How To Increase Your Chances Of Having Twins
Pregnancy is often regarded as a joyful experience but if you are pregnant with twins then the joy is double. The news of two heartbeats instead of one often leads to an immediate sense of double the love and anticipation. Each milestone, such as the first ultrasound, hearing the heartbeats, and feeling the first kicks, is experienced twice, adding layers of excitement and wonder. Preparing for twins means everything needs to be planned for two. From choosing names to setting up the nursery, parents find themselves immersed in delightful activities like picking out two sets of baby clothes, and toys, and considering the logistics of raising two babies simultaneously.
There are typically two types of twins - identical or monozygotic twins and fraternal or dizygotic twins.
Identical or Monozygotic Twins
Around one-third of all twin pairs are identical. This phenomenon occurs when a fertilised egg splits into two while still a tiny cluster of cells. These two separate halves grow into two babies with identical genetic information.
Twins that come from a single egg and sperm are referred to as identical or ‘monozygotic’ twins, originating from one cell. About 25% of identical twins have the exact physical appearance, meaning the right side of one twin mirrors the left side of the other.
Fraternal or Dizygotic Twins
Approximately two-thirds of all twin pairs are fraternal. Fraternal or dizygotic (two-cell) twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilised by two different sperm. These twins are not genetically similar, meaning they do not look alike and can be of the same sex or different sexes.
The Proposed Third-Twin Type
Some researchers suggest the existence of a third type of twin, although this concept remains debated in the medical community. The theory proposes that an egg splits in two, with each half being fertilised by a different sperm. This hypothesis aims to explain why some fraternal twins appear identical.
The rate of twin births in India is relatively low, with approximately 9 twin births for every 1,000 births. The conception of twins is often viewed as a matter of luck. But there is science behind it. There are some factors responsible for the conception of twins like family and genetic history, age of the mother, number of previous pregnancies, diet and nutrition and body types.
Heredity/ Genetics
If someone in your family has had twins before, it might increase your chances of having twins too. This can happen because of genes. Sometimes, these genes can make a person release more than one egg when they're going to have a baby, which can lead to twins. This tendency is more likely to come from the mother’s side of the family than the father’s.
Age of the Mother
As a person gets older, their chances of having twins may go up. According to experts, women aged 30, 35 or above are more prone to conceiving twins. This is because certain hormones in the body rise, increasing the likelihood of releasing more than one egg.
Body Type
Taller individuals or those with higher body weights often have a greater chance of having twins. This could be because of hormonal variations linked to body composition. Having more body fat can result in higher levels of oestrogen circulating in the body, which may raise the likelihood of releasing multiple eggs during ovulation, thereby increasing the chances of conceiving twins.
Ethnicity
Among different racial groups, individuals of African origin have the highest likelihood of having twins. Twins are less common among Asian and Native American people. Caucasian individuals, especially those over 35, are more likely to have higher-order births, such as triplets and other multiples.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Many women unable to conceive naturally often take resort to IVF or in vitro fertilisation. IVF is an assisted reproductive service. It is a method of fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body. This process includes monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovulation, taking eggs from her ovaries, and letting sperm from a man fertilise the eggs in a lab dish filled with a special fluid. Some kinds of fertility treatments like Clomid (clomiphene), Gonal-F (follitropin alfa), & Follistim (follitropin beta) lead to conceive multiples. Fertility medications are prescribed to women to conceive before undergoing any IVF treatment. It may also cause them to conceive twin babies sometimes. Once the embryo is formed, the doctor will place the embryo in the woman's uterus to implant and grow; so the woman conceives. As the embryo is implanted through a medical procedure, there are chances for a woman to conceive multiple. India sees near about 2,50,000-3,00,000 in-vitro fertilisation treatments annually.
There is also a chance of conceiving twins through fertility medications. These medications stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg. Commonly prescribed drugs like pergonal, humegon, clomiphene and gonadotropins can help achieve this. However, it is important to seek advice from a gynaecologist before starting any fertility treatment. Additionally, various fertility treatments involve injecting hormones like Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) to boost egg production in the ovaries. These hormones occur naturally in a woman's body to stimulate egg production each month. Administering these injections is often recommended for women who have difficulty producing eggs. By introducing these hormones, there is an increased chance of conceiving twins. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is often combined with fertility medications to enhance the likelihood of pregnancy. This procedure involves injecting sperm directly into the uterus, which can potentially fertilise more eggs compared to natural conception.
Other Ways That Can Result In Twin Births
If you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant with twins, then try these.
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Space Out Your Pregnancies
Having multiple pregnancies can up your odds of having twins, but not giving yourself a break between pregnancies might lower your chances.
2. Aim to Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding
When you breastfeed, your body produces prolactin, a substance that can boost your chances of getting pregnant and conceiving twins.
3. Up Your Intake of Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk contain several growth hormones that could increase your chances of conceiving twins, so it's suggested to consume them if you're aiming for twins.
4. Encourage Your Partner to Eat Zinc-Rich Food
Since food rich in zinc can boost sperm production, having your partner consume more of them might increase the likelihood of fertilisation and conceiving twins.
5. Include Protein-Rich Food in Your Diet
Hyper-ovulation, which is key to conceiving twins, can potentially be promoted by consuming protein-rich food. Whole grains, tofu, soy isoflavones, and especially yams can help stimulate your ovaries, increasing your chances of twins.
6. Opt for Folic Acid Supplements
Though there are different arguments around this method, taking folic acid supplements has shown some promising results in conceiving twins. It is recommended to prevent neural tube defects.
Herbs That May Help You Conceive Twins
While many interested parents choose allopathic medications in order to give birth to twins, some choose herbs that can increase the probability of conceiving twins.
Licorice Root
This potent herb aids in ovulation by regulating the menstrual cycle and also balances hormone levels, thus enhancing fertilisation.
Black Cohosh
A natural substance that supports fertility and the conception of twins.
Maca Root
Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, this root contributes to a healthy reproductive process in females. It also boosts fertility in both men and women, thereby increasing the likelihood of conceiving twins.
Evening Primrose Oil
This oil has shown promising results in terms of conception.
Sweet Cassava
It is recommended to consume this herb through supplements, as it aids in hyper-ovulation.
Chaste Tree Berry
Promotes double ovulation and prevents cyst formation, thus assisting in the conception of twins.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil helps maintain hormonal balance along with enhancing female fertility. It regulates the menstrual cycle, facilitating ovulation and increasing the chances of conception.
Challenges Related To Twin Births
Most pregnancies come with challenges. Some challenges in twin pregnancies are low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, congenital disabilities like cerebral palsy and autism, pregnant women getting diabetes and preeclampsia.
No treatment, medications, herbs or diet can guarantee the conception of twins. It is highly advised to contact a gynaecologist before opting for any of the above-mentioned ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it possible to conceive twins naturally?
Yes, it is. Although twin pregnancies can occur by chance, certain factors can increase the likelihood of having twins.
2. What is the difference between identical and fraternal twins?
You conceive identical twins when a fertilised egg splits into two while still a tiny cluster of cells. These two separate halves grow into two babies with identical genetic information. Twins that come from a single egg and sperm are referred to as identical or ‘monozygotic’ twins, originating from one cell. These twins look alike, meaning the right side of one twin mirrors the left side of the other. Fraternal or dizygotic (two-cell) twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilised by two different sperm. These twins are not genetically similar, meaning they do not look alike and can be of the same sex or different sexes.
3. If I have a history of twins in my family then will that increase my chances of conceiving twins?
Genetics are significant, and if twins run in your family, your chances of conceiving twins are higher. Nonetheless, even with a family history, there's no guarantee of having twins.
4. How to know if you have conceived twins?
You will discover if you are having twins during the first trimester ultrasound. This imaging test can often detect a twin pregnancy early on. Occasionally, a twin pregnancy can be identified even earlier through a pregnancy blood test.
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