Hi ladies! My usual hangout is the PAIF board, but thought I'd (finally) intro over here. I'm currently 21 weeks with frat b/g twins and on modified home bed rest due to bleeding complications from complete placenta previa. Our little guy also has a single umbilical artery, but everything looks good so far so they're not too worried about it.
I wanted to ask you a question about weight gain during a multiple pregnancy. I've read through multiple sources that weight gain between weeks 20-28 are most important for multiples, and I'm worried because I haven't gained any so far. I started out overweight, so I know my goal weight gain is less but I'm still down 9 pounds pre-pregnancy (I had bad m/s and lost 11 pounds). So I've gained 2 pounds, and I'm eating at least a snack (cheese,fruit,veggies, etc) at least every 2 hours along with 4 small meals. My OB didn't seem too worried yet, but my question is: would you be concerned at this point?
TIA ladies, and I look forward to getting to know you all!
Post by purplegaloshes on Feb 2, 2015 18:33:53 GMT -5
I can't help you out with an answer, but I love that you asked this question. I've been researching the recommended weight gain for twin pregnancies and found this bulletin from the Institute of Medicine in 2009:
According to this I should be planning on gaining 37-54lbs! Holy cow, that's a lot of weight. I've been just listening to my body so far and trying to stay hydrated, and despite not having any morning sickness or vomiting, I'm DOWN 3-4lbs. Not sure what's going on, but I'm concerned I'm doing something wrong, and want to remedy it, since there's a bunch of primary research since 2014 (will provide links if anyone actually wants them) that correlates 2nd trimester weight gain with a decreased risk of preterm birth (<32 weeks).
I guess to piggyback on the OP's question: for those of you who are veterans of this whole twin pregnancy thing, did the weight gain come on it's own? Was your hunger enough to guide you to a healthy weight gain? Or did you have to really focus on upping your calories?
I ended up gaining 55lbs total. I tracked my food intake at first, with the goal of adding 500 calories a day to my diet. Once I felt comfortable in my new established routine, I didn't tract anymore. My weight gain stalled around 30 weeks or so as well.
As for not feeling like you're gaining enough, ultimately, if your doctor isn't worried and the babies are doing well - you're likely fine.
Everybody is different, the recommendations are just average guidelines.
there's a bunch of primary research since 2014 (will provide links if anyone actually wants them) that correlates 2nd trimester weight gain with a decreased risk of preterm birth (<32 weeks).
This. This is one of the reasons I asked, along with correlations to twin birth weights. Although I may end up with a c section at 34 weeks anyways (CPP and bleeding), if not, I'd like to keep them cooking for as long as possible.
My weight went down a pound at my last appointment and is starting to hit a plateau as well babys2015.
As long as your OB isn't concerned I wouldn't stressed. Just focus on good calories and not just gaining weight from fatty foods like junk food and your babies will benefit from anything you give them.
purplegaloshes you're still in the first trimester right? I wouldn't worry about weight gain quite yet. For my it was easy to just kind of eat when my body told me too so I've gained plenty now even though it's starting to drop off. Now that things are far more squished and heartburn is a nightmare I have definitely looked into higher calorie "snacks" and stuff to try to keep things going since it's now a struggle at 31wks to feel like I am eating enough.
Gaining weight the old fashioned way wasn't a problem for me..I gained most of mine in the 1st Tri..but if you're having trouble, maybe try adding protein shakes..talk to your dr before starting anything, but they have high protein high calorie drinks and snacks you can try..
Post by SassyPants150 on Feb 2, 2015 21:42:20 GMT -5
Welcome and congrats!
I'm not much help here as far as weight as I keep blowing up the scale at my doctors office. But, I barely gained weight with DD. It wasn't until the last month that I packed it on. My philosophy is that my OB will let me know if something is concerning.
Hello there! Glad you decided to come and play with us here!
I am really concerned about weight gain too, but it only started since last week at my ob appointment. I don't weigh myself regularly. At that appointment last week, the doc looked at my chart and noticed I have only gained 11 lbs (at 26w) and told me I needed to eat more. He told me that normally they like to see 35-45lbs for twin pregnancies. He did also say that as long as they are growing, then it's not a major issues, they just want to make sure I'm getting the nutrients I need as well.
Post by blueberries8 on Feb 3, 2015 14:33:26 GMT -5
Welcome! I had a major bleed from placenta previa during week 13 that landed me a hospital stay followed by modified bed rest at home, but thankfully my placenta migrated and it resolved. I am wishing you an uneventful pregnancy moving forward - I know the bleeding is really stressful.
I thought Barbara Luke's book had lots of good nutrition info and food ideas. She is very big on adding as much protein as possible. Maybe you want to look into protein shakes or even supplementing with Boost or Ensure? You can also try adding more full-fat dairy - whole milk, high-fat yogurts, etc. I really struggled to gain weight in my first twin pregnancy but had an easier time with it this time around.
began TTC 2009 N&A, our b/g twins born and lost 3/7/12 at 20 weeks due to PPROM N (girl), 6/26/13 E&A (b/g twins), 4/5/15 BFP 3/27/17, EDD 12/3/17 IVF veteran with multiple losses - feel free to ask me about it.
Thanks for the advice! I've been eating full fat dairy and avocados like they've been going out of style, but I'll try the shakes/ensure. I also just ordered her book!
I don't have anything better to say on weight gain than what's already been said. I've had no trouble gaining weight, in fact, I was gaining weight too fast in the first tri, and 1st half of 2nd tri.
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