Conceiving Twins

Twins have always fascinated me and I have often wondered why it is that only a selected group of people get to have twice the bundle of joy. In fact statistics state that twins are conceived in about 1 out of every 89 births. Before we can look into the ways for conceiving twins naturally, let us first understand how twins, triplets or more are conceived from a single pregnancy.

Twin Pregnancy

Twins being born in a single pregnancy is due to the fertilization of one or more eggs. There are two types of twin pregnancies. While the identical twins are born when the fertilized egg splits in the embryonic stage, fraternal or heterozygous twins are born when two or more eggs are released and fertilized in the monthly cycle. Identical twins usually have the same genetic material. However, in certain cases, there may not be an equivalent genetic split, thus leading to anomalies like male and female identical twins.

Fraternal twins on the other hand always have a different genetic set of chromosomes. While most cases of twin pregnancies are caused by an accident of cell division, there are many other factors which regulate whether you have twins or not. So for the parents eager at increasing the odds of conceiving, here are a few factors that might just help you on your way.

Know Your Chances

Family History: A family history of fraternal twins can increase your chances of having a set of fraternal twins yourself. Well, I do understand that this is way out of your control but a woman who has relatives with a history of multiples, may inherit the gene that causes hyperovulation. Sadly when conceiving twins, hereditary history on the father's side does not really work.

Ethnicity and Race: Well, this factor too may not be in your control but the chances of having twins are also controlled by your ethnicity. So while the African-American women are more likely to conceive twins than Caucasian women, Asian women have the least chances of having twins.

Age: I know you might think I am hallucinating but it is actually true. Women who conceive between the age group of 35 to 40 years have a higher chance of conceiving fraternal twins. This is because of the bodily and hormonal changes that occur in the perimenopausal period and the over production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).

Conceiving Twins Naturally

Folic Acid Supplements: Researchers have found a link between conceiving twins and the daily intake of folic acid supplements. While usually taken for preventing any neural tube defects and aiding an healthy pregnancy, folic acid is believed to increase the likelihood of having twins.

Weight Gain: Not a recommended method, but an increase in the weight does increase your odds of having twins. Some studies also link the chances of having twins with women who are tall.

Intake of Dairy Products: It is believed that women on a milk based diet are much more likely to have twins as compared to women who eat a vegan diet. In fact Dr Gary Steinman, who is well-known for research on multiple birth pregnancies believes that women who eat dairy products and drink milk regularly are five times more likely to conceiving twins.

Breastfeeding: Pregnant women who are still nursing a toddler are slightly more likely to produce twins.

Birth Control Pills: Once a woman who is regularly using birth control pills quits taking them, it throws the hormones into disorder. So she may require a cycle or two to get her hormones working the way they are supposed to. However, with too much of hormone stimulation the ovaries may release more than one egg which may be fertilized to conceive twins.

Eating Wild Yams: It is believed that the town of Igbo-Ora in Africa has the largest instance of women who conceive twins. This is often attributed to their diet of a certain wild yam known as cassava. Although the exact cause has not been ascertained by medical studies, it is believed that the peelings of this yam contain a chemical which aids hyperovulation.

Fertility Assistance: Women who are diagnosed with fertility problems and are taking fertility medication such as Clomid and Pergonal have a higher chance of conceiving. For women who undergo IVF or intrauterine insemination the doctor may implant more than one embryo in your uterus. So if two or more of these multiple embryos mature there might be a case of twins or triplets. Also the medication that is given to stimulate the ovaries during intrauterine insemination may lead to hyperovulation and chances of fraternal twins.

In addition to this it is believed that the chances of conceiving twins after miscarriage may increase. Although you might find the idea cute, keep in mind that there are serious risks associated with twin pregnancies. The risk of premature deliveries and associated birth problems are compounded by twin pregnancies. Also having twins or higher order multiples can cause pregnancy problems. So before you can opt for any of these methods, consult a doctor.