The phrase 'eating for two' isn't a very useful one when you're pregnant. For a start, morning sickness and tiredness in early pregnancy can play havoc with your appetite, and by the time your bump is big, you certainly don't feel like eating double portions! Happily, you just need to be sensible about eating enough, and eating regularly, rather than eating twice as much as normal. Check out the ThinkBaby Diet and Nutrition section for articles about what to eat and drink, and what to avoid during any pregnancy.
Eating when you're expecting twins
For a start, check out the ThinkBaby overview about being pregnant with twins, as some discomforts and fatigue may affect you more than if you were expecting only one baby. However, that's not always the case and you shouldn't be downhearted about the amazing challenge ahead.
As with a single-baby pregnancy, you will need to make sure you are eating well (having a varied diet with more fruit and vegetables, small healthy snacks) so that your babies grow well and you don't find yourself suffering from oedema, sleeping problems, fainting, and morning sickness, all of which can be helped by eating well.
You don't have to be super virtuous - and you will no doubt feel you deserve the odd cream cake! - but if you only eat crisps, quick-fix junk foods and sugary items, you will find your energy levels are not as well sustained as they will be if you are turning to snacks like nuts (unless you yourself have an allergy to them), and fruits. This is especially important if you are still working, where you might sit at your desk for a few hours and not realise how much you're running on empty until you stand up and feel wobbly!
Try eating smaller meals and keeping good snacks close at hand.
Drinking fluids when you're expecting twins
Most adults simply do not drink enough water, but drinking water when you're pregnant is especially important.
For women expecting two or more babies, there is a real risk of going into labour early as well as other problems like headaches and oedema, if you don't drink enough water or other fluids like juice. Try to drink about six to eight glasses of water a day, and don't include your coffee or tea drinks in that allowance.
