In a multi-fetal pregnancy, working closely with your health care provider in regards to special diets, vitamin and mineral supplements and nutritional requirements is important. It is preferable that nutrients come from a well-balanced diet, but a twin pregnancy may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Carrying more than one baby may mean more discomfort in the third trimester, making good nutrition a must, but also a challenge.
Energy Expenditure and Calories
During the third trimester of your pregnancy, as your babies begin to come to term weight, your calorie requirements increase. But it is important not to overeat. Maintaining caloric intake within the guidelines set by your obstetrician may help make your delivery more comfortable, helping to avoid complications such as diabetes, backaches, constipation and high blood pressure. A 2009 article in the journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology" suggests consuming 40 to 45 calories per kg of body weight per day with a twin pregnancy. That means, if your weight is 150 lbs. in the third trimester, you may need to eat about 3,000 calories per day.
What Foods to Eat
The 2009 study in "Obstetrics and Gynecology" also notes that twin births have an increased risk of being premature and having a low birth weight. The study suggests that proper nutrition may help your babies come to full term with an optimal birth weight. Increasing your protein intake, especially red meats, may help increase iron in your diet and prevent you from becoming anemic. Choosing foods from the five food groups is recommended, with extra calories coming from whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Vitamins and Supplements
In the third trimester, your twins are getting ready to come into the world. Their bones are growing, their brains are developing, red blood cells are multiplying and their weight is increasing. The article in "Obstetrics and Gynecology" recommends vitamin and mineral supplements plus a prenatal multivitamin to support the babies' growth and the mother's health. The vitamins and minerals include calcium, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, folate, zinc and DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. Although folate is usually taken in the first trimester, folate deficiencies may result in placenta abruption, miscarriage or premature birth.
Healthy Eating Tips
As your babies get larger and displace your internal organs, you may find you have less space for food. Heartburn may also become a concern. Eating smaller amounts of food more often may help. Eat slowly, don't skip meals and avoid spicy foods. Constipation may be an issue, so increasing your whole grain foods may help. Keep fruit, nuts and veggies in bowls on the counter to make access easier. Avoid foods containing mercury that may harm your babies, such as mackerel, swordfish and shark, as well as foods that may contain the bacteria listeria, including soft cheeses. hot dogs, deli meats and lunch meats. Other bacteria-containing foods that may harm your twins include raw fish, such as sushi and sashimi.
