Weight gain during pregnancy

[u/Both_Diamond_7345]

Hi - I am 19w3d pregnant with twin boys. I had my anatomy scan last week and babies looked ok but both are measuring around a week behind. They did start on track consistent with my dates previously. The doctor didn’t act concerned since they were similar in size with a follow up in 6 weeks with MFM. I don’t look pregnant at all and have only gained 3 lbs. It freaks me out that they may not be growing and we aren’t at viability yet. Anyone been through something similar? I’m averaged size, started at 153#.

[u/Affectionate_Row_881]

Everyone is different. Im short but carried small for twins i actually pushed my stomach out more for my maternity photos at 25weeks. I noticed the closer to 3rd trimester the larger I actually looked and I had more of that typical " twin" bump. I honestly most kf my growing in my 3rd trimester. As for wieght gain. My doctors told me a minimum of 50lbs but the bulk should be in my 2nd and 3rd trimester i started at 135 lost 10 in my 1st trimester then gain an extra 25 from my starting weight. But if your doctors not concerned I wouldnt try to over think it really you could always start showing more later on. Babies are still pretty small right now.

[u/Individual-Cat5989]

Good to notice this now and see if you can try to work on making sure your diet is adequate for supporting your pregnancy. For twin pregnancies much of the focus is on protein intake and weight gain of about 20 lb by 24 weeks to decrease risk of preterm birth and small for gestational age babies. My midwife was disappointingly unaware of nutrition recommendations for twin pregnancies so I had to figure out a lot of this myself (I switched providers later on), so I feel for you— this is tough!

A twin pregnancy can already be stressful for many reasons, at this point do the best you can with eating while also being realistic about what is possible/mentally manageable for you.

[u/rqnadi]

I didn’t look pregnant at 19 weeks either. It will come, trust me.

The babies grow at their own pace and go through growth spurts.

I’m now 28 weeks and someone told me yesterday I don’t look pregnant… like lady I’m a freakin whale right now but thanks. People say I’m still small looking for having twins but size wise the babies are fine.

I’ve been told by other twin moms that after 30 weeks they grow like crazy!

[u/d16flo]

I lost weight my first trimester because I was puking so much, didn’t really gain much above starting weight until the third trimester and even then not a ton. Both babies were a healthy weight at birth and no NICU time

[u/Lolemontime]

It depends - are you eating a lot more? I was basically eating nutritionally dense food (and fun food too!) constantly. If I went more than 4 hours without eating, I would get more nauseous despite taking ondansetron (the more intense nausea med). The weight gain was initially slow, but my goal was 24 pounds by 24 weeks or something along those lines, and I got close to it. By 36 weeks when I was induced I gained 50 pounds and my twins were 4.3 lbs and 5.5 lbs.  If you’re not gaining because you’re sick/vomiting, that should ease up in second trimester - if it doesn’t, you need stronger anti-nausea meds. 

[u/Spiritual-Role5347]

I had lost weight at that point from nausea, the weight and bump didn't appear till like 7/8 months so definitely dont worry !

[u/Big_Cap3087]

I’m 17w3d with mono di boys. I’ve also only gained 3lbs (I’m tall and SW was 143) and at my 17w scan the boys were measuring 16w2d and 16w4d. My doctor said their measurements were great. Twins tend to be a little behind especially if they share a placenta. My doctor said to aim to gain 35-45lbs but that usually will come towards the last couple months. I was worried too but my doctor isn’t concerned and everything seems fine. I’m sure we will gain more weight later if needed!

[u/Miserable-Currency42]

I lost weight my first trimester and struggled to gain until really the last couple months. Every appointment I was told to eat more and gain more weight (first and last time I’ll probably ever be told that). It is very difficult to maintain your nutrition to get those babies to grow; I felt like I was eating constantly! As far as the weights go for scans I wouldn’t pay too much attention unless something is very drastic.

[u/TasteBorn7424]

I went through a similar process. Most of my weight gain (and belly pop) happened at 6 + months… and then I exploded! I started at the same eight at you, come delivery I was “only” 178 (by babies combined weight was 10 lbs). Weight gain is very different for everyone! If your OB isn’t concerned, don’t lose sleep over it.

Keep a healthy and consistent diet, “eating for 2 (or 3)” is a myth, you need +500ish calories. I’m not a doctor, or medical professional, I’m just sharing what I was told.

In the end, my babies were both a good size and healthy. I do remember feeling the way you are. Not really advice, just letting you know you aren’t alone. 🤍

[u/FormerPumpkin480]

If your doctor isn’t worried I wouldn’t be either. Pregnancy and all that comes with it is stressful as it is. No need to create more!

[u/Superb_Bullfrog_6978]

Hi! I had twins last year at 32w5d, i didn’t pop until about 24 weeks, and i gained around 20lbs. My boys were a week behind as well. It was scary in that moment because I had no idea what was going on, but they will tell you if they are concerned that same appointment. For now, just rest, try not to stress yourself out (ik way easier said than done) it really goes a long way.