Chances Of Having Twins & Ways To Work On Them

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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. Knowing these aspects of twin pregnancies can help prospective parents prepare for the unique challenges and joys that come with having teens.

How Are Twins Conceived?

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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.

How Common Are Twin Pregnancies?

Twin pregnancies are uncommon. On an average, twins naturally occur in approximately 1 out of every 250 pregnancies. The likelihood of a multiple pregnancy increases with age or fertility treatments (2) (3).

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 woman pregnant at 40 or more 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

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. However, certain factors might influence the chances of having fraternal twins.

1. Family history/ heredity

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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 of 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 ovulationⁱA 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.

According to research conducted by March of Dimes during 2020-2022 in the United States, the rate of multiple births per 1,000 live births was highest among Black infants (41.9%), followed by White infants (33.5%), American Indian/Alaska Native infants (26.0%), Hispanic infants (24.7%), and Asian/Pacific Islander infants (24.6%).

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) (15).

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 indexⁱA 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 hormoneⁱA 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 have 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 of having twins. Your doctor can suggest the best option for you. However, experts discourage multiple babies through fertility treatments.

1. IVF (in vitro fertilization)

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Women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) may have a 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, healthcare experts might place more than one embryo into the womb. If both are implanted and developed successfully, it is likely to result in a 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. Fertility drugs for women may be prescribed to increase the likelihood of having multiples in this treatment.

3. Gonadotropin

These medications might improve the chances of having twin babies as they enhance the overall health of eggs and their maturity. GonadotropinsⁱHormones 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.

Quick fact

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 (16).

4. Clomiphene citrate

There is around a 10% chance of producing twins with Clomiphene or Clomiphene citrateⁱIs a medication that is used to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate but wish to get pregnant. (6). Women who already have a higher probability of 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 mucusⁱA 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 the chances of twin conception.

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• 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 help prevent ovarian cysts, all of which are thought to be favorable for twin conception.

• Maca root is also believed to improve overall fertility which 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 more likely to increase their chances of producing 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.”

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 (17).

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 fertility foods. 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 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 that women who conceived while breastfeeding were more likely to have twins (9).

5. Zinc-rich foods

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. 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, several positions of sex for pregnancy help conceive 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.

Signs You’re Having Twins

Certain signs may indicate a multiple pregnancy, but these signs don’t always confirm that you’re carrying twins. Early signs and symptoms of twin pregnancy may include:

• Feeling early fetal movements
• Hearing multiple heartbeats with a fetal Doppler
• A fundal height larger than what is typical for the gestational age, suggests a bigger baby bump
• Elevated levels of hCG (pregnancy hormone) or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which is made by the fetus’s liver
• Sensing fetal movements in different areas
• Quick weight gain (1)

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.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: How To Have Twins: Positions Treatment And Tips To Try

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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.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Sangeeta AgrawalFRCOG, MD, DNB, DGO

Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal is an obstetrician and gynecologist with around 29 years of experience in the field. She worked in Royal London, St. Bartholomew’s, North Middlesex, and Barnet General hospitals in London and currently runs her clinic in Mumbai.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

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