If you're pregnant with twins, you will certainly need to consume more calories than for a single pregnancy. But rather than aim for a certain intake per day, try and be guided by your appetite.
The same rules on healthy eating apply no matter how many babies you are carrying. Ensure that you eat:
- plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
- wholegrain starchy foods such as bread and cereal
- dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt
- protein-rich foods such as lean meat, chicken and fish, including up to two portions of oily fish a week.
Your midwife may also advise you to take a pregnancy vitamin and mineral supplement.
Weight gain varies between individuals, but on average a woman expecting one baby gains around 11-15kg. For a twin pregnancy, a weight gain of about 16-20kg is usual.
Your weight will be monitored throughout your pregnancy and the regular scans you have will keep a close check on your unborn babies' growth.
