High protein diet to help avoid TTTS

[thelionsleeps]

Recently found out that I'm expecting identical twins - monochorionic diamniotic.

Not trying to worry myself silly but obviously I have been reading about TTTS and although I appreciate it is just one of those things that can happen some research in the US suggests that a high protein diet can help to prevent it.

Just wondering if anyone has read similar and followed a high protein diet. They even recommend protein drinks as well. Will mention it to my consultant but I'm not seeing him for another couple of weeks.

[lamprey42]

I only heard about this after I had mine - meant to good for avoiding pre-e too. Seems to be more common in us. If you are on Facebook the group 'naturally parenting twins' has lots of us mums that might have info.

[lamprey42]

P.s. congratulations!

[thelionsleeps]

Thanks. I suppose I'm thinking that it can't do any harm as I will still be having good carbs but just try and have a good amount of protein too.

[Twicethehugs]

I only heard about this after I'd had my twins too (also MCDA). I asked my consultant about dietary advice but he didn't really have any. I had really bad reflux so it was partly eating things that didn't make me feel too sick when pregnant! You'll have frequent scans to check for TTTS which I found both reassuring and quite a worry at times - they didn't get TTTS and surprised me my having to be induced at just before 38 weeks. Hope your pregnancy goes well!

[Magicalmrmistofeles]

Congratulations.

I only found out about this after I had been diagnosed with TTTS - it seems to come into the americantreatment plan which also involves bedrest. FWIW I didnt follow it - I asked the consultants I was under and they said there was no evidence to suggest it works or was worthwhile.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

[slightlyinsane]

Congratulations on your twins. I was never told about upping my protein intake but have since read about it. There is a fb group called MoDi twins, lots of people on there from all over the world, great to get information from different types of care.
Good luck with your pregnancy and stay away from Google!

[thelionsleeps]

Thanks for the info guys - I have looked at the fb group and loads of useful information.

As you say slightyinsane google is not your friend. Trying to tread the fine line between being informed and scarying myself.

The high protein diet I have been looking at (dr brewer twin diet) just looks like proper clean food with lots of wholegrains, cheese, nuts, green veg and no faddy vits or food. Going to stick broadly to it as I can't see it doing any harm but don't think I will manage the calories suggested (3,000 odd!).

I have a consultant appt at 17 weeks but no scan with him until 18 weeks so just want to do all I can and will check with him too.

Thanks for the good advice.

[slightlyinsane]

Have you got a scan before 18wks?

[thelionsleeps]

I have had one done privately at FMC at 13 weeks and will have another at 17 weeks ish. Hoping to intersperse some private scans there with ones at the hospital depending on how often are scans are with the nhs to keep a close eye on things. I don't know yet how often they will be.

[slightlyinsane]

With MoDi you should have fortnightly scans starting from 16 weeks. Have a look for the NICE guidelines on the care you should be getting. Which hospital are you under?
Just ask if you have any questions lots of experience on here

[thelionsleeps]

Thanks slightlyinsane - I will have a look at the NICE guidelines so I can discuss with the consultant. I'm not sure that the hospital even know that they are modi twins as we just had a very quick scan in the epu and were only booked on at 12 weeks so everything has been a little last minute.

I'm at princess alexander hospital in Harlow. I presume you can insist that they should treat you in accordance with guidelines? I will have to do some reading!

[Magicalmrmistofeles]

They reccomend every two weeks from 12 weeks where I am ((SE London) and ideally at a FMC if you have one near you.