Who is more likely to have twins

These babies will be no more alike than siblings born at separate times. The babies can be either the same sex or different sexes, with the odds roughly equal for each. It is proposed that the egg splits in two, and each half is then fertilised by a different sperm.

This theory is an attempt to explain why some fraternal twins look identical. Gestation for twins The normal length of gestation for a single baby is around 40 weeks. However, gestation for twins, either identical or fraternal, is usually around 38 weeks. Since twins are usually premature, they are more likely to have lower birth weights.

Prematurity is associated with increased risk of a number of disorders, including jaundice. Giving birth to twins Childbirth can give rise to complications when just one baby is present, so twins present extra potential for difficulties. It is advised that women carrying twins give birth in hospital, rather than at home.

The babies can be delivered vaginally, but caesarean section delivery may be considered a better alternative in some circumstances. Zygosity testing It is difficult to tell if twins are identical or fraternal at birth. Some identical twins may be born with individual sets of membranes, which may lead to the mistaken assumption that the babies are fraternal.

One way to tell the difference is to have the twins DNA-tested. Identical twins share the same genetic information, while fraternal twins share around half. The test can be done with a sample of cheek cells, collected painlessly.

Other tests include blood group examinations. Where to get help Your doctor Paediatrician Maternity hospital Things to remember Twins account for over 90 per cent of multiple births. To form identical or monozygotic twins, one fertilised egg ovum splits and develops into two babies with exactly the same genetic information. To form fraternal or dizygotic twins, two eggs ova are fertilised by two sperm and produce two genetically unique children. Your likelihood of conceiving twins or more , BabyCentre, Inc.

More information here. It is normal to feel a heaviness or pressure on the vagina or pelvis during pregnancy. The common causes of vaginal or pelvic pressure are different…. Dehydration is more common during pregnancy than at other times. This is because the body has an increased demand for water. Dehydration can be…. Sneezing during pregnancy is common. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including illness and allergies.

Sneezing can happen at any point…. What increases the odds of having twins? Why do twins happen? Are twins common? What increases the chance Increasing the chance Summary There are many myths about how to improve the odds of having twins.

Why do twin pregnancies happen? Share on Pinterest A woman may be more likely to have twins, depending on age, family history, and fertility treatments. How common are twins? What increases the chance of twins. Increasing the chance of twins. Share on Pinterest Fertility treatments can increase the chance of having twins.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What to know about sex during pregnancy. Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. Are Epsom salt baths safe during pregnancy? Is having vaginal pressure during pregnancy normal?

Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P. They can be two boys, two girls, or a boy and a girl. And they may or may not look alike, just like brothers and sisters born years apart! Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are fraternal twins! As far as we know, identical twins are completely random! Most of the time, the cause of identical twins is unknown. There are some genes that predispose women to hyperovulation releasing multiple eggs. The genes for hyperovulation can be inherited!

Age Older women generally have a higher chance of conceiving twins. A 35 year old woman is about 4 times more likely to have fraternal twins than a 15 year old! That is because they are experiencing some hormonal changes as they near menopause. This could encourage their body to release more than one egg during ovulation. Height Taller women are slightly more likely to have twins. Researchers think that this might be related to having a higher quantity of a certain protein. This protein is released in response to growth factor and makes the ovaries more sensitive to follicle stimulating hormone.

Weight Women who are overweight also seem to have a higher chance of conceiving twins, especially if their BMI body mass index is above Diet This may sound crazy, but it looks like diet can also have an impact on your chance of having twins. A study showed that diets that include animal products, particularly dairy, enhance the odds of a multiple pregnancy. This seems to be due to more growth hormone, increasing the concentration of a certain protein that stimulates ovulation.

Ancestry If you meet 30 people of European ancestry, one of them is likely to have a twin brother or sister. On the other hand, you have the lowest chance of meeting a twin in Asia, where 1 in 70 people is a member of a twin pair. And you have the highest chance to meet a twin in Nigeria, where 1 in 12 people has a twin sister or brother! Previous birth Your chance of having twins also increases if you have had a child before! In vitro fertilization Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the use of assisted reproduction treatments.

Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization IVF , intra-uterine insemination IUI and ovulation induction OI are one of the main causes of the steep increase in twin birth. The takeaway: The likelihood of conceiving twins is a complex trait. There is no way to predict precisely if you will or will not have twins.