Pregnant with Twins: 10 Great Snacks for Prenatal Health

Pregnant with Twins: 10 Great Snacks for Prenatal Health - When you're pregnant, you do everything for two, which is certainly a job in itself. But when you're pregnant with twins, you do everything for three. This can make navigating a healthy pregnancy for mom and babies that much harder. Eating well is a big concern in any pregnancy. Growing babies require additional nutrients for proper muscle, eye and nerve development. Fortunately, there are many nutrition tips available for a twin pregnancy, backed by experts and physicians alike.

There are several nutrients which are especially important for women expecting twins. According to Twins Magazine and ExpectingMultiples.com, these nutrients include folic acid, calcium and iron. You'll also need to include lots of protein, carbohydrates and, yes, even fat in your diet to encourage your babies' growth. Proper Hydration is also vitally important, with a recommended amount of at least two quarts of water a day! Remember, the uterus is a muscle, and when muscles are dehydrated, they contract. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of pre-term contractions in any pregnancy. Avoiding preterm labor is a huge concern when you're pregnant with twins, so drink up!

When you look at all of the calories and nutrients you're expected to eat during your pregnancy, you may be wondering how on earth you can do it! I know I did. For instance, the amount of protein recommended daily for twin pregnancies is 110 grams. To put this into perspective, a glass of milk has only 8 grams of protein, and an entire can of protein-rich tuna has approximately 26 grams of protein. With all of this in mind, you're probably wondering what foods you can eat to help meet all of the dietary needs for your twin pregnancy. Below are ten great foods to eat to during your pregnancy to look good, feel great and help your twins grow big and healthy!

Milk

Not only is milk a great source of nutrients, but it can help to replace some of the necessary water intake during your twin pregnancy! According to the National Dairy Council, milk contains nine essential nutrients: Calcium, Vitamin D, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Potassium, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Niacin.

Carnation Instant Breakfast

This is a delicious way to "cheat" your way to good health during your twin pregnancy! One packet of Carnation Instant Breakfast powder with one cup of fat-free skim milk contains 220 calories with 5 grams of protein, along with iron, calcium and folic acid.

Protein Drinks

If you really need something to boost your protein intake, try a protein supplement, such as Boost or Ensure. For example, an Ensure High Protein Shake has 12 grams of protein along with myriad other nutrients, including iron, calcium and folic acid for a healthier pregnancy. One Ensure High Protein shake contains 230 calories, 50 of which are from fat.

Eggs

Considered by many to be nature's perfect food, a one cup serving of eggs contains 347 calories and 31 grams of protein! For twin pregnancy nutrition, eggs are really ideal. Whether you eat them scrambled, sunny side up or boiled, they can help you to maintain the high nutrient levels needed. And they taste good, too!

Cheese

Sprinkle it on a salad, melt it in a sandwich or just eat it as a snack - cheese is a calcium- and protein-packed super food perfect for nutrition during a twin pregnancy. According to NutritionFacts.com, a 1-ounce slice of cheese alone has 113 calories and 7 grams of protein, as well as calcium, iron and even Vitamin A.

Spinach

Spinach is a love-or-hate food for most people, and your tastes can change a lot during pregnancy. But if you like it (or can tolerate it), spinach is one food that packs a nutrition punch when you're eating for three. One cup of cooked spinach has only 22 calories, but contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Hummus

If you're not familiar with hummus, you're probably wondering what the heck it is! Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip made of chickpeas, which makes it high in protein and fiber. And if you're a vegan or vegetarian, then hummus is a pregnancy must-have - it's all of the protein without the meat!

Papaya

Papaya may seem like a strange recommendation for nutrition during a twin pregnancy, but get this: papaya eases nausea, and is a great source of proteolytic enzymes which aid in the digestion of protein. It's a great addition to a protein-rich diet during pregnancy. Papaya is also high in immunity-boosting Vitamin C.

Bran Cereal

Digestive problems are common during pregnancy, and a bran cereal can help to alleviate those problems with its high fiber content. In addition, many cereals contain extra folic acid, a vitamin known for reducing the risk of birth defects! That's a lot of benefit from a little bowl of cereal.

Peanut Butter

During my pregnancy, when I was advised to up my protein intake even further than I had been, I actually resorted to eating peanut butter by the spoonful! While I don't recommend that, you would be hard up to find an easier source of dietary protein during your twin pregnancy. Whether in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, on toast or with some celery, peanut butter is great for boosting the amount of protein you're eating.