Being pregnant with twins means more weight gain and more calories taken in over the course of each day. This is because your caloric intake supports your growing babies, and each needs a certain amount for optimal development. Getting regular prenatal care allows your doctor to monitor your babies' growth so that he can look for signs that you may not be getting enough calories.
Calorie Needs
While your pregnancy is different from other women pregnant with multiples, the general guidelines for a twin pregnancy are to consume an additional 300 calories per day per baby, resulting in an extra 600 calories daily throughout your pregnancy. If you begin your pregnancy at a healthy and normal weight, your daily calorie intake should be about 2,700. If you are overweight or underweight, your calorie intake may need to be higher or lower. Your doctor can help you determine the amount of weight gain that is right for your pregnancy, but the average recommendation is 35 to 45 pounds.
Calorie Quality
Giving yourself free reign to load up on high-calorie foods during your twin pregnancy may not be offering your babies the nutrients they need for adequate growth and development. The extra calories you consume should come from nutrient-dense foods rather than junk food that is just empty calories. Opt for plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy foods, eggs, meat, nuts and oil, recommends Baby Center. These foods will fuel your calorie needs, and they also contain a variety of nutrients that your twins need as they grow, including calcium, iron, protein, carbohydrates and folic acid. Limit soda, candy, cookies, cake, chips and other unhealthy treats because they contain little to no nutrients.
When to Eat
Due to the large amount of extra calories you should eat while pregnant with twins, you may find yourself having a hard time fitting that much food into your stomach. If this is the case for you, try spreading your calories out throughout the day. Five or six smaller meals make it easier to get the calories you need without feeling so full. Planning ahead makes this easier and allows you to have the foods you need on hand so that meal preparation is quick and easy, making it more likely that you will stick with your healthy calorie goals.
Inadequate Calorie Intake
There are several complications that can occur during a multiple pregnancy. Your babies are at an increased risk of being born at a low birthweight. In addition, twin pregnancies increase your risk of preterm labor, preeclampsia, diabetes and uneven growth among your twins. Getting healthy sources of calories in the right amount can help control these issues and make them less severe should they occur.
References
- "Parents"; Twin Pregnancy Facts; November 2002
- Baby Centre: Pregnant With Twins: Eating Well
- MayoClinic.com; Twin Pregnancy: What Multiples Mean for Mom; December 2009
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Having Twins; December 2004
- Women's Health: Pregnancy
- Baby Center: Pregnant With Multiples: Nutrition and Fitness Needs
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