Weight gain during pregnancy

Weight gain during a twin pregnancy: What you need to know?
Pregnancy is a time of great change, and when you’re expecting twins, the changes are even more significant – both physically and emotionally.

One of the most obvious changes during a twin pregnancy is the weight gain, which can feel overwhelming, especially with two little lives developing inside you. But how much weight is normal to gain and why is it important to keep an eye on weight gain?

In this blog post, we dive into what’s healthy and normal when it comes to weight gain during a twin pregnancy.

Why is weight gain important during a twin pregnancy?
When you’re pregnant with twins, your body is working overtime. It has to support the growth and development of not just one, but two babies. This requires extra energy, nutrients and resources that your body gets from healthy and appropriate weight gain.

The extra weight you gain isn’t just for the babies. Much of the weight gain comes from other necessary changes in your body, such as:

  • Increased blood volume to supply both babies with oxygen and nutrition
  • Increased amniotic fluid to protect the babies
  • Your uterus growing to accommodate two babies
  • Fluid retention and increased fat stores to help your body prepare for labour and breastfeeding

Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy helps ensure your babies have adequate nutrition and growth potential, while helping you stay healthy.

Recommended weight gain for twin pregnancies
How much weight you should gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. Doctors often use BMI (Body Mass Index) as a guideline to determine an appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.
Here is a general guide based on your pre-pregnancy BMI:

  • Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): If your weight was normal before you got pregnant, it is recommended that you gain around 16-24kg during a twin pregnancy.
  • Underweight (BMI below 18.5): If you were underweight before pregnancy, a larger weight gain of around 22-28kg is recommended.
  • Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): If you were overweight, you should aim for a weight gain of 14-22kg.
  • Obese (BMI over 30): For women with a higher BMI, a weight gain of 11-19kg is recommended.

These recommendations may vary depending on your individual health conditions and how your pregnancy progresses. It is therefore important to follow your doctor’s advice and have your weight and health checked regularly.

Weight distribution during pregnancy
When you’re expecting twins, weight is not only distributed between the babies. Here is a typical distribution of where the weight goes during a twin pregnancy:

Baby 1: Approximately 2.5-3.5kg
Baby 2: Approx. 2.5-3.5 kg
Amniotic fluid: 2-3 kg
Uterus: 1-2 kg
Blood volume: 1.5-2.5 kg
Fluid retention: 1.5-3 kg
Breast tissue: 0.5-1.5 kg
Fat tissue: 4-6 kg (for lactation and energy)

The overall weight gain is not just “extra kilos”, but something that contributes to a healthy pregnancy and preparation for labour.

How fast should the weight gain happen?
Weight gain in twin pregnancies does not necessarily follow the same curve as in singleton pregnancies. Here is a typical guideline weight gain per trimester:

  • First trimester: Many women only gain 1-2kg in the first trimester, even if you are carrying twins. Nausea and fatigue can make it difficult to eat much in early pregnancy
  • Second trimester: Weight gain will usually increase in the second trimester, where you can gain 0.5-1kg per week
  • Third trimester: Weight gain continues, but may slow down a little towards the end as babies grow quickly and take up a lot of space.

It’s important not to compare your weight gain with other twin mums, as each process is different.

How can you ensure healthy weight gain?
Gaining weight in a healthy way during pregnancy isn’t just about eating more – it’s about eating smart and giving your body the right nutrition. Here are some tips to ensure healthy weight gain during your twin pregnancy:

  • Eat regularly: Eat several small meals throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and avoid feeling full.
  • Eat nutritious food: Focus on foods that are rich in protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean meats are good choices.
  • Take your vitamins: Your doctor will likely recommend that you take pregnancy vitamins, which are especially important when carrying twins as they require extra folic acid, iron and calcium.
  • Stay active: Light exercise such as walking, yoga or swimming can help keep your weight gain on track and improve your wellbeing during pregnancy. However, always remember to consult your doctor before starting or changing your exercise routine – and remember to listen to your body and yourself.
  • Drink plenty of water: Your fluid needs increase during pregnancy, especially when you’re carrying twins. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and support healthy weight gain.

Watch out for too little or too much weight gain
Too little weight gain can increase the risk of your babies being born premature or low birth weight. Conversely, too much weight gain can make it harder to recover from labour and increase the risk of complications like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

Your doctor will closely monitor your weight gain during pregnancy to ensure it’s done in a healthy way. If you have any questions or concerns about your weight, it’s always best to talk to your doctor for advice and guidance.

To summarise
Gaining weight during a twin pregnancy isn’t just normal – it’s necessary to ensure your babies get the nutrition and support they need. How much weight you should gain depends on your starting weight, but for most people the weight gain will be between 16-24kg.

By eating healthy, staying active and listening to your body, you can help ensure that both you and your babies have the best conditions for a healthy pregnancy and labour.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice to ensure that your weight gain progresses as it should.