It’s totally normal to feel torn when you’re pregnant with twins: “I want to gain weight to support my babies, but I’m also worried about how much I’ll actually gain and how my body will change.”
If you’ve had those thoughts, you’re definitely not alone. The truth is, weight gain in a twin pregnancy is greater than in a singleton pregnancy. That’s because you’re carrying the weight of not just one, but two babies—and your body is working hard to support both of them, whilst building maternal stores.
So, how much weight should you be gaining? Let’s break it down
Weight Gain Guidelines for Twin Pregnancies
Beyond BMI: Why Early Weight Gain Matters
When you’re expecting multiples, it’s actually a good thing to start gaining weight early—especially in the first trimester. That’s because early weight gain is tied to higher birth weights for your babies.
But it’s not just about the babies—early weight gain also helps build up reserves in your body. These reserves come in handy later on, especially in the third trimester, when it’s harder to meet the energy and protein needs. Plus, having those reserves supports your postpartum recovery and helps with breastfeeding.
A Closer Look at Weight Gain by Trimester
1st Trimester
The first trimester can feel like a whirlwind with all the changes happening inside you. You’re growing extra tissue and carrying two babies, so your body needs more energy to keep up. Gaining weight early can also help set the stage for a full-term delivery.
2nd Trimester
For every kilogram you gain between 14 and 20 weeks, it’s been shown that each baby gains 65-133g. And between 21 and 27 weeks, each additional kilogram helps your babies gain around 57g.
3rd Trimester
This is the time to keep the weight steady or continue gaining. If you lose more than 1kg between 32-36 weeks, it could increase the risk of delivering prematurely.
Why Weight Really Matters for Your Babies
With multiples, there are higher risks to consider. In fact, more than half of babies born from multiple pregnancies are either born prematurely (64%) or with low birth weight (54%). A lot of times, babies fall into both categories, which can require extra care. In fact, 62% of multiple births end up needing a stay in the Special Care Nursery (SCN) or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The Weight Talk: What It Really Feels Like
Conversations around weight gain during pregnancy are often focused on what’s “normal” or “healthy,” but what feels normal for one person doesn’t always feel that way for everyone. The constant reminders that “gaining weight is good” can bring up a lot of feelings, especially if you already have a complicated relationship with your body.
Mums of multiples, your mental health matters too. Studies show that around 7-10% of pregnant women experience an eating disorder, and it’s safe to assume that a larger percentage may struggle with disordered eating habits during this time. If you’re finding the weight conversations to be tough on your mental health, you’re not alone.
Conclusion
Being pregnant with twins or triplets brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and with all the physical and emotional changes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is, weight gain during your pregnancy is important for the health of your babies, but it’s equally important to take care of your own mental and emotional well-being. If you’re struggling or feeling anxious about your changing body, know that it’s okay to reach out for support. You’re not just growing babies—you’re growing yourself, too.
Written and published by Accredited Practising Dietitian, Sarah Meacham
References
- Queensland Health – Weight Gain Chart for Twin Pregnancies
- Institute of Medicine (2009). Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Re-Examining the Guidelines. Accessed on 2 June 2009. www.iom.edu
- AIHW – Australia’s Mothers and Babies
- NCBI – Weight Gain During Pregnancy
- InsideOut Institute – Pregnancy and Eating Disorders
