A nutritious diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Eating well can provide the materials necessary for a strong immune system, healthy energy levels, and the production and maintenance of muscles, cells and tissues in the body. During pregnancy, nutritional requirements increase so that you are able to nourish your body as well as your growing baby. When pregnant with multiples, nutritional requirements increase even more than with a singleton pregnancy in order to nourish and facilitate healthy growth and development of your twins, triplets, or more.
Calorie Recommendations
Increasing the amount of calories you eat while pregnant with multiples will provide healthy weight gain for you and your babies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends approximately 500 additional calories per day for women who are at a healthy weight and pregnant with multiples. This will bring your average daily caloric intake to approximately 2,700 calories. Your specific caloric requirements will vary based on your weight before pregnancy. Your doctor can tell you how many calories you need to eat on a daily basis.
Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to increased caloric needs, women pregnant with multiples experience an increased need of specific nutrients, including iron, folate, calcium, zinc and magnesium. A standard prenatal vitamin might provide adequate nutrients for women who are pregnant with multiples, but in some cases additional supplementation are required. Discuss all vitamin and mineral supplements with your doctor before taking them, and follow your doctor's instructions for them. Some vitamins and minerals, including iron, can be toxic if taken in large amounts and always should be kept in child-proof containers to avoid accidental ingestion by children.
Weight Gain Guidelines
Healthy weight gain plays an important role in pregnancy, decreasing the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. The March of Dimes recommends that women who are at a healthy weight before pregnancy gain between 37 and 54 pounds for a twin pregnancy. Weight gain goals for overweight women pregnant with twins range from 31 to 50 pounds for a twin pregnancy, and obese women should aim for weight gain between 25 and 42 pounds. Women who are expecting triplets usually need to gain 50 to 60 pounds during their pregnancy.
Professional Resources
If you have questions about your diet while pregnant with multiples, consult a registered dietitian. Dietitians are trained to assess an individual's nutritional status and can help you design a personalized eating plan. A dietitian can guide you in establishing nutritious eating habits that can foster healthy growth and weight gain during your pregnancy.
References
- Prenatal Nutrition; Serdar H Ural, et al.; July 2011
- "Seminars in Perinatology"; Nutrition and Multiple Gestation; B. Luke; October 2005
- "Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Optimal Nutrition for Improved Twin Pregnancy Outcome; W. Goodnight, et al.; November 2009
- Baby Center: Pregnant With Multiples: Nutrition and Fitness Needs
- March of Dimes: Multiples: Twins, Triplets And Beyond
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Having Twins
