If you’ve got twins on the way, one of the questions on your mind may be: What’s considered normal weight gain in twin pregnancy? Of course, there are tons of factors involved here, but keep reading to learn the general guidelines for twin pregnancy weight gain and what other twin moms experienced.
As you’ve no doubt realized already, carrying twins is quite different from carrying a singleton.
And whether you’re excited for your twin belly to start showing or you’re feeling a little self-conscious or overwhelmed by the weight gain of a twin pregnancy, know that you’re not alone.
Inside this article, we’ll give an overview of the latest medical guidance on weight gain in twin pregnancies. And we’ll also share what other twin moms experienced with weight gain in their twin pregnancies.
Weight Gain in Twin Pregnancy: The Numbers
When it comes to weight gain in twin pregnancy–and any pregnancy–there’s no true one-size all answer for what’s “normal.” This is because healthy pregnancy weight gain is determined by many factors like your BMI, your overall health, your specific pregnancy health, and more.
That said, according to the Institute of Medicine as outlined in this study, here are the general weight gain guidelines for a twin pregnancy based on the mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI. Again, keep in mind that this is not an end-all-be-all answer for what a healthy weight gain may look like for your unique twin pregnancy.
(Remember too that your BMI is your body mass index, aka your percentage of body fat based on your height to weight ratio. If you’re not sure what your BMI is, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider. You can also use a free BMI calculator like this one.)
| Pre-pregnancy BMI | Weight Gain Per Week | Overall Weight Gain (for 37-week gestation) |
| Underweight/normal weight (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2) | 0.46 – 0.68 kg (1 – 1.5 lbs) | 17-25 kg (37.5 – 55 lbs) |
| Overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) | 0.38-0.62 kg (0.8 – 1.4 lbs) | 14-23 kg (31 – 51 lbs) |
| Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) | 0.3-0.51 kg(0.7 – 1.1 lbs) | 11-19 kg (24 – 42 lbs) |
According to the American Pregnancy Association, here are some additional guidelines on weight gain in twin pregnancy:
- Most women pregnant with twins are encouraged to gain between 35 and 45 pounds. For triplets, weight gain should be closer to 50 to 60 pounds.
- In the first trimester, weight gain for women pregnant with twins will be about 4 – 6 pounds. Then it will reach about 1.5 pounds per week for the rest of the pregnancy.
- Weight gain for twin moms is especially critical up to 20 – 24 weeks gestation due to the development of the placenta which provides the essential nutrients for the babies. Gaining adequate weight by this timeframe can help reduce the risk of preterm labor.
Talk to your obstetrician about your twin pregnancy weight gain
The best thing to do if you have concerns about gaining the right amount of weight during your twin pregnancy is to talk to your obstetrician.
They can help you carefully track your weight gain and overall twin pregnancy health to make sure that you and the babies are increasing at a healthy rate.
Some pregnant women may also opt to consult with a dietician or nutritionist especially if they are already underweight or overweight prior to getting pregnant with twins.
Want to see what other twin mom bellies looked like during different weeks of their twin pregnancy?
Be sure to take a look at our Week-by-Week Twin Pregnancy Timeline!
If you just heard that second heartbeat for the first time, or you know it’s been two for a while, you need to read our twin pregnancy week by week timeline to help you learn what happens week by week with twins. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and twin parent coaching services.
Twin moms share their experience with weight gain in twin pregnancy
We recently asked our community:
What was your experience with weight gain during your twin pregnancy?
And here’s what twin moms shared:
“Only 30 pounds.”
“Almost nothing until like week 25 and then 30 pounds quickly.”
“Went up 60 – 65 pounds. I started at 135 pounds (5’3”). With all babies, I was close to 200 pounds by 38 weeks.”
“I’m 33 weeks and gained 37 pounds so far.”
“I was followed by a nutritionist from week 1 and managed to actually weigh less at birth.”
“Currently 30 weeks pregnant and up 41 pounds.”
“I gained 50 pounds total.”
“I‘m 32 weeks and went from 155 pounds to currently 210 pounds. I am embracing every pound!”
“Lost 11 pounds in first trimester. Ended up gaining 44 pounds total at the end. Made it to 36 weeks and 6 days.”
“I gained average ‘twin weight’ during my pregnancy but never looked the same after birth.”
“Underweight before pregnancy (picky/light eater). Very worried about gaining weight.”
“Didn’t gain any in first 13 weeks. I’m not plus 40 pounds at 31 weeks.”
“Postpartum weight was 195 lbs (6 feet tall) and my 30 weeks pregnant weight was 240 lbs.”
“20 pounds.”
“I lost weight, 30 pounds total. My twins were my 3rd pregnancy and only pregnancy with hyperemesis gravidarum. HG is no joke.”
All content on this website, including medical opinions and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.
Want more insights on your twin pregnancy health? Check out these articles too:
- Nutrition Guidelines for Twin Pregnancy: A Summary of the Basics
- What Helped Twin Moms With Their Postpartum Twin Belly
- The Harsh Reality of Living With an Eating Disorder and Having Twins
- Extreme Morning Sickness? It Could Be Hyperemesis
- Twin Pregnancy Health
Paige Figueroa is a mom to fraternal twins. After teaching English for 9 years, she now works from home as a content marketing strategist and entrepreneur so she can spend more time with her children. She loves helping other moms and women enjoy more freedom in their lives by monetizing their passions. You can follow her on IG and TikTok @mombossfreedom.
