Eating for you and your babies

Women who are pregnant with multiples are at a higher risk of low birthweight and/or preterm births. What you eat can help lower your risks of preterm birth and low birthweight. The March of Dimes says a healthy weight gain is especially important for women pregnant with multiples.

Women who become pregnant at a normal weight and who are expecting one baby are advised to gain 25 to 35 pounds during their nine-month pregnancy. A woman who is of normal weight and expecting twins is typically advised to gain 35 to 45 pounds. While women pregnant with triplets are advised to gain 50 to 60 pounds.

Gaining enough weight in the first 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy is important for women carrying multiples. A gain of at least 24 pounds by the 24th week of pregnancy, in a twin pregnancy, helps reduce the risk of having preterm and low-birthweight babies.

Studies suggest that a good early weight gain can be important in multiple gestations because these pregnancies tend to be shorter than a single pregnancy. A good early weight gain studies suggest aids in development of the placenta, possibly improving its ability to pass along nutrients to the babies.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends women with multiple pregnancies consume about 300 more calories a day (a total of about 2,700 to 2,800 calories a day). However, please talk to your physician about the added caloric intake that is right for you. Also, talk to your doctor about taking prenatal vitamins.