Twin pregnancy how to get
Factors, odds, and improving your chances
There are many myths about how to improve the odds of having twins. Although there are no proven ways to increase the likelihood of conceiving twins, there are certain factors that can make this type of pregnancy more likely.
Twins can occur either when two separate eggs become fertilized in the womb or when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos.
Having twins is more common now than it was in the past. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), twin births have nearly doubled over the last 40 years.
A woman has a higher chance of having twins if she conceives with the assistance of fertility treatment or is aged 35 years or over. In the United States, fertility treatments account for more than one-third of twin pregnancies.
In this article, we explore why twin pregnancies occur, how common they are, and factors that can make them more likely. We also explain whether a person can increase their chance of having twins.
Share on PinterestA woman may be more likely to have twins, depending on age, family history, and fertility treatments.Doctors do not fully understand the reasons why twin pregnancies sometimes occur. However, some factors can increase the likelihood of giving birth to twins, including:
- the woman’s age
- having a family history of twins
- having fertility treatments
Conception happens when a sperm fertilizes an egg to form an embryo. However, if there are two eggs present in the womb at the time of fertilization or the fertilized egg splits into two separate embryos, a woman can become pregnant with twins.
There are two types of twin:
- Identical twins: This type of pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg splits into two separate embryos. These embryos are monozygotic, which means that they have identical genes. Identical twins are the same sex as each other and look very alike.
- Nonidentical, or fraternal, twins: This type of pregnancy occurs when there are two eggs present in the womb at the time of fertilization, and sperm fertilize both of them. These embryos are dizygotic, which means that they do not have identical genes and may not be the same sex.
Fraternal twins are common after fertility treatment because healthcare professionals often place two fertilized embryos into a woman’s womb to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Twins are relatively uncommon. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), only approximately one in 250 pregnancies results in twins.
However, the birth of twins has increased significantly alongside the rise in the use of fertility treatments and with more women choosing to have children at a later age. Since 1980, the birth rate of twins has increased by more than 75 percent.
A woman is more likely to have fraternal twins than identical twins. Identical twins account for only about one-third of multiple pregnancies.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of a woman conceiving twins. These include:
Family history
A woman has a slightly higher chance of having twins if she has a family history of twins. A family history of twins on the mother’s side increases this likelihood more than a family history on the father’s side. However, this only applies if conception takes place without the use of fertility treatments.
According to the ASRM, women who are themselves nonidentical twins produce twins in around 1 in every 60 births. For men who are nonidentical twins, the chance of conceiving twins is only 1 in every 125 births.
Some people believe that twins can skip a generation, meaning that a person will potentially have twins if one of their grandparents did. However, there is little evidence to support this theory.
Fertility treatment
The ASRM note that the main factor that increases the chance of having twins is the use of fertility treatments. The various types of fertility treatment available increase the likelihood of twins in different ways.
Some fertility drugs work by stimulating a woman’s ovaries, which can sometimes cause them to release more than one egg. If sperm fertilizes both of these eggs, this can result in twins.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can also increase the chance of conceiving twins.
Healthcare professionals carry out IVF by extracting a woman’s eggs and fertilizing them with a donor’s sperm in a laboratory to produce an embryo. They then transfer the fertilized embryo into the woman’s womb.
To increase the likelihood of success, the healthcare professional may place more than one embryo into the womb. Twins can occur if both embryos implant and develop successfully.
Multiple pregnancies carry additional risks, so the healthcare professional will usually limit the number of embryos that they transfer to the woman’s womb to reduce the chance of a pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more.
Age
According to the Office on Women’s Health, women who are aged 30 years or older are more likely to conceive twins. The reason for this is that women of this age are more likely than younger women to release more than one egg during their reproductive cycle. If sperm fertilizes two separate eggs, a twin pregnancy can occur.
Height and weight
The ASRM report that nonidentical twins are slightly more common in taller or heavier women than they are in small women. The reasons for this are not clear, but it may be due to better nutrition. Women with a higher body weight may have more resources available for a developing fetus.
Racial background
In the U.S., Hispanic women are less likely to have twins than non-Hispanic white women or black women, according to the ASRM.
Share on PinterestFertility treatments can increase the chance of having twins.
There are many unproven claims about how to increase the likelihood of conceiving twins. Some people advise following specific diets or using certain alternative therapies, but there is no scientific evidence to support these methods.
Fertility treatments, particularly IVF and ovary stimulants, do increase the chances of having twins. However, a twin pregnancy is riskier for both the woman and the developing fetuses. For this reason, some fertility clinics advise against implanting multiple embryos during IVF treatment.
The CDC recommend that younger women who are having their first fertility treatment select just one embryo for transfer to their womb.
As the success of fertility treatment is improving, there is often less need to transfer more than one embryo. In the U.S., the number of IVF treatments involving the transfer of three or four embryos decreased significantly between 2007 and 2016. Transferring just one or two embryos reduces the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy.
A twin pregnancy increases the risk of:
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- stillbirth
- disabilities at birth and congenital health conditions, such as cerebral palsy and autism
- preeclampsia
- diabetes during pregnancy
- cesarean delivery
- needing bed rest while pregnant
Although certain factors increase the chance of having twins, there is no way to improve the odds of having twins naturally. A woman will usually find out that she is pregnant with twins from an ultrasound early on in the pregnancy.
Some symptoms may indicate a twin pregnancy, including more intense morning sickness and very rapid weight gain. Regular medical appointments will improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
How To Get Pregnant With Twins – Forbes Health
Table of Contents
- How Are Twins Conceived?
- What Are the Chances of Having Twins?
- 5 Factors for Increased Likelihood of Twins Without Medical Treatment
- Increased Likelihood of Twins With Medical Treatment
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While there’s no guaranteed way to predict whether a person will give birth to twins, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of conceiving multiples. This includes fertility treatments—like in vitro fertilization (IVF)— as well as factors such as a person’s family history, race, body composition and age.
Though twins may seem like double the fun, it’s critical to note that multiple pregnancies also come with unique risks—both for the babies and for the pregnant person.
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How Are Twins Conceived?
There are two types of twins—fraternal (dizygotic) twins and identical (monozygotic) twins—and the way in which they’re conceived differs.
Fraternal twins, which are the more common type of twins, occur when more than one egg is released, fertilized and implanted in the uterus. In other words, fraternal twins are formed from two separate eggs and two separate sperm.
Identical twins are the result of one egg and one sperm. In the case of monozygotic twins, the early embryo divides, resulting in two genetically identical embryos. Depending on when the embryo split occurred, the twins may have their own placentas and amniotic sacs, or they may share a placenta with two separate sacs. In rare cases, the twins may share a placenta and just one amniotic sac.
What Are the Chances of Having Twins?
The twin birth rate in the U.S. is 31.1 per 1,000 live births—about 3% overall—per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[1]Multiple Births. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 5/2/22. . While this is a relatively low percentage of births, that rate is higher than it’s been in prior decades. In fact, a study published in the journal Human Reproduction reports that twin birth rates have jumped by more than 30% from the 1980s[2]Monden C, Pison G, Smits J. Twin Peaks: more twinning in humans than ever before. Human Reproduction. 2021;36(6):1666-1673. .
This increase is largely attributed to IVF treatments. However, the rise is expected to level off as fertility experts have reduced the number of eggs transferred through IVF. This is due to the significant risks associated with multiple pregnancies, both for the babies and for the pregnant person.
It’s also important to note that this spike has occurred in dizygotic, or fraternal, twins, rather than monozygotic, or identical, twins. The rate of identical twin births has remained at around three to five out of every 1,000 live births, according to Michael Cackovic, M.D., who specializes in maternal fetal medicine at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University.
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5 Factors for Increased Likelihood of Twins Without Medical Treatment
There are a number of factors that may increase the likelihood of a person conceiving twins without the assistance of fertility treatments. These can range from a person’s family history and race or geographical area to the person’s age, weight and height.
Heredity
A family history of multiple pregnancies can increase the likelihood of someone conceiving multiples. Genetics can make someone more likely to release more than one egg, resulting in the conception of twins, says Dr. Cackovic. However, he notes that this “likely runs in families on the maternal side as opposed to the paternal side.”
Geographic Area
There are also certain parts of the world where twins are more common than others. For instance, the rate of twins in Japan is only 1. 3 in 1,000 births. Meanwhile, in Africa, particularly, Nigeria, which has the highest incidence of twins in the world, the rate is significantly higher. Among the Yoruba people in South-West Nigeria, a rate of 49 to 53 sets of twins per 1,000 births has been reported[3]Akaba GO, Agida TE, Onafowokan O, Offiong RA, Adewole ND. Review of twin pregnancies in a tertiary hospital in Abuja, Nigeria. J Health Popul Nutr. 2013;31(2):272-277. .
Race
A correlation between race and the incidence of twins has also been noted. Twins are most common among Black people, who have the highest likelihood of having twins of any race. The occurrence of twins is lowest among Asian and Native American people, while caucasian people, particularly those over the age of 35, tend to have more higher-order births, which includes triplets and higher-order multiples.
Age
The older a pregnant person is, the likelier they may be to have twins. “The risk of twins actually increases when a woman gets older, especially over the age of 30 or 35,” says Mindy Christianson, M.D., medical director of the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center. “This is because certain hormones can increase, which increases the risk of releasing more than one egg.”
Body Composition
People who are taller or have a higher body weight also tend to have a higher likelihood of conceiving twins. According to Dr. Christinanson, this may be due to hormonal differences related to body composition. For instance, having a higher level of body fat can lead to increased levels of circulating estrogen, which can increase the likelihood of releasing more than one egg during ovulation, in turn increasing the chances of conceiving twins.
Increased Likelihood of Twins With Medical Treatment
Fertility treatments can play a big role in increasing the likelihood of having twins. In particular, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ovulation-stimulating medications can make a person more likely to conceive twins.
“Anything fertility-enhancing, that’s making them ovulate, can cause a woman to ovulate more than one egg, which increases risk of twins,” explains Dr. Cackovic. In particular, he points to the medication Clomid—which OB-GYNs use to help people get pregnant by aiding ovulation—as a medical treatment that can cause twins.
While IVF has historically been a cause for a higher rate of twins, the occurrence is dropping as medical professionals move away from transferring more than one embryo, except in certain circumstances. For fertility specialists, Dr. Christianson says, “our goal is one healthy baby.”
With multiple pregnancies, including twins and those of a higher order, there is “significant risk.” The leading risk is preterm birth, as about 60% of twins are born before 37 weeks gestation, which is at term, according to Dr. Christianson. Twin babies are also about five times more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and four times as likely to have cerebral palsy as single babies, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[4]Having Healthy Babies One at a Time. CDC. Accessed 05/02/2022. .
Risks for the pregnant person are also greater, with higher likelihoods of complications such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.
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articles from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"
Arifullina Claudia Viktorovna
Gastroenterologist
Clinical Hospital "AVICENNA" GC "Mother and Child"
There is data on the frequency of twins in case of anomalies in the development of the uterus, characterized by its bifurcation (bicornuate uterus, having a septum in the cavity, etc. ). The cause of polyembryony may be the separation of blastomeres (in the early stages of crushing), resulting from hypoxia, cooling, acidity and ionic composition of the medium, exposure to toxic and other factors. Multiple pregnancy can occur: as a result of the fertilization of two or more simultaneously mature eggs, as well as the development of two or more embryos from one fertilized egg. nine0003
Twins formed from two (three, etc.) eggs are called dizygotic (polyzygotic), those arising from one are called identical. The origin of fraternal twins (polyzygotic twins): the simultaneous maturation (and ovulation) of two or more follicles in one ovary is possible. There may be maturation of two or more follicles and ovulation in both ovaries.
A third way of the origin of fraternal (multi-ovular) twins is possible - the fertilization of two or more eggs that have matured in one follicle. The origin of identical twins: most often, the occurrence of identical twins is associated with the fertilization of an egg that has two or more nuclei. a single embryonic germ in the stage of crushing is divided into two parts; from each part an embryo (fruit) is formed. Twin twin. Fertilized eggs develop on their own. After penetration into the mucous membrane, each embryo develops its own aqueous and fleecy membranes; in the future, each twin forms its own placenta with an independent network of vessels, each fetal egg, except for the chorion and amnion, has an independent capsular membrane (decidua capsularis). In some cases, anastomoses are formed between the vessels of independent placentas. Twins can be same-sex (both boys or both girls) or different-sex (boy and girl). Their blood type can be the same or different. Identical twin. Identical twins have a common capsular and fleecy membrane and a common placenta; the vessels (both arterial and venous) of both twins in the placenta communicate with the help of numerous anastomoses. The water membrane of each twin is separate, the septum between the fetal sacs consists of two water membranes (biamniotic twins). nine0003
Identical twins always belong to the same sex (both boys or both girls), look alike, have the same blood type.
In fraternal twins, the membranes in the septum are arranged as follows: amnion - chorion, chorion - amnion; with monozygotic amnion-amnion.
Important signs for the diagnosis are: blood type (and other blood factors), eye color, hair color, skin texture of the fingertips, shape and location of teeth. In identical twins, these signs are completely the same. Fraternal twins share the same similarities as normal siblings. nine0017
MULTIPLE PREGNANCY
With multiple pregnancy, increased demands are made on the woman's body: the cardiovascular system, lungs, liver, nights and other organs function with great stress. In this regard, multiple pregnancies are more difficult than single pregnancies.
- Pregnant women often complain of fatigue and shortness of breath, which increases towards the end of pregnancy. The cause of shortness of breath is a difficulty in the activity of the heart due to a significant displacement of the diaphragm by the bottom of the uterus, the size of which is larger in multiple pregnancy than in singleton. nine0031
- Often there is a dilation of the veins of the lower extremities. By the end of pregnancy, there is often an increase in the urge to urinate due to the pressure of a large fetus on the bladder.
- Pregnant women often complain of heartburn and constipation.
- In multiple pregnancies, toxicosis occurs more often than in singleton pregnancies: vomiting, salivation, edema, nephropathy, eclampsia.
- With twins, polyhydramnios of one of the fetuses is often found, which leads to a sharp increase and hyperextension of the uterus, shortness of breath, tachycardia and other disorders. Polyhydramnios is more common in one of the identical twins. In some cases, the polyhydramnios of one twin is accompanied by an oligohydramnios of the other fetus. nine0031
- Premature termination of multiple pregnancies often occurs.
- With twins, preterm birth occurs in at least 25% of women.
- Prematurity is more common in triplets than in twins. The greater the number of gestated fetuses, the more often preterm births are observed.
- Development of term twins is normal in most cases. However, their body weight is usually less than that of single fetuses. Often there is a difference in body weight of twins by 200-300 g, and sometimes more. nine0031
- Uneven development of twins is associated with unequal intake of nutrients from a single placental circulation.
- Often there is a difference not only in weight, but also in the length of the body of the twins. In connection with this, the theory of supergenesis (superfoetatio) was put forward. Proponents of this hypothesis believe that fertilization of eggs of different ovulation periods is possible, i.e., the onset of a new pregnancy in the presence of an already existing, previously occurring, pregnancy. nine0031
- Due to the uneven delivery of nutrients and oxygen, a significant developmental disorder and even death of one of the twins can occur. This is more commonly seen in identical twins. The dead fetus is squeezed by the second, well-growing fetus, the amniotic fluid is absorbed, the placenta undergoes regression. The compressed mummified fetus ("paper fetus") is released from the uterus along with the placenta after the birth of a live twin. Polyhydramnios of one fetus, which occurs during multiple pregnancies, often also prevents the other twin from developing correctly. With pronounced polyhydramnios, certain anomalies in the development of the fetus, which grows with an excess of amniotic fluid, are often observed. Rarely, fused twins are born (fusion can be in the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis) and twins with other malformations. nine0031
- The position of the fetus in the uterine cavity in most cases (about 90%) is normal. In the longitudinal position, different presentation options are observed: both fetuses are presented with the head, both with the pelvic end, one with the head, and the other with the pelvic end. With longitudinal presentation, one fetus may be behind the other, which makes diagnosis difficult. Less commonly observed is the longitudinal position of one fetus and the transverse position of the other. The most rare is the transverse position of both twins. nine0031
- Position of the twins in the uterus, both fetuses are presented with the head, one fetus is presented with the head, the second - with the pelvic end, both fetuses are in the transverse position
- In case of multiple pregnancies, women are taken to a special account and carefully monitored. When the earliest signs of complications appear, the pregnant woman is sent to the pregnancy pathology department of the maternity hospital. Given the frequent occurrence of preterm birth, it is recommended that a pregnant woman with twins be sent to the maternity hospital 2 to 3 weeks before delivery, even in the absence of complications. nine0031
RECOGNITION OF MULTIPLE PREGNANCY
Diagnosis of multiple pregnancy often presents significant difficulties, especially in its first half. In the second half, towards the end of pregnancy, the recognition of twins (triplets) is facilitated. However, diagnostic errors occur during the study at the end of pregnancy and even during childbirth.
When recognizing a multiple pregnancy, the following signs are taken into account: nine0017
- The enlargement of the uterus in multiple pregnancy occurs faster than in pregnancy with one fetus, so the size of the uterus does not correspond to the gestational age. The bottom of the uterus is usually high, especially at the end of pregnancy, the circumference of the abdomen during this period reaches 100-110 cm or more.
- The following signs are unstable and not sufficiently reliable: a) deepening of the uterine fundus (saddle uterus), the formation of which is associated with protrusion of the corners of the uterus with large parts of the fetus; b) the presence of a longitudinal depression on the anterior wall of the uterus, which is formed as a result of the fruits that are in a longitudinal position adjacent to each other; c) the presence of a horizontal groove on the anterior wall of the uterus with the transverse position of the fetus. nine0031
- The small size of the presenting head with a significant volume of the pregnant uterus and the high standing of its bottom also make it possible to suspect a multiple pregnancy. The presence of this sign is explained by the fact that the study determines the head of one and the pelvic end (in the bottom of the uterus) of another fetus, which lies slightly higher.
- Feeling the movement of the fetus in different places and probing parts of the fetus in different parts of the abdomen (both on the right and on the left) also indicate multiple pregnancies. nine0031
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Is it possible to get pregnant with twins on your own?
On average, for every 30 singleton pregnancies, there is one during which more than one embryo develops. Twins and triplets are often born among twins. But it happens that a woman carries up to 6 embryos at once. Many dream of conceiving twins and are looking for recipes on how to do it naturally. We understand why multiple pregnancy develops and whether it can be influenced. nine0017
What is multiple pregnancy
Pregnancy is a special period when an unborn child develops in a woman's uterus. It's called prenatal. On average, it lasts for 40 weeks with a singleton pregnancy. During this time, a person is formed from a single cell that is formed as a result of the fusion of male and female gametes.
In pregnancy, there are two major periods - embryonic and fetal. The first lasts from the moment of conception to the 10th week of pregnancy, the second begins at 11 weeks and ends with childbirth. The embryonic period is also heterogeneous. It has several successive stages. nine0003
Stages of the embryonic period:
Name | Description |
Fertilization | The fusion of sperm and egg takes place. A simple embryo is formed. nine0158 |
Splitting up | The embryo begins to rapidly divide (crush), gradually increasing the mass of cells. |
gastrulation | On the 8th day after fertilization, cell differentiation and the formation of germ layers occur, from which tissues and organs are then formed. nine0003 |
Implantation | At the same time, the embryo is introduced into the endometrium of the uterus and fixed there. The fetus becomes an embryo. |
Placentation | After implantation, the placenta begins to form, which will become the link between the body of the mother and the baby. nine0003 |
Histogenesis | As the embryo develops, the corresponding tissues begin to form from the germ layers. |
Organogenesis | Organs begin to form from tissues, and the embryo passes into the fetal stage and becomes a fetus. nine0003 |
For a person, a singleton pregnancy is considered normal, when one embryo develops during the fusion of one sperm and one egg. But sometimes failures occur in this process, due to which twins are obtained in the mother's body. This may be due to the following processes:
- At ovulation, two eggs are released into the fallopian tube, which then form two embryos that develop independently of each other and form their own placenta. They have a different set of chromosomes, so they are not identical to each other. Such twins are called fraternal. They can be of the same or different genders. nine0031
- During ovulation, a single egg is produced, which is fertilized by one sperm. However, in the process of dividing the zygote, a failure occurs, due to which two embryos begin to develop. They form a common placenta, and their genetic makeup is completely identical. Such twins are called identical. They are never of different sexes - only boys or only girls are born. If division failure occurs in the later stages of cleavage, Siamese twins may form. nine0031
In the everyday meaning, the name "twins" or "twin" has a different meaning: the first is called fraternal twins, the second - identical. Unfortunately, even a multiple pregnancy does not guarantee the possibility of giving birth to twins or twins. Competition between embryos can lead to the death of one of them.
What determines the birth of twins
Accidentally getting pregnant with twins or twins is quite difficult. The development of multiple pregnancy occurs under the influence of the following factors: nine0003
- Heredity. The probability of having twins increases if multiple pregnancies have also occurred in the family of both or one of the parents.
- double ovulation. It occurs with an irregular cycle, after the abolition of oral contraceptives, congenital or acquired increased production of sex hormones. This increases the likelihood of conceiving twins.
- Age. After the age of 35, the activity of follicle-stimulating hormones increases, which can cause double ovulation and increase the likelihood of twins. nine0031
- In vitro fertilization. During IVF, the expectant mother receives several embryos. Often several of them take root. If the mother does not agree to remove additional embryos, this increases the likelihood of giving birth to twins.
These factors influence increase the likelihood of multiple ovulation. What influences the appearance of violations in the process of crushing, as a result of which twins can be born, is not known for certain, therefore it is unlikely that it will be possible to influence it nine0003
Important! The conception of twins is a sign that is inherited. If a couple does not know if there have been cases of multiple pregnancies in the family, geneticists can assess the likelihood.
Is it possible to increase the probability
It's hard to get pregnant with twins on purpose. If a couple does not have a hereditary predisposition to multiple pregnancy, then there are two ways to significantly increase the likelihood of such an outcome - in vitro fertilization or taking hormonal drugs. nine0003
How it works?
- IVF is the introduction of fertilized eggs into the prepared woman's body. For the procedure to be successful, several female gametes are fertilized. Then, after a certain preparation, from 2 to 4 embryos are injected into the woman's uterus. If more than one embryo survives, a multiple pregnancy occurs.
- Taking oral contraceptives temporarily stops ovulation. Against the background of the abolition of hormonal drugs, the likelihood of double ovulation increases. If conception occurs at this moment, then the formation of a multiple pregnancy is possible. nine0031
But even these methods do not guarantee that all fertilized embryos will be implanted in the uterine mucosa and will be able to develop normally until the very birth. Multiple pregnancy increases the burden on a woman's body. For its normal bearing, constant support and monitoring of the health of a pregnant woman is necessary.
The wrong choice of COCs can bring down the hormonal background, which can lead to infertility and difficulties in bearing children, so only a doctor can prescribe such drugs. nine0003
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Folk methods
Very often you can find folk methods that help to conceive twins and even plan the sex of future children. The most commonly offered methods are:
nine0148Hypothesis
Description
Calendar
It is believed that the spring season is considered favorable for planning a multiple pregnancy, as well as a cycle determined by the account (. Special tables are compiled according to which you can choose a day suitable for conception. nine0003
Poses
It is also important how parents have sex. To increase the chances of having the right child, you just need to find the right position.
Blood Updates
It is based on the fact that the blood in the human body is completely renewed within 3-4 years. It is believed that the younger the blood, the faster the metabolic processes and the higher the likelihood of double ovulation. It is also assumed that the parent with younger blood determines the sex of the unborn baby. nine0003
dietary
Special diets will also help to plan the appearance of twins, as well as the gender of the unborn child. It is necessary to exclude certain foods from the diet, and add to it those that help to get pregnant with the right child.
mood
The right request and confidence in yourself and your actions will help to achieve the desired result. Supporters of this method believe that even couples with diagnosed infertility become pregnant with this approach. nine0003
None of these hypotheses has been confirmed and will not help to make twins. These are attempts to influence what cannot be influenced. You should not be guided by them when planning a future child.
Risks of multiple pregnancy
With multiple pregnancies, the likelihood of complications increases manifold. The greater weight of children and amniotic fluid, the high costs of carrying them directly affect the woman's body and add certain problems. nine0003
The main ones are:
- spontaneous abortion before 22 weeks;
- premature birth after 22 weeks;
- stronger toxicosis and gestosis;
- incorrect location of the placenta;
- violation of intrauterine development of children;
- hypoxia of one or both fetuses;
- diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles; nine0031
- spine problems.
The most common complication is preterm birth, and therefore the normal period of the preliminary date for the birth of babies is shifted. For identical twins, it is 36 weeks, for fraternal twins, it is 37 weeks. To endure children before this period, it is necessary to constantly consult with a doctor and treat any difficulties immediately after they occur.
Sign up for an online consultation if the ultrasound showed a multiple pregnancy. Our doctors will remotely help assess the risks of complications and suggest what can be done to avoid them. nine0003
FAQ
Why are twins born?
+
Multiple pregnancy develops in two ways: the fertilization of several eggs (fraternal twins) and the consequence of a violation of the processes of crushing the zygote (identical twins).
Is it possible to get pregnant with twins naturally?
+ nine0003
Yes, if there are factors in the couple's history that affect the formation of several embryos, two eggs were released at the time of ovulation, or two embryos began to develop during cleavage due to a failure.
What affects the conception of twins?
+
This is influenced by hereditary factors, the age of the woman and the state of her hormonal system.
Expert opinion
nine0002 Multiple pregnancy is one of the options for the norm. It occurs due to multiple ovulation, as a result of a violation of the crushing of the zygote, or becomes a consequence of taking COCs. It also develops as a result of IVF. Such a pregnancy carries additional risks and requires more careful attention from the doctor leading the pregnancy.We publish only verified information nine0003
Article author
Menshikova Maria Viktorovna obstetrician-gynecologist
Experience 38 years
Consultations 1816
Art.