How to Get Pregnant with Twins: Which Factors Can Increase Your Chances and Which Don't

You’ve probably heard that the odds of having twins are pretty slim, but it’s not true.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the chance of having twins is about 1 in 300. That’s right: if you have sex once and do not use birth control, there is a 1-in-300 chance that you’ll have twins.

But don’t let those numbers scare you! If you want to get pregnant with twins, there are some things you can do to increase your odds.

How to Get Pregnant with Twins: The Factors 

Twins are rare, with only around 1 in every 80 births resulting in twins. But why do some people have twins and others don’t?

Twin pregnancy | Image source: iStock

For starters, it’s all about your genes. You have a higher chance of having twins if your parents have twins. If your mum had fraternal twins, you also have a higher chance.

But other factors can make it more likely that you’ll have twins:

• If you’re older when you get pregnant
• Overweight or obesity (especially during the first trimester)
• If the partner is older than 40 or has a low sperm count
• Fertility drugs

Which Parent Carries the Twin Gene

It depends. The trait of carrying twins can be dominant or recessive, which differs for each family. Both parents carry the trait in some families, but only one parent does in others. And then there are families where neither parent carries the trait but can still have twins anyway! 

It gets even more complicated when you consider that not all twins are identical—and you need two sets of genes to make identical twins. So if you have one set of genes that make you a carrier for twins and another that doesn’t make you a carrier for twins… well, then you won’t be able to have identical twins at all! 

So how do we figure out which parents are carriers? There are three key indicators: family history (has anyone ever been a twin), maternal age (twins are more likely if your mom was pregnant with you at an older age), and race (black mothers have higher rates of having fraternal twins).

Twins | Image source: iStock

How Can I Calculate My Chances of Having Twins 

If you’re trying to calculate your chances of having twins, there are two things you’ll need to know before you can get started: how old you are and what your family history is.

First, let’s talk about how old you are. If you’re between 15 and 29 years old, your chances of conceiving twins are 1 in every 80 pregnancies. However, if you’re 30-34, your chances increase to 1 in every 40 pregnancies.

Moreover, if you’re 35-39, your chances increase again to 1 in every 20 pregnancies. And finally, if you’re over 40, your chances increase again to 1 in every ten pregnancies.

Now that we’ve covered age demographics let’s discuss family history. If none of the women in your immediate family has had twins before (that is, no sisters or mothers), then your chances are pretty low—1 in 100 pregnancies—but if at least one woman has had twins before (or any other multiple births), then they go up significantly: 1 in 30 pregnancies.

Chances of Having Twins After 35

Twins are common in nature but not as common as you might think.

Age significantly influences your likelihood of having twins. As women get older, especially in their 30s and 40s, their chances of having twins naturally increase. This is because older women often release more than one egg during ovulation, a phenomenon known as hyperovulation.

The chances of having twins are about 3 per cent for women under 35 and about 1 per cent for women aged 35-39. The chances increase to about 5 per cent after 40 years of age.

If you’re over the age of 40 and don’t have kids yet, it’s possible that your odds of having twins go up even higher. Because your eggs are older, they’re more likely to split into two embryos when fertilised by a single sperm cell.

This age-related increase in twinning is attributed to hormonal changes that occur as women age. However, it’s important to note that while age is a contributing factor, it’s not the sole determinant of having twins, and other factors like genetics and family history also play a role.

Can Fertility Treatments Help Increase Your Chances of Having Twins

Fertility treatments can significantly up your odds of welcoming twins into your family. These treatments often involve medications or procedures that stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs during ovulation.

One common approach is ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs like Clomiphene or injectable hormones, which increase the likelihood of multiple eggs being released. Additionally, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase your chances of twins when multiple embryos are implanted.

While fertility treatments provide hope for couples struggling to conceive, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits tailored to your specific situation.

IVF and Having Twins

For those who are having issues conceiving the natural way, you’ll be thrilled to know that in-vitro fertilisation increases the possibility of having twins.

Multiple births can develop through IVF when more than one embryo is put back into the mother’s womb. It can also be just one embryo, which splits into two, thus resulting in identical twins. 

Twin pregnancies are very possible and feasible through artificial means, however, you have to note that this also comes with more risks than just conceiving a singleton.

If you are interested in IVF and feel like you want to try having twins, talk to a fertility specialist about your chances. 

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How to Get Pregnant with Twins: Myths

While there are various factors associated with twin pregnancies, it’s essential to debunk some persistent myths. Here are three additional things that do not cause multiple pregnancies:

1. Consuming Specific Foods During Ovulation: Contrary to popular belief, eating dairy or meat during ovulation will not increase your chances of having twins. This idea lacks scientific basis and is not supported by observational studies. Multiple pregnancies are primarily influenced by genetics and other biological factors, not by your diet during ovulation.

2. Alternative Therapies: Alternative treatments like naturopathy or acupuncture, while beneficial for overall health and wellness, cannot guarantee a twin pregnancy. While these therapies can support your well-being during pregnancy, the occurrence of twins is determined by factors like genetics and the number of eggs released during ovulation.

3. Pregnancy Spells: It’s crucial to exercise caution and skepticism when it comes to claims of pregnancy spells or miraculous interventions. Desperate couples seeking to conceive may encounter individuals or services promising quick solutions for a fee. These claims are typically baseless and exploit vulnerable individuals. It’s essential to rely on medical advice and proven methods when trying to conceive rather than falling for such scams.

Remember, while these factors may not influence the likelihood of having twins, consulting with a healthcare professional and focusing on a healthy lifestyle remains your best approach to improving your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Woman pregnant with twins

Updated by Pheona Ilagan

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