How To Have Twins: Sex Positions, Treatment And Tips To Try

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The question of how to get pregnant with twins has no definite answer. As fascinating as it may be, the chances of giving birth to twins are often purely random. Different factors, such as genetic or medical procedures, may induce a twin or multiple pregnancies. However, there cannot be a 100% guarantee despite different methods.

Read on as we tell you about the chances of conceiving twins, including factors to increase the probability and different fertility treatments that might help you with the same.

How Are Twins Conceived?

Types of twins

Image: IStock

There are two types of twins – identical (non-fraternal) and non-identical (fraternal) (1).

Nearly one-third of twins are identical twins, also known as monozygotic twins. They happen by chance and develop when one egg is fertilized by one sperm and gets divided into two separate embryos. They share the same genetic composition and placenta. Identical twins can also happen in women who undergo fertility assistance methods.

Non-identical, also known as dizygotic twins, develop when two eggs are fertilized by two sperms. They are unique and do not share the genetic composition or placenta. As non-identical twins share only half of the same genetic makeup, they are not always of the same gender.

General Odds Of Having Twins

According to the data released by the US National Center for Health Statistics, the twin birth rate showed an increasing trend with the increase in the age of the mother. A mother in her 40s seems to have a higher chance of having twins when compared to a younger mother. However, between 2014 and 2018 there has been a remarkable decrease in the number of twin births in the 40+ women, while it slightly increased for the mothers under 20 years age. See the graph for more details (2). It’s worth noting that there is no guaranteed method on how to get twin pregnancies naturally.

Twin birth rates from 1980 to 2018 in the US

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Factors That Determine The Chances of Having Twins

As said earlier, identical twins could only happen by sheer chance. There is no best bet on how to have twins. But certain factors might influence the chances of having fraternal twins.

1. Family history / Heredity

Twins run in families

Image: Shutterstock

If you are a twin or twins run in your family, you are more likely to have twins. However, if your partner has a twin or there are twins in their family, it is not going to influence your chances or having or not having twins.

It all depends on you, because you produce the eggs. If you or your mother is a twin, the probability of you having twins is high. You may have higher chances of hyperovulation (releasing two eggs during ovulationiXA phase during the menstrual cycle where a mature egg releases from the ovary process). A few specific genes combine with hyperovulation and thus increase the frequency of non-identical twins (3).

2. Ethnicity / Race

Your origin is also believed to have a strong influence on your chance of having twins. Asians and Hispanics have fewer chances of producing twins, whereas Africans are highly probable, followed by Europeans.

protip_icon Quick fact
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, Native Americans and Asian Americans have the lowest twinning rates. White women over 35 have the highest high-order multiple birth rates (giving birth to triplets or more) (16).

3. Type of body (height/weight)

Although strange, it is said that taller women are more likely than shorter ones to conceive with twins. Also, heavier women have higher chances than thinner women.

Women who have a well-nourished diet might be at a higher probability of producing twins than those who have a reduced and low-fat diet.

A research study published by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology states that the increasing rates of multiple births are due to increased rates of obesity. It is found that women with a body mass indexiXA measurement of body fat for both men and women according to their height and weight (BMI) of 30 and above are more likely to produce twins. This holds for only fraternal twins (4).

4. Maternal age

Your chance of having twins or more babies may increase with advancing age. Women above 35 years produce more FSH (follicle-stimulating hormoneiXA hormone located in the pituitary gland that is responsible for the growth of follicles or eggs in females and sperms in males ) than younger women (5). This hormone allows the ovaries to release eggs for ovulation. The higher the hormone levels, the more the eggs released during ovulation are, thereby resulting in multiple fetuses.

5. More pregnancies

If you had multiple pregnancies before, there may be a high chance of producing twins. The probability of twins might also improve with the increasing number of pregnancies.

Fertility Treatments To Have Twins

Fertility treatments provide better chances for having twins. Your doctor can suggest the best option for you. However, experts discourage multiple babies through fertility treatments.

1. IVF (in vitro fertilization)

IVF treatment may help conceive twins

Image: Shutterstock

Women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) may have fair chance of giving birth to more than one baby. However, it mainly depends on the number of embryos placed in the uterus.

To increase the odds of twin conception, the healthcare experts might place more than one embryo into the womb. If both are implanted and developed successfully, it is likely to result in twin pregnancy.

2. IUI (intrauterine insemination)

In this procedure, the sperms are injected into the uterus using a syringe. However, IUI alone will not increase the chances of having multiples. Women who undergo this treatment may have to take fertility drugs to increase the likelihood.

4. Gonadotropin

These medications might improve the chances of having twin babies as they enhance the overall health of eggs and their maturity. GonadotropinsiXHormones regulating ovarian and testicular functions for sexual development are likely to stimulate the release of more than one egg at a time (5). Your doctor can prescribe the right one for you.

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Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development mentions that around 30% of women who conceive with gonadotropin have multiple births. Of these multiple births, around two-thirds conceive twins, and the rest conceive triplets or more (17).

5. Clomiphene citrate

There is around 10% chance of producing twins with Clomiphene or Clomiphene citrateiXIs a medication that is used to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate but wish to get pregnant.  (6). Women who already have higher probability or twin births may also improve their chances further with this drug

The pill may be taken before trying assisted reproductive treatments like in vitro, to promote egg production.

It might also help treat hormonal imbalances in men, which may affect the quality and quantity of sperm, and their motility.

Fertility Herbs For Twins

Although there is no science supporting the use of herbs for twin conception, alternative forms of medicine, such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine still encourage using certain herbs for fertility and conception. Again, there is no direct evidence about how well they could promote twin or multiple pregnancies.

  • Evening primrose oil is believed to promote healthy cervical mucusiXA gel-like discharge produced by the cervix that indicates the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle that might allow the sperm to survive within the ovary for a longer time.
  • Licorice is said to control hormonal levels of estrogen and testosterone, and might support conception.
  • Flaxseed oil is likely to boost fertility and might increase chances of twin conception.
Flaxseed oil to improve the chances of conceiving twins

Image: Shutterstock

  • Sweet cassava is also said to increase the chances of twins due to its hyper-ovulation properties.
  • Black cohosh is not known to increase the chance of twin conception, but it is believed to increase the fertility rate.
  • Vitex (chaste tree berry) might regulate hormonal levels, promote ovulatory function, and may prevent ovarian cysts, all of which are thought to be favorable for twin conception.
  • Maca root is also believed to improve overall fertility that might improve the chances of having twins.

Although these herbs are natural, they do carry some possible side effects. Therefore, it is advisable to check with an experienced herbalist or a naturopath before trying them.

Natural Ways That Might Improve Chances Of Conceiving Twins

The following options are likely to boost your chances of having twins. However, they are just common beliefs based on anecdotal evidence and do not have any scientific backing.

1. Dairy products

Women who eat dairy are likely to increase their chances to produce twins than women who do not consume these products. It is thought that the growth hormones present in milk (dairy from growth hormone-treated cows) may help in having twins

Dr. Gary Steinman, MD, Ph.D., an attending physician at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York, says, “The continuing increase in the twinning rate into the 1990s, however, may also be a consequence of the introduction of growth-hormone treatment of cows to enhance their milk and beef production.”

protip_icon Experts say
Dr. Gary Steinman, MD, Ph.D, suggests that since multiple pregnancies increase the risk of complications, women planning a pregnancy should substitute meat and dairy products with other protein sources. This is for countries where the cattle are administered growth hormones (18).

2. Wild yams

Wild yams are said to hyper-stimulate the ovaries, resulting in the release of more than one egg for ovulation. It may, therefore, increase your chances of producing twins. African women are believed to have better chances for twins because they consume it as a part of their ethnic diet. The Yoruba tribe in West Africa has the highest twinning rate (7).

Increasing the chances of having twins can be influenced by natural methods. Mai Zimmy, a mother of three and vlogger, shares some tips she explored to enhance her odds of conceiving twins. She explains, “One thing that I became quite focused on when trying to conceive twins was incorporating yams into my diet (i).” Zimmy ended up conceiving identical twins.

3. Stop birth control pills

When you stop taking the birth control medication, your body takes some time to find its natural rhythm. One study report states that there is a chance of conceiving twins within a year of stopping oral contraceptives (8).

4. Pregnancy while breastfeeding

A study found out that women who conceived while breastfeeding were more likely to have twins (11).

5. Have your partner eat zinc-rich foods

Zinc rich diet for increased sperm count

Image: IStock

Zinc is known to improve sperm levels. So you could ask your partner to include nutrition rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, lamb, green peas and yogurt, which are rich in zinc (10). It might increase the probability of fertilizing more than one egg.

6. Have space between pregnancies

Your chances of conceiving twins may be higher if you have enough gap between your pregnancies.

Do Certain Sex Positions Help Conceive Twins?

Though it is believed that some sex positions might help achieve twin pregnancy, there are no scientific studies to support these claims. However, according to various myths and beliefs, there are several positions that are thought to be the best sex positions to get pregnant with twins. These include:

1. Side by side

Known as doggy style, it is thought to boost a woman’s chance of conceiving twins as the cervix is more approachable to the sperms in this position.

2. Standing up position

It is also another doggy style and is believed to have a chance of deep penetration, which may influence your chance of having twins.

3. Missionary position

The man-on-top position is also thought to help the sperm to enter the egg easily, and probably help produce twins.

4. Rear entry position

Here, the partner enters from behind, so it is believed that the sperm remains close to the cervix of the woman, affecting the chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I have twins through natural birth?

Yes. Although many women believe that twins can only be born through C-section delivery, more than 40% of women give birth to their twins naturally (vaginal birth) (11).

2. When are twins usually delivered?

Most twins get delivered between 32 and 38 weeks, depending on the pregnancy conditions (12).

3. Do twins skip a generation?

Since twin birth is influenced by factors such as genetics, maternal height, and medical interventions, the popular belief that twins skip a generation is false. People may believe this myth because men inherit their genes from their mothers. They may then pass this gene to their daughters, who may give birth to twins in the next generation (13).

Having twins is a delightful experience, but there is no guaranteed method on how to get twin babies. Heredity, race, and maternal age are some factors that can positively influence your chances of having twins. IVF and IUI are assisted reproductive methods that can help you conceive multiple babies, though using these methods to conceive multiple babies is strongly discouraged by experts. Some herbs, such as black cohosh and licorice, certain foods, and sex positions are thought to help in twin pregnancy. However, no clinical evidence exists to support these beliefs. Having twins is a matter of sheer luck.

Infographic: Natural Ways That Might Improve Chances Of Conceiving Twins

Although conceiving twins mostly depends on uncontrollable biological factors, if your doctor allows it, you may also try some natural approaches to increase your chances. From consuming different foods to adapting a specific technique, explore the different ways to improve your chances of conceiving twins. But remember to consult your Ob/GYN first to avoid complications.

potential ways to conceive twins naturally (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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Key Pointers

  • As a woman ages, her chances of conceiving and delivering multiple births increases.
  • Factors such as genetics, body type, age, and prior obstetrical events can influence twin conception.
  • Fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF, and gonadotropin medications may increase the likelihood of having twins, although they are not recommended.
  • A nutritious and balanced diet, rich in dairy products, may be advantageous in increasing the chances of producing twins, compared to a diet low in fat.

A fertility expert can provide reliable information concerning the phenomenon of having twins. Learn the facts on how to increase your chances of having twins.

Personal Experience: Source

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Twins, triplets, and other multiples; Office on Women’s Health; U.S.
    https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/twins-triplets-and-other-multiples
  2. Births: Final Data for 2017; National Vital Statistics Reports; CDC/National Center for Health Statistics (2018)
    https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr67/nvsr67_08-508.pdf
  3. Is the probability of having twins determined by genetics? Genetics Home Reference (NIH)
    https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/
  4. Reddy UM et al.; Relationship of maternal body mass index and height to twinning; Obstet Gynecol. (2005)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15738030
  5. Chorionic Gonadotropin; APP Pharmaceuticals LLC (2011)
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/017067s057lbl.pdf
  6. A. Akinboro et al.; Frequency of twinning in southwest Nigeria; Indian J Hum Genet. (2008)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840794/
  7. M F Murphy et al.; Is there an increased risk of twinning after discontinuation of the oral contraceptive pill; J Epidemiol Community Health. (1989)
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1052849/
  8. Steinman G; Mechanisms of twinning. IV. Sex preference and lactation; The Journal of Reproductive Medicine; Europe PubMed Central (2001)
    https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/11762143
  9. I have a low sperm count. Can I do anything to increase my fertility? SexInfo;
    https://sexinfoonline.com/i-have-low-sperm-count-can-i-do-anything-increase-my-fertility
  10. Giving birth to twins or more; NHS
    https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/giving-birth-to-twins-or-more/#:~:text=Can%20you%20have%20a%20natural
  11. Twin Pregnancy: Answers from an Expert; Johns Hopkins Medicine
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/twin-pregnancy-answers-from-maternal-fetal-medicine-specialist#:~:text=While%2040%20weeks%20is%20the
  12. 5 Proven Ways to Tell if You’ll Have Twins; Creating a Family
    https://creatingafamily.org/infertility-category/5-ways-tell-youll-twins/
  13. Overview of Multiple Pregnancy; University of Rochester Medical Center
    https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P08019#:~:text=African%2DAmerican%20women%20are%20more
  14. Fertility Treatments for Females; NIH (2017)
    https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/treatments/treatments-women#clomiphene
  15. Study finds that a woman’s chances of having twins can be modified by diet; EurekAlert
    https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/790312
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