Dieting Risks While Pregnant

You’ve probably heard of the recent study–picked up by the Medical Daily, along with numerous other news outlets–that found women who diet while pregnant are more likely to increase their babies’ obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings focus primarily on the time of conception or early pregnancy stages and the repercussions of receiving less food and nutrients at this crucial time.

“This study shows that expecting mothers have to walk a really fine line when it comes to diet and nutrition,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, where the study was published. “It also shows that epigenetics is the ‘new genetics’: both our DNA and the histones in which it is wrapped are susceptible to binge eating and dieting — we are what our mothers ate.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are specific essential nutrients that will promote growth and development in our twins. These include folate and folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, protein and iron. Supplements are also highly recommended — a daily prenatal vitamin can ensure you get the nutrients you might be missing, regardless of healthy eating habits.

And when it comes to how many pounds you should realistically expect to gain, you’re looking at somewhere between 35-45 pounds when carrying two. According to Storknet, weekly weight increases of about 1.5 pounds per week (0.6 kilograms) “are desirable at this time and weight loss should be avoided.”

Tags: diet, Mayo Clinic, Medical Daily, obesity, pregnancy, risks, Storknet

Category: Parenting Advice, TwinLife Parent