Twin Pregnancy FAQ: How Much Weight Will I Gain?

Question: Twin Pregnancy FAQ: How Much Weight Will I Gain?

Get the answers to frequently asked questions about pregnancy with twins and multiples. Have a question that isn't answered here? Ask me.

Answer:

How much weight can I expect to gain during a pregnancy with twins or more?

Women are always concerned about the amount of weight they will gain during pregnancy, worrying about how it will affect their figure. As you might suspect, a woman who is having multiples will see more of an increase on her scale than if she were only having one baby. It's not just that she's eating more. The extra weight can be attributed not just to the babies' combined weights, but also to extra fluid, tissue, uterine growth and the increased blood volume needed to supply the placenta(s) with nourishment for two or more babies.

Generally, a healthy pregnancy requires that a woman gain 15 to 30 pounds during the nine month gestation period. But that's for just one baby. Like everything about having multiples, more is required. Doctor recommendations vary, but most women gain about 35 to 45 pounds during a twin pregnancy, with about 10 additional pounds for every additional baby in a higher order multiple pregnancy. In most cases, about a third of the weight belongs to the babies, and Mom is left with the rest.

Although the thought of gaining weight can be daunting, it's vitally important for the health of the babies, and for mom, too. It takes an incredible amount of energy to sustain a twin or multiple pregnancy. Maternal fat stores supply some of that energy, especially in the last trimester, when the babies are taking in every bit of nutrition that mom can ingest! That's why it's important to eat a healthy diet throughout pregnancy, and build up the fat stores to sustain your health in the later months.

Discuss your nutritional needs with your doctor or caregiver, and don't worry about the soaring scale. You've got your babies' best interests at heart!

Our Parent's Poll indicates that 75% of moms of multiples who responded gained between 20 and 60 pounds during their pregnancy.

Worried about pregnancy pounds? Find out how to lose weight after your babies are born.