How to eat for three or four

Published Mar 3, 2006

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Multiple births are on the increase and have climbed by 77 percent in the past 20 years in the United States, mainly because of assisted reproduction treatments.

And the increase in multiple births has also resulted in low-birth weight infants.

If you're pregnant with multiples, you should follow general pregnancy nutrition guidelines:

- Make starchy foods the basis of all meals. A pregnant woman should increase her serving size of starchy foods like mealie meal, rice, bread and pasta, which will give her the extra energy needed by her body.

The energy needs of a mother expecting twins are higher than those of a mother expecting one child. For extra energy, add a little sugar to porridge, tea and coffee, vegetables and milk or add oil to cooking and spread margarine on sandwiches. Monitor your weight gain.

- To this, add beans, dried peas, soya and lentils, which are good sources of protein. Eggs, milk, maas, chicken, fish and meat are animal sources of protein and rich in iron.

Protein is important for the development and growth of mom and baby. Iron builds blood cells for mom and baby and prevents illnesses. Your requirements are higher with twins.

Iron tablets are routinely prescribed to pregnant women so discuss this with your doctor or health worker.

Tea and coffee prevent absorption of iron from vegetables and from tablets and should not be taken one hour before or two hours after taking iron tablets. Rooibos or herbal tea will not prevent iron absorption. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, guavas and tomatoes increase iron absorption.

- Eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. They contain folic acid. Folate is crucial in pregnancy as it helps prevent miscarriages, premature births and stillbirths. Folic acid is vital in the brain and spinal development of the foetus. Oranges, liver, kidneys, beans, maize, cereal and groundnuts are also sources.

- Smoking and drinking alcohol is taboo as it affects the growth and development of the baby.

- Drink lots of clean, safe water, at least six to eight glasses a day. Coffee, tea and some carbonated beverages contain caffeine, which may harm the baby and should be used in moderation, about two cups of coffee a day.

- For information on multiple births, contact The South African Multiple Births Association at 0861 432 432.

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