Congratulations on expecting twins! As the saying goes, "double trouble equals double joy." But let's face it, there's also double responsibility. One of which is ensuring you eat right for yourself and your two little ones growing inside you. This article covers what to eat while pregnant with twins, so read on!
Know Your Nutrient Needs
Before we delve into the foods that can make a twin pregnancy more comfortable and healthy, let’s talk about the nutrients that are vital during this period:
- Folic Acid:
- Get at least 800mcg per day.
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Helps prevent birth defects affecting baby brain formation.
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Iron:
- Aim for at least 27mg/day
- Supports blood volume increase due to additional fetuses
- Calcium:
- You will need about 1,500 mg of calcium every day.
- Properly build bone structures for both babies as well as supports mother’s health too!
Foods That Can Help Support A Healthy Pregnancy With Twins
To deliver a successful twin pregnancy without any issues or complications expectant mothers have their plate full. Here are some nutrient-dense foods that should be part of your meals.
Legumes Are Life Savers
Legumes such as lentils, peas & beans contain proteins rich in essential amino acids besides high in fiber content making it easier for digestion.
Some popular options include;
-Soybeans -Chickpeas -Lentils
They all help support cell development in a growing fetus beside lowering risks related to preterm births & infection.
Lean Meats And Poultry Provide Good Protein
Protein plays an integral role throughout gestation by aiding cell growth& managing fluid balance; hence protein requirements naturally increases when carrying multiple pregnancies.
Skinless poultry meats like chicken & turkey nutritionally remain good protein sources. Beef, lean cuts of pork & lamb can be ideal options too provided you watch your portions.
Nuts And Seeds Provide Variety
Snack on nutritious nuts such as almonds or have a serving spoonful of pumpkin seeds to increase healthy fat intake beside boost protein and nutrient intakes.
Importance Of Hydration In Pregnancy
Keep in mind that staying hydrated is also important during pregnancy – especially when carrying twins! Adequate fluid ingestion ensures optimal blood flows throughout the body, besides helping cool down& maintain good amniotic fluid levels for two growing fetuses inside.
Don’t forget water is still the best choice among flavored beverage alternatives out there although don’t contemplate overdoing it with sugary drinks like juices as they’re high in calories and lack essential nutrients.
Healthy Carbs Help Balance Nutrition
Carbohydrates are not bad- despite popular belief- choosing low-glycemic index carbohydrates from whole-grain sources will help regulate blood sugar levels better beside sustain energy boosts that expectant mothers might need to manage symptoms related to twin pregnancies.
Focus more on well-prepared spaghetti squash at dinner or topping oatmeal-based porridge every morning alongside fruits nourishing both mama& babies without excess weight gain.
Essential Vitamins You Need During A Twin Pregnancy
While consuming nutrient dense foods takes top priority; sometimes it becomes necessary to take up vitamin supplements besides regular meals if found deficient thereof-, some commonly observed deficiencies during pregnancy include;
- Vitamin B12 & D
(Recommended by American College of Obstetricians ->consumption daily prenatal supplement including 400mcg folic acid while carefully avoiding retinol (Vitamin A) supplements ).
There you go! Now, next time someone asks “what’s cooking?” let them know everything an expectant mother should eat during her twin pregnancy journey with excitement assured for a vibrant life growth coming soon ahead.