Healthy Eating Guide for a Multiples Pregnancy

healthy eating while pregnant

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One of the biggest challenges that a mother of multiples faces is the issue of weight gain during pregnancy. Since you have two (or more) humans growing inside of you, your caloric needs are different from the average pregnant woman. Use this handy guide to help maximize the health of you and your babies while pregnant.

healthy eating while pregnant

Calculating Caloric Need

Unless your doctor specifically recommends it, now is not the time to try and lose weight or even maintain your current weight. You will need to gain weight just like any other pregnant woman. The key to gaining healthy weight only is to fill up on healthy foods and avoid empty calories. The BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board recommends that women eat an additional 300 calories per day with each child. So, if you were eating 1,500 calories before you were pregnant, then when you are pregnant with one baby you would eat 1,800 and when you are pregnant with two babies you would eat 2,100.

Recommended Weight Gains

Most medical practitioners recommend that women pregnant with multiples gain a little more than women who are carrying singles. The recommended weight for twins is between 35 and 45 pounds. The recommended weight for triplets is 50 to 60 pounds.

Drink Your Water

Getting enough water is extremely important in pregnancy. Some doctors recommend that women pregnant with multiples drink about a gallon of fluids each day. Most of your fluids should come from water, but some juice, tea, or flavored beverages are okay. Sodas and coffee are not recommended. Drinking enough water will keep you hydrated, give you more energy, and can also help prevent preterm labor.

The Best Foods to Eat

Just like in any other time of life, the best foods to eat during pregnancy include healthy foods that are as close to nature as possible. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy lean meats, and natural fats. Foods rich in iron are especially important while pregnant with multiples. Other foods, including calcium-rich foods and foods rich in folic acid, are also extremely important. You don’t have to eat a restricted food diet, but staying away from junk food and empty calories can help keep your weight gain healthy and make it easier to lose weight after pregnancy. Some doctors recommend that women pregnant with multiples eat 5 times a day, with 3 large meals and 2 healthy snacks.

Try to add the following foods to your diet:
• Cheese
• Milk
• Green vegetable
• Fresh fruits
• Whole grains
• Lean meats
• Fish
• Eggs
• Avoid these foods:
• Foods high in mercury
• Processed meats
• Processed foods
• High concentrations of salt
• Rich desserts
• Empty calorie snacks

If you follow this eating guide, then you won’t have to worry about gaining too much weight with your babies. Sticking with a healthy diet when you are pregnant with multiples can help avoid a variety of problems, including high blood pressure, swelling, excessive weight gain, and even preterm labor. That is why eating a healthy diet is extremely important during each and every pregnancy.