Comments on: UK Freak Out Over Pregnancy Diet Recommendations

By: nutterbutter

nutterbutter — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:11:30 +0000

Being a mother of multiples my thoughts were exactly those of Hetty’s on reading this article. My twins were born at 38 weeks, each over 5lbs and agpars of 9 and 10. Dr Barbara Luke (if my memory isn’t completely shot by now) is the “go to” on maximising healthy outcomes for multiples and she strongly advocates early healthy weight gain for multiples because as Hetty explained…it’s very hard to eat when there is no room to put food. At 6 mths I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and was frustrated by the seeming lack of understanding of diabetes practitioners about the calorie/nutritional requirements for a multiple birth. Whilst I followed the diet I ignored the calorie restriction somewhat. The negative response was frustrating and not helped by weight estimtes that said my babies were already 7lbs EACH. Which raises my other concern, that ultrasound specialists and their ways of estimating weight don’t seem to get the feedback of actual results with which to see how accurate they are. A 4lb OVER estimate which would have had me under eating. My total weight gain was about 30lbs.

By: Hetty Fauxvert

Hetty Fauxvert — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 07:34:55 +0000

It is important for mothers of multiples (twins or more) to make sure they get enough protein and calcium early on in the pregnancy, since oftentimes later in the pregnancy it becomes difficult to eat much, because of your stomach (and lungs!) being squished by the babies. Not all healthcare providers are aware of the special requirements of multiple fetuses in the womb. It is better to have to lose weight after, than have your babies be born at low weight. Our twins were born at 6 lbs and 4.5 lbs, nearly singleton weight, and it was obvious they got a better start because of it.

By: Rosana

Rosana — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:12:54 +0000

It is a matter of using common sense. We all know when we are eating too much and while breastfeeding for both of my kids for a year each I have only felt very hungry a few times so I did not feel the need to eat more all the time.

By: Kellie Glass RD, LD

Kellie Glass RD, LD — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:51:34 +0000

It’s extremely important for pregnant women to make healthy choices before, during and after pregnancy. They can help set the example for their child by making healthy lifestyle changes in nutrition, exercise, stress management and sleep. For more information, visit http://www.thefriedchickendiet.com

By: Lyn Lomasi

Lyn Lomasi — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:10:11 +0000

Sounds like the guidelines are fairly reasonable. It’s not exactly necessary to eat 4 servings at dinnertime, for instance. I ate a ton when I was pregnant with my first – and gained 70 pounds. Luckily, I lost most of it soon after. What I kept, I needed to keep. I didn’t feel the need to eat as much in subsequent pregnancies. My appetite was larger, but not even close to what it was the first time. I think by following the body’s natural cues and taking proper care of themselves, women will do just fine. Seems like that’s more what these guidelines are about. But I’ll have to read them closer.