Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Healthy Diet Plan for Twin Pregnancy
Following a healthy and balanced diet is important during pregnancy to ensure that the nutrient requirements of the baby growing inside you are met properly. And, if you are carrying twins, then you will need enough nutrition for the three of you. This does not mean you need to drastically increase the quantity of food, but it does mean that you need to eat a variety of healthy foods every day to meet the nutrition requirements of the twins in your womb.
How Many Calories Do Pregnant Women Need
If you are pregnant with twins, your calorie intake in the first trimester should be around 300; 680 calories in the second trimester, and 900 extra calories in the third trimester of your pregnancy. The calories you intake need to provide the right kind of nutritional value, so it is always best to know what kind your baby will need the most.
Nutritional Requirements of Women Expecting Twins
Here are the nutritional requirements of women who are pregnant with twins:
1. Protein
Protein is a vital component for the creation of human cells and thus should be a part of your daily diet.
Protein Intake
Increase your protein intake and eat different protein-rich foods every day so that you won't get bored of eating the same thing. You can eat meat every day while including a vegetable or bean as a side dish.
Protein Intake
Food Source
100-175 gm per day
Lean Meats (beef, turkey, chicken, pork)
Nuts
Yoghurt
Milk
Cottage
Cheese
Tofu
2. Iron
Iron helps in reducing the risk of anaemia, hypertension, and preterm delivery.
Iron Intake
Know how much iron you should consume and the food sources from where you can get iron.
Iron Intake
Food Source
30mg per day
Red meat
Seafood
Nuts
Fortified cereal
3. Calcium
Calcium is very important for the formation of strong teeth and bones.
Calcium Intake
Given below is the amount of calcium you should be consuming every day and the foods which are a good source of calcium.
Calcium Intake
Food Source
1,500-2500mg per day
Milk
Yoghurt
Spinach
Kale
Okra
4. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars like glucose, which gives energy to your growing baby.
Carbohydrate Intake
This is how much carbohydrate you should be consuming and the foods rich in carbohydrate.
Carbohydrate Intake
Food Source
300-400 grams
Bread
Potatoes
Pasta
Rice
Cereal
5. Folic Acid
Taking folic acid during pregnancy can prevent your baby from developing birth defects of the spinal cord and brain. It is important that you take folic acid for a healthy pregnancy.
Folic Acid Intake
Here is how much folic acid you should be consuming every day and the food sources of folic acid.
Folic Acid Intake
Food Source
1000 mg per day
Spinach
Asparagus
Oranges
Grapefruit
6. Salt and Healthy Fats
Salt is essentially sodium which keeps everything in balance. Table salt generally contains iodine which is extremely important for the proper development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. Healthy fats also facilitate proper brain growth and eye development.
Salt and Healthy Fats Intake
Though salt and certain types of healthy fats are good for you to consume, you must always keep in mind that you need to consume them in moderation otherwise it might be a problem.
Salt and Healthy Fat Intake
Food Source
Salt: 3.8-5gm per day
Healthy Fats: 120 grams
Salt
Almonds
Walnuts
Avocado
Olive oil
Sunflower oil
Corn oil
Flax seeds & Soybeans
7. Vitamin Supplements
Most women get nutrients from a healthy and balanced meal. However, if you do not have a good appetite, your doctor may prescribe some vitamin supplements. The same goes if you have any kind of health issues.
Supplements
The supplements you will most likely need to take are iron, iodine, folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin C etc.
8. Water
Drinking a lot of water throughout the day will prevent dehydration during pregnancy. You need to drink around 10 cups of water every day. Drink enough water during the day, but avoid drinking too much water at night to lessen your bathroom visits in the middle of the night.
How Much Weight Should You Gain When Pregnant with Twins
Earlier women who expected twins were usually suggested to gain around 35 to 40 pounds of weight without taking into consideration their individual pregnancy size. The Institute of Medicine issued new guidelines that are individualized to pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI). This way, there is more chance that the twins will be born healthy to a healthy mother.
Your weight gain should be consistent throughout the pregnancy, especially during the first 28 weeks as this reduces the chance of premature delivery. If you are underweight (BMI is less than 18.5, then you should gain 50-62 pounds; if your weight is normal (BMI 18.5 – 24.9), then you should gain 37-54 pounds; if you are overweight (BMI of 25 – 29.9), then you should gain around 31-50 pounds; and if you are obese (BMI is greater than or equal to 30) then you need to gain around 25-42 pounds. Here are some tips for meeting your recommended weight.
Consult your doctor about how much weight should you gain for a healthy pregnancy and then work with him throughout your pregnancy to make sure you are on track.
Keep track of your weight gain throughout your pregnancy and compare it to what your weight needs to be for the month you are in.
Follow a balanced diet. Eat healthy foods that meet the nutritional requirements of you and your babies.
Avoid or limit consumption of solid fats and added sugars.
Pay attention to your calorie needs. You may not need any extra calories in the first trimester of your pregnancy, but in the second trimester, you will need around 340 additional calories per day, and450 additional calories per day in the third trimester. So, make sure your calorie requirements are met.
Get enough exercise and physical activity. You need to make sure you do some form of pregnancy exercises or at least go for a walk every day. Physical activity is considered to be very healthy for pregnant women as long as they do not overdo it at once.
How to Avoid Low Birth Weight Through a Proper Diet
In the case of a twin pregnancy, the chances of the babies being born with low birth weight increase. Low birth weight is also known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction. To lessen the risk of low birth weight, do not have large meals, instead opt for small and frequent meals every day. What you eat should be healthy. Protein is very important during pregnancy and while you may prefer eating non-veg food, it is recommended that you get some of the protein from non-animal sources. Add more nuts, seeds, beans and vegetables to your diet. Vegetarians and vegans needn’t worry about any kind of protein deficiency for as long as you keep your diet varied, you will be just fine.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you feel excessively tired and find that your immunity level is going down, then it is a sign of nutritional deficiency. In such a case, you should consult a doctor. You can also contact your doctor if you notice you are gaining or losing too much weight. Ideally, you and your doctor should discuss what you should eat and what to avoid, depending on your BMI.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about twin pregnancy diet.
1. Should I Eat More When Expecting Twins?
You do not have to eat too much; as long as you maintain a strict and healthy diet you will be okay. Keep your weight in check. Opt for healthy snacks like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and a hummus dip or a trail mix of different kinds of nuts to which you can add a few dark chocolate chips and dried fruits.
2. If I Struggle to Eat, Will My Baby Get Enough Nutrients?
Morning sickness and the other side effects of pregnancy can be more intense when a woman is expecting twins. This can interfere with your appetite, but as long as you stick to the twin pregnancy nutrition guidelines, you will be fine. Do not binge eat and drink plenty of water and fluids between meals and make sure your diet is varied and of the best quality. You will need to consult your doctor and discuss how you can handle this situation.
Compared to a single pregnancy, a twin pregnancy can be a lot more challenging. Your body will be supporting and growing not just one but two babies who will require a lot of nutrition in order to develop well. Do not take your diet lightly and rely on supplements and multivitamins, but make an effort to have fresh and varied food every day for the sake of your babies.
Also Read: Types of Twins in Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Top 8 Online Jobs For Stay-At-Home-Moms You Can Do Sitting Right Next to Your Baby!
So you took a break to have a baby and want to get back to work now? Well, it can be challenging. There are lot of things that are different now – you may have lowered energy levels,you may be required by your baby round the clock, and you may also not have a fall-back option if you were to leave your house for long hours. But why should that stop you from having a career?
Here are 8 online work at home jobs for moms you can consider that allow you to stay at home with your baby and yet have a lucrative career. (Just make sure you have a good internet connection!)
1. Writing/Blogging
Being a mom gives you a new, fresh perspective on life. It makes you aware of new strengths and qualities in your person.Why not share your experiences with the world? All you need to write is decent grammar skills, and conviction.
2. Editing/Proofreading/Fact-checking
This is the perfect job for you if you like reading. Editing and proofreading both require a keen eye, and a very close attention to detail.Fact-checking requires mad research skills! So if you have the knack of observation and noticing things real fast, this is going to be a very satisfying job for you.
3. Translations
The average educated Indian knows three languages – their mother-tongue, Hindi, and English. This is an asset that most of us fail to realise.This also opens doors to a very lucrative career – translations. If you know a foreign language too – such as German, French, Japanese, etc. - your chances improve further.You can even take a course in these foreign languages, and start a career in translations afresh.
4. Web Development
Can you guess the total number of websites that exist on the World Wide Web? Over a billion... and counting!Every business now has an online presence. This is a lucrative opportunity you can tap into.
5. Graphics
Anyone who is good with images can find it easy to find work – you can make graphics for company magazines, school books, learning material, political campaigns, films, animations, etc.Graphics is also something that is creative – there will be very little monotony in the job.
6. SEO Analyst
SEO – search engine optimisation – is a collection of methods to improve a websites visibility on a search engine like Bing, Yahoo, Google, etc.This is important because – the better visibility a site has, the more people will land on it, and the more revenue it will make.This is an interesting career option for anyone who likes to be challenged – it is a highly dynamic field.
7. Counselling
Have people told you through your life that you are good at something? That you have a knack for something?Pay heed to their advice, and you can start counselling people in your field of expertise.From finance, to marketing, to marriage, to relationships – people seek counselling to deal with different aspects of their life.
8. Advertising
Advertising is a field that will never die – so long as there are people, they will need to buy things; and so long as they do,we will need advertisements! Another highly creative and dynamic field you can consider. Read more
Suggested for you
8 Common Mistakes You Make That Could Be A Choking Hazard For Your Baby and How to Avoid Them
Are you introducing delicious solid foods to your dear little angel? Are you looking for some safe tips to follow to prevent your baby from choking as he noshes on various solid foods? If you said yes, then you should learn and follow some safe ways when feeding solid foods to your dear little one. Read on to find out how you can prevent your baby from choking on solid foods.
Common Mistakes You Make That Could Be A Choking Hazard For Your Baby
1. Introducing Solids Before Your Baby Turns 6-months-old
While you can offer purees to your baby earlier, most experts recommend that you introduce solid foods only after your baby completes six months. This is the time when your baby can chew the solid foods and swallow them safely.
2. Giving Your Baby Large Morsels Of Food
Make sure you offer only finely chopped solids to your baby to avoid food getting lodged in his throat. First, offer finely cut small pieces of soft food that your baby can swallow easily. As your baby gets habituated to eating small, soft food pieces, move up gradually and offer him bigger pieces.
3. Leaving Your Baby Unsupervised As He Eats
Even though you are offering age-appropriate titbits to your hungry little one, accidents can occur anytime causing food to get choked in baby’s throat. So, always attend to your little one while he eats his meals or snacks.|
4. Feeding Your Baby Small Bites Of Your Own Food
While you might be tempted to offer your baby small bites of whatever you are enjoying eating, avoid offering high-risk foods that can cause choking. Avoid giving your hungry little one nuts, dried fruits, cheese cubes, hard candies, fish with bones, hot dogs, whole grapes, baked nuggets, and any food that your baby can find difficult to chew and swallow. Also, avoid giving larger chunks of food as they can cause choking in your baby’s throat.
5. Letting Your Baby Lie Down While Eating
Make your baby sit upright in his highchair as he eats. Give him finger foods only when he is sitting down or is in his chair. Don’t give your baby solid foods when he is crawling or moving around, as it is unsafe to feed your baby when he is constantly on the go.
6. Rushing Through A Meal
Model proper feeding habits and feed your baby small morsels of solid foods one-by-one. Don’t rush to feed maximum portions at once. Let your baby take his time to chew and swallow a morsel of solid food, then you feed the next portion. This will promote safe feeding and avoid choking of the food.
7. Allowing Baby to Crawl Or Run While Eating
Prevent your little one from crawling or running with food in his mouth. Unexpected falls can occur as your baby runs while eating and it can cause choking. Also, stop your baby from giggling and breathing hard while eating to prevent choking hazards.
8. Letting Your Baby Swallow Without Chewing
Your baby can swallow solid foods safely only after he chews them well. So, encourage your baby to chew the food before he swallows it. Show your little one how you chew the food, and let them imitate you by moving their lower jaw to chew the food. Read more
Suggested for you
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
14 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
9 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
8 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
36 mins ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
Check out this new Memory
Monika chaudhary
Guardian of a 2 yr 1 m old boy
New Memory
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
bismillah sayyed
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old boy
New Memory
Yahya sayyed
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Kaanchi Gujjar
Mom of a 2 yr 9 m old boy
New Memory
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
soundarya kabilan
Mom of a 3 yr 7 m old boy
New Memory
#MamyPokoMilestoneMemories
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Himasai
Mom of a 9 m old girl
New Milestone
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive