speak into exactly why she's giving you that number, but I'd hope she's as least got some reasoning behind it that she could share with you.

My doctor refused to even give me a calorie amount. Her exact words to the calorie question were "it depends." Uhm.. Ok? Haha. I could tell she wasn't comfortable giving me a number. Based on the research I've done on my own + listening to my own body, I aim to eat 2000-2200 at 25 weeks in a singleton pregnancy. I was average BMI pre preg. As I near 3rd tri, I'm beginning to feel the need to ramp up the calories one last time.

I understand your frustration and uncertainty, we are trusting our Doctor's with a lot right now! In reality, most medical doctors receive very minimal education in nutrition unless they pursued that as a specialty. If you're concerned further, could you get a referral to a nutritionist?

At the end of the day, listen to your body! Empower yourself and do some research. This may be an area you need to come to your own conclusion and inform your doctor of your decision (rather than ask). Personally, I've been tracking my calories to be sure that I'm getting a sufficient amount of nourishment. Hope you find some answers!

keshakdavis · September 2015

hailees said:
Hmm.. Could you ask her how she is calculating that number? Is she concerned with your weight gain? Could it have something to do with your pre preg weight? These aren't questions for you to answer here, but I know those are some of the things Drs take into consideration with pregnancy and caloric intake. Hard to speak into exactly why she's giving you that number, but I'd hope she's as least got some reasoning behind it that she could share with you.

My doctor refused to even give me a calorie amount. Her exact words to the calorie question were "it depends." Uhm.. Ok? Haha. I could tell she wasn't comfortable giving me a number. Based on the research I've done on my own + listening to my own body, I aim to eat 2000-2200 at 25 weeks in a singleton pregnancy. I was average BMI pre preg. As I near 3rd tri, I'm beginning to feel the need to ramp up the calories one last time.

I understand your frustration and uncertainty, we are trusting our Doctor's with a lot right now! In reality, most medical doctors receive very minimal education in nutrition unless they pursued that as a specialty. If you're concerned further, could you get a referral to a nutritionist?

At the end of the day, listen to your body! Empower yourself and do some research. This may be an area you need to come to your own conclusion and inform your doctor of your decision (rather than ask). Personally, I've been tracking my calories to be sure that I'm getting a sufficient amount of nourishment. Hope you find some answers!

Thank you. I didn't want it come across as me being concerned I'm gaining too much weight. In fact I feel pretty small sometimes so a general guideline would help. I'm not a stickler for rules but I do track my calories as it was something I did before pregnancy. I like to make sure my nutritional needs are met because twins tend to come out small and I want them at a healthy weight. If I'm hungry, I eat. But I think you're right when it comes to my dr not being a nutritionist or dietician. I can't expect her to know it all.

hailees · September 2015

You're welcome! I've had some frustrations with my OB and DH had to talk me off the "I cant trust her ledge," so I understand being in that headspace! If there are other things going on to make you unsatisfied with your care, that's one thing. This as an isolated event seems somewhat "normal" (even though I would be famished eating that low of calories lol).

Tracking calories has worked well for me too, I'm glad to hear you're doing that so at least you know where you are each day! Sounds like you are doing the best you can for your LOs!
Edit: posted too soon

failuretofly · September 2015

Maybe try buying a fitbit? I've been wearing mine and I've noticed my calorie burn per day go up significantly. I am 5'9", was BMI 22.5 pre-preg and it says I burn anywhere between 2000-2800 calories per day depending on how active I am. It might be a better more personalised way to track your calories out.

ChrissyD1203 · September 2015

Do you see a high risk OB as well? You could always ask them for a second opinion.

littleloves3 · September 2015

@keshakdavis I have had equally frustrating and unclear conversations with different OBs in my practice. The one who told me to calorie count said around 2000-2200 (she was all over the place in her advice before then). I have never enjoyed or done well with calorie counting so I am choosing to follow the advice of the doctor who told me not to worry about caloric intake or weight gain and just eat when I am hungry. I find it is the least stressful method and I do believe my body will tell me what I need.

As you know, I've got twins cooking as well and also worry about them getting big and strong but it does seem they take from us first. I am sorry your doctor was so cavalier about your babies. Not a good feeling.

Leah6120 · September 2015

Oh honey just eat.

if you're worried about the weight gain then just make sure you eat nutritious foods and get some exercise. I refuse to sit around starving and angry because I've already met my dr appointed calorie limit for the day. He/she is not carrying my child I am. And I'm hungry more often than I'm not. But I stay active and I've gained a normal amount of weight and my daughter is healthy in there so far. I'm not counting calories. Period.

Blueyedsky · September 2015

I would be pretty stressed out if my doc told me 1500 calories as well lol. I comfortably ate 1500 pre pregnancy, but am definitely more comfortable eating around 1800-1900 now, and my doc wants me.to ramp it up cause I haven't been gaining weight. And that's with a single baby!

She may not know, or she might have a lot of experience with patients who gain a ton of weight and she's trying to prevent that, but I would get a second opinion or just do the eat when you're hungry method. It sounds like you're pretty health conscious, so I'm guessing you're getting the right kinds of foods anyway!

mamaksweez · September 2015

Let me start with I am not a calorie counter. (You don't need to answer on here, but) how many calories did you eat before pregnancy? When you are pregnant you need 200-300 more calories per day. Basically that's eat an extra apple. Since you have twins I'd assume you need more than that, but it's something to consider when you think of the range your doc gave you (1500-2000) and your pre-pregnancy #.

JDBtwinmama · September 2015

@keshakdavis hey fellow twin mama! Are you at a high risk doc?

keshakdavis · September 2015

ChrissyD1203 said:

Do you see a high risk OB as well? You could always ask them for a second opinion.

I'm seeing them for the first time later today so I'll be asking their opinion.

JDBtwinmama · September 2015

Good! I will tell you since I've been at a high risk doc, I hear different things from different doctors in the practice! Write what they tell you down, and be sure to ask if there are discrepancies!

keshakdavis · September 2015

Leah6120 said:

Oh honey just eat. if you're worried about the weight gain then just make sure you eat nutritious foods and get some exercise. I refuse to sit around starving and angry because I've already met my dr appointed calorie limit for the day. He/she is not carrying my child I am. And I'm hungry more often than I'm not. But I stay active and I've gained a normal amount of weight and my daughter is healthy in there so far. I'm not counting calories. Period.

As I stated in my previous comment, I eat when I am hungry. I do not starve myself. All I really wanted from my Dr was a guideline because online I read so many different suggestions on the amount I should be having since I'm carrying two. No way would I starve myself and I'm not concerned about my weight gain at all, please understand this. I eat A LOT but I do have days when I am not hungry and for my own personal reasons I would like a little clarification on a number. No biggie. I do exercise at least 5 days a week so I'm pretty active. Most of my meals are healthy. I've always counted calories because that's just how I was before getting pregnant. I have never been overweight so weight is not a concern of mine at all it was just additional information I wanted because I want to make sure my babies come out at a healthy size. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't want anyone thinking I'm starving over here lol.

keshakdavis · September 2015

@mamaksweez before pregnancy I would eat around 1500 calories per day. I wasn't trying to gain or lose but more so maintain. I did workout before (crossfit) but also I work a desk job which means I sit all day so it was a balance in my eating and exercise to maintain the weight I was at for years. So when she said 1500 the first time I knew that couldn't be right.

keshakdavis · September 2015

@JDBtwinmomma I have my notebook ready lol. All I'm concerned about is my babies being a healthy weight when they are born. When my mom had my sister and I (I'm a twin) I was 5 lbs and my sister was 3 lbs. My goal is to have these babies be over 5 lbs each so that is why I brought it up to my Doctor.

JDBtwinmama · September 2015

Oh I get it! I'm constantly concerned my twins will be too small!

Theliops · September 2015

I feel you - I'm constantly worried I'm not eating or gaining enough for my twinsies. I'm not into calorie counting but I've been focused on pounds - and since everybody is different I won't get into my numbers.

One thing that really helped me is when my midwife told me that my babies will take everything they need from me and basically "leave me with the leftovers." That's why things like iron and calcium can be low in pregnancy - the babies take it all! Somehow it made me feel better that they were at least getting well fed, I can handle the leftovers!

Keep up the good eating! I've found stuff like Greek yogurt and trail mix helpful because you get more of the good stuff without eating a ton - my stomach is definitely getting squeezed out by these girls.

And try not to worry as much!

Theliops · September 2015

PS - I love that you can email your doctor! That's very cool.

willashbaby · September 2015

Just a PSA you gaining a lot of weight will not necessarily make for large babies. My Mother had twins (I was 17 so I remember well), she gained a normal amount of weight overall, 40lbs. She ate when she was hungry and was reasonably healthy with her choices. They stayed in until 39.5 weeks, pure luck. One was 7lbs7oz and the other was 6lbs. The smaller guy was stuck in the head down position and just had less room to grow. It's going to be what it's going to be. When she was really hungry she tried to focus on eating lean protein.

Maybe just try to add one small meal to your day, a serving or two of protein with some extra veggies or starch.

Leah6120 · September 2015

Haha no that's not at all what I meant! I've just heard a lot of women feel pressured by their physician to stick to some magical caloric number or weight number when really it's so subjective to the mama's lifestyle and body and it caused unnecessary stress. Sounds like it's something you're already knowledgeable about so keep doing whatever you're doing!

Wicked4589 · September 2015

I gained quite a bit at the beginning of my pregnancy. Asked my doc and she told me about 2,000 calories a day. I stay close to that and last month only gained .7 lbs. I don't want to over eat and gain a ton of weight. that's not healthy for baby. Bye, an apple is only 55 calories. Need to add more than that.

enkb · September 2015

My first reaction when I read this was 'that's way too few calories!'. I'm certainly not a doctor, but I would have starved to death on 1500-1800 a day before I got pregnant, let alone being pregnant with twins! I went on a weight loss kick a few months before we got pregnant and lost 1lb a week for 10 weeks at 1800 calories a day! I know everyone will be different and height/weight/activity level have a huge impact, but I would get a second opinion if a doc told me to eat anything fewer than 2000 calories a day with twins. Even 2200 seems on the low side, that's probably what I'm eating with 1 and I am on the low side of weight gain.

The reason your dr. might be giving you such a wishy washy number may be because there is no magic number that works for everyone, and just to reiterate what other commenters have said, I think eating when you are hungry and making sure to get a well balanced diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats is going to serve you much better than calorie counting.

jrouge12 · September 2015

1500 is what I would aim for when trying to lose weight, so that seems low. When I checked online a few months ago, various sites said between 2300-2600. I did track calories for a while a found I was on track with calories and nutrition. So now I just eat when I'm hungry and aim to be as healthy as possible. I say if you're hungry your body is telling you something and it's time to eat.

claireloSC · September 2015

Check this link out: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/moms-pregnancy-breastfeeding

The rule of thumb is 300 extra calories per baby, so 600 more equalling 2100 per day.

mg137 · September 2015

I used the Brewer diet as a guideline during my twin pregnancy to make sure I was getting all of the important nutrients. I also read What To Expect When You're Expecting Twins Triplets or More, which convinced me to pack on a lot of weight fast. I was shooting for about 50 lbs and almost made it. Lots of protein and healthy fats and I was always uncomfortably full. I didn't count calories but I did track water and protein intake. My doctor said I didn't need to gain extra weight but, like you, I wanted to get my babies nice and big early. I'm quite petite so I wasn't likely to have big babies or carry to term.

This time, with one, it's so nice not to worry. I think I've gained about a third of the weight I had gained by this time last pregnancy!

l4rk · September 2015

Similac actually sent me info on calories the other day, so I have attached that. I imagine twins has its own multiplier like x1.75. But I agree that listening to your body is all your babies will need!

Hrc724 · September 2015

Everyone's caloric needs are different so I do not think it's unreasonable for her to give you a ballpark. Plus, the babies will get everything they need from your stores, upping calories during pregnancy isn't as important as people make it out to be.

Cristie2225 · October 2015

Woah. Calm down mama. Eat when you're hungry.

Twindling · October 2015

I aimed for 80-100g of protein a day. Which was really difficult but drinking protein shakes helped get me to that point. If I was hungry, I assumed babies were hungry too so I ate. I too was high risk with my twins and still delivered two nearly 6lb babies a month early.

TTiger03 · October 2015

hailees said:
You're welcome! I've had some frustrations with my OB and DH had to talk me off the "I cant trust her ledge," so I understand being in that headspace! If there are other things going on to make you unsatisfied with your care, that's one thing. This as an isolated event seems somewhat "normal".

I love this!
And the reminder that an ob/gyn isn't nutritionist.

On the comments about the specialist for us twin mommies, I have been seeing my MFM since 13wks. Really, I wouldn't expect him to know any different on this topic. He might, but his main concern is baby a and baby b.(And like others said, babies get their share first.) If you really want a clear answer, I would ask for a recommendation of a nutritionist. You might even be able to call one for the general info without a visit.

DaphneMoon1 · October 2015

I understand that you counted calories before, so that's how you do things, but I think you're overthinking it and being a little hard on your OB.

Think about it, everyone has different activity levels, different starting weights, different metabolisms. It's impossible to give a magic number to that questions. It's a loaded question. As others have stated, it also depends on the type of calories you eat. Protein is important, etc. Especially with twins, the answer can vary so widely. Some people can gain 15 lbs and have a normal healthy pregnancy, some people gain 40 and are equally as healthy. If your OB told you an exact number- I'd be concerned.

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that your doctor doesn't know how to care for you.

andreachristine81 · October 2015

**Removed for TOU violation**

Snoopylovesbelle · October 2015

Are you peddling beach body or something of that nature? Sounds like a sales pitch to me... :-?

keshakdavis · October 2015

Snoopylovesbelle said:

Are you peddling beach body or something of that nature? Sounds like a sales pitch to me... :-?

I don't get it. You're wayyyyy on something else lady.

indibidule · October 2015

@keshakdavis: she was responding to the post right above hers, the one that got banned. It was clearly a sales pitch for some kind of diet program (hence the ban and removal of post). It wasn't about your calorie intake question. The post may have been removed before you could see it so it's easy to understand your confusion.

Snoopylovesbelle · October 2015

@keshakdavis I was not referring to you. I was referring to the banned post that was clearly a sales pitch for a diet.

We are pregnant eat all the food

keshakdavis · October 2015

Okay, thanks for pointing that out. I apologize @Snoopylovesbelle .

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