Optimize nutrition for pregnant twins, how to do it?

Maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy has a major influence on the health of the baby. The nutritional needs of pregnant twins are indeed higher given the number of babies conceived by more than one. Mother's nutritional reserves are also getting faster. Therefore it is very important to optimize the diet of pregnant women to reduce the potential complications that can occur during multiple pregnancy.

The amount of the placenta in multiple pregnancy also affects. Twin pregnancy with placenta is more risky than twin pregnancy with two placenta. Twin pregnancy can cause unbalanced fetal growth.

By meeting the nutritional needs of pregnant twins, this disease must be avoided. However, there is one exception: Optimizing nutrition does not prevent unbalanced fetal growth due to Twin Binocular Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).

The aim is to optimize the nutrition of pregnant twins

Achieving nutrition for pregnant women certainly has certain goals. Here are the various goals to be achieved to optimize the nutrition of several pregnant women:

Optimization of fetal growth and development
Reducing pregnancy complications
Prevent prematurity
Prevent excessive maternal weight gain

Gain weight
The average weight gain for twins is around 18 to 22 kg. In triplets or more, weight gain ranges from 25 to 27 kg. The following details the weight gain for many pregnant women:

4-6 kg in the first quarter
2-2.2 kg per month during the second and third trimesters
If, before pregnancy, the mother is overweight, a sufficient increase in body weight is 13.5-17.5 kg
If, before pregnancy, the mother is underweight, weight gain must exceed the recommendations above.

Dietary recommendations for pregnant women

The American Dietetic Association (2002) recommends an adequate diet per day for twin pregnant women with a normal body mass index. This recommendation can be used to balance the nutrition of twin pregnant women.

Carbohydrates (rice, bread, cereal) 6 servings
Protein (meat, fish, chicken, eggs) 3 servings
1 cup raw vegetables or 2 cups cooked vegetables
1 cup of fruit
1 cup of milk products or other sources of calcium

1. iron
The need for twins in pregnant women has doubled, so that mothers are more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. Iron needs are important to fulfill because the effects of anemia affect not only the mother but also the baby.

Good sources of iron for twin pregnant women, including:

Red meat
Chicken and fish
nuts
Animal heart
The vegetables are green

Iron from vegetables is more difficult for the body to absorb. To increase iron absorption, consume sources of vitamin C (eg Tomatoes) with food. Avoid tea, coffee, or milk because it can inhibit iron absorption.

2. Calcium

Eat 3 to 5 servings of calcium sources every day from the following ingredients:

Dairy products, especially those fortified with calcium
Edible fish, such as salmon, sardines, milk fish
Enriched soy milk
nuts
Dark green vegetables

If the goal of 3 servings is not achieved during the day, calcium supplementation may be needed.

3. vitamins

Consumption of folic acid, especially before pregnancy, to prevent abnormalities in baby's nerve formation
Multivitamin supplements may be needed if the mother experiences severe nausea and vomiting and cannot eat enough. Avoid supplements that contain retinol.
Pregnant women with excessive vomiting often receive thiamine supplements
The need for vitamin C can be fulfilled by consuming fruits and vegetables every day
Vitamin D: Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D

The recommendations above are general guidelines. We advise every mother to consult with an obstetrician or nutritionist to get a more suitable dietary reserve.