Twin Pregnancy Weight Gain – What’s Normal?

If you have discovered that you are having twins, it must be an exciting time for you and your loved ones. You may have several questions about twin pregnancy at this time. One of the important questions most women expecting twins have is about the weight they will gain over the course of the pregnancy and how they should manage it.

Mothers-to-be may be concerned that the weight gain during a twin pregnancy will be much more than a regular pregnancy. They may also be concerned about how to lose the excess weight after the delivery. Read on to learn more about twin pregnancy weight gain.

Why Is Gaining Weight Important When You Are Pregnant With Twins?

Getting the right nutrition and gaining the correct quantity of weight is important for every pregnancy. However, twin pregnancies have a higher risk of premature delivery and low birth weight in babies.

The babies that are born preterm or with low birth weight are at risk of getting infections and jaundice in comparison to full-term babies. Hence, it is even more important to monitor your weight gain if you are expecting twins. This will ensure that the babies get enough nourishment in the womb for healthy growth and development (1).

Healthy Weight Gain for Twin Pregnancy Through Each Trimester

When you are expecting twins, you will need to gain more weight than a woman pregnant with a single baby. Doctors advise mothers who are having twins to gain between 16 to 25 kgs of weight. This is the average weight gain during a twin pregnancy. Of this, around 4.5 to 5.5 kgs will be the babies’ weight. The amniotic fluid and the extra blood produced in your body during pregnancy also contribute to the weight gain.

After the birth of the babies, mothers usually lose between 10 to 13 kg in the first 2 to 5 weeks post-delivery. That will leave the new moms with an extra weight of 5.5 to 7 kg, which is the same as what a mother might gain in a single pregnancy (2).

1. Weight Gain During the First Trimester

Each pregnancy is different, and not every mother will gain the exact amount of the specified weight. Some women may gain more weight in one go, while others may gain weight gradually.

How Much Weight You Will Gain?

In the first trimester, moms carrying twins usually gain 2 to 3 kgs of weight.

How to Manage?

• In the first trimester, moms suffer from morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting making it difficult to hold down what they eat. Twin pregnancies can cause more nausea than usual as the level of pregnancy hormones in the blood is higher.
• Some women may even lose weight due to the morning sickness. If the nausea is extreme, you may need to consult your doctor and take medication to control it.
• Eat smaller meals at regular time intervals to ensure you are getting proper nourishment.
• Take your prenatal vitamins without fail. Some of the vitamins may increase your morning sickness. In such a case, consult your doctor and ask for an alternative vitamin that does not aggravate your nausea.
• Drink water and other fluids to make sure you remain adequately hydrated.

2. Weight Gain During the Second Trimester

The second trimester is usually the most comfortable period in the duration of the pregnancy. It is also the time when the mothers gain the most weight. Make sure to eat healthily and get plenty of rest during this period.

How Much Weight You Will Gain?

In the second trimester, women carrying twins should ideally gain 0.5 to 0.7 kilos per week.

How to Manage?

• The morning sickness ebbs once the second trimester begins. So, women should eat healthy food to make up for any weight that they lost due to nausea in the first trimester.
• Make sure you include healthy fats, carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, calcium, and enough protein in your diet.
• Some examples of healthy food that will help you gain weight are lean meats like chicken and turkey, eggs, and dairy products like yoghurt and whole milk.

3. Weight Gain During the Third Trimester

The third trimester may be uncomfortable for women with twin pregnancies as they are bigger than women carrying single babies. This will make it challenging to get around and carry on with regular activities.

How Much Weight You Will Gain?

In the third trimester, women carrying twins gain 0.5 to 1 kg of weight every week.

How to Manage?

• At 32 weeks, the babies will weigh around 1.8 to 2 kg each in a twin pregnancy. Moving around and carrying out daily activities will be very tough for the moms-to-be.
• The growing babies cause the uterus to expand and put pressure on other organs. This causes problems such as a backache and acidity.
• This is the final period of growth for the babies, so good nutrition is very important.
• Make sure you consult your doctor about your diet and weight gain throughout the pregnancy.

Twin Pregnancy Weight Gain Chart

There are weight charts to indicate what the normal weight gain in a twin pregnancy should be. The below pregnancy weight gain for twins chart should help you understand the correct amount of weight to gain in each trimester during a twin pregnancy (3).

FAQs

1. How does weight gain differ in Monochorionic vs. Dichorionic twin pregnancies?

In monochorionic (shared placenta) twins, weight gain recommendations may be more closely monitored due to risks like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which can affect fetal growth. Providers might adjust goals to ensure both babies grow evenly. Dichorionic (separate placentas) twins typically follow standard twin weight gain guidelines (25-54 lbs for normal BMI), but individual needs vary based on placental health and nutrition (4).

2. Can rapid weight gain in early pregnancy indicate twins before an ultrasound?

While rapid weight gain (e.g., 10+ lbs in the first trimester) can hint at twins due to increased blood volume and uterine expansion, it’s not definitive. Other factors (bloating, diet changes) play a role. Twins are usually confirmed via ultrasound (~6-8 weeks), not weight alone.

Due to future health concerns that may develop, you need to keep a watch on your diet. Feel free to use the services of a dietician during this time. Make sure you gain weight by eating healthy instead of relying on junk food since your babies rely on you to get their nourishment (5). Eating healthy food will also help you manage problems like acidity and your weight in a better way. If you’re concerned about your health or your unborn babies’ health, please reach out to your gynaecologist to address your concerns.

References/Resources:

1. American Pregnancy Association – Weight Gain With Twins

2. National Library of Medicine – Nutrition During Pregnancy: Part I Weight Gain: Part II Nutrient Supplements

3. Contemporary OB/GYN – Gestational Weight Gain and Preterm Birth Are Linked in Twin Pregnancies

4. National Library of Medicine – Weight gain for gestational-age charts in dichorionic twins: Tool for establishing optimal weight gain in twin pregnancies

5. Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy weight gain: What’s healthy?

Also Read: 

Facts about Twins
Chances of Twin with IVF
Twin Pregnancy Precautions
Complications of Twin Pregnancy