Are you expecting twins? Did you know that you need to eat more than women carrying one baby? But how much more, and what is the right diet? Read this post and get the answers to your questions on twin pregnancy diet here. We talk about what you need to eat while carrying twins below.
Typically, pregnant women who are carrying a single baby need an extra 300 calories. If you are expecting twins, you will need another 150-300 calories for the other baby. So, you need to consume 450 to 600 calories a day for the twins.
But before you start grinning with glee at all the junk food you can eat, remember that those extra calories aren’t really going to help you. You need to follow a carbohydrate controlled diet with the most nutrient dense food possible. So, let’s look at what this carbohydrate-controlled diet demands.
Twin Pregnancy Diet Plan
When expecting twins, you need to ensure that you get the right amount of nutrients through a well-balanced diet. Your healthy diet for twin pregnancy should include foods from all four major groups, which include:
1. Fruits And Vegetables:
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Fruits and veggies are full of nutrients, including folic acid. Folic acid or folate is critical for the babies’ growth and liver efficiency. Green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits are excellent sources of folic acid. You should aim to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
2. Meat:
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Pregnancy is not the time for a lean diet. You should aim to eat 80 grams of protein a day. Lean meats are the best sources of protein. Include a serving of lean chicken or fish daily, and at least two portions of oily fish a week. The amino acids in lean meat help develop brain, tissues, and muscles of your unborn babies.
[ Read: Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy ]
3. Whole grains:
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A diet rich in whole grain will accelerate your babies’ growth. Your developing babies need micronutrients, and you need the fiber. So fill your diet with lots of whole grain foods like bread, bagels, brown rice, oats, etc.
4. Dairy:
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A daily dose of calcium helps your babies develop strong bones, while also promoting, heart, nerves, and teeth. Calcium reduces the risk of preeclampsia. Aim to drink at least four glasses of milk a day, if milk is not something that entices you, consider other dairy products like cheese or yogurt.
5. Water:
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If you don’t drink a lot of water during the day, you might want to reconsider your position. If you are pregnant, especially if you are expecting twins, you need to have more water than earlier. You might prefer juices and milk, but water should be your go-to beverage. Experts recommend drinking a gallon of water daily. It will help prevent any dehydration during the second half of your pregnancy. Dehydration leads to premature contraction or early delivery. Make sure that you drink clean, boiled and filtered water.
[ Read: Water Intake During Pregnancy ]
6. Supplements:
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Taking supplements is the best way to ensure that you get all the vital nutrients like iron, calcium, and folate. While carrying twins, you may be at a higher risk of contracting anemia. So, keep your iron levels up, by having supplements.
However, let your pediatrician decide the best course of action. Don’t take any supplements without consulting him/her.
[ Read: Symptoms Of Anemia During Pregnancy ]
How Much Weight Should I Gain?
When expecting twins, counting pounds is more important than counting calories. Ideally, women carrying twins should gain around 35-40 pounds. Consult your doctor and understand how much weight you need to increase during pregnancy. Don’t be overweight or underweight as both can have complications. Keep a track of your weight and increase or reduce your diet accordingly. If you feel too tired or gain too much or too little weight, talk to your gynecologist.
What diet did your pediatrician recommend you when you were expecting twins? What were your favorite foods during diet plan for twin pregnancy? Share your experiences with other expecting moms here. Leave a comment below.
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