Maternal basal metabolic rate in twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the basal metabolic rate in patients with twin pregnancies and compared the results with those of singleton pregnancies and non-pregnant women.

METHODS

In 15 non-pregnant women, 14 patients with twin and 25 patients with singleton pregnancies, the resting energy expenditure was measured using an open-circuit ventilatory system during the third trimester of pregnancy.

RESULTS

The averaged resting energy expenditure in patients with twin pregnancy was 1,636 +/- 174 kcal/day, significantly higher than that in patients with singleton pregnancy (1,456 +/- 158 kcal/day; p < 0.05). Both of these levels are significantly higher than those in non-pregnant women (1,228 +/- 132 kcal/day; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the estimated increased metabolic demands in patients during the third trimester of twin pregnancy are about 10% higher than those in women with singleton pregnancy. A prospective clinical study concerning nutrition counseling is needed.