So not only do you want a baby, you might be thinking having two might be better. If you’re like me, you’re likely thinking “I’ve been trying for a while and I’m not gettin’ any younger here. Hopefully, I can have twins!” Then you begin to research online “How To Have Twins.” Well, at least I have done that and I am not ashamed to admit it! When I decide to try to conceive, the terms and phrases I enter into Google can get a little bit crazy. Anyways, today I will let you know what I found out on how to have twins!
Where To Begin
First off, there are two types of twins. There are identical twins (monozygotic) and there are fraternal twins (dizygotic). The term “zygotic” comes from “zygote,” or as we know it as when the sperm fertilizes the egg. The zygote is what is then developed into the embryo. So monozygotic/identical twins are when one egg divides and forms two embryos and dizygotic is when two different eggs are fertilized. There isn’t much information specifically on the chances of identical twins, but there are factors that can increase your chance of having fraternal twins. So now that we got that out of the way, we can move on to the chances of conceiving twins.
Chances Of Conceiving Twins
The chances of having twins is very small. Especially without any fertility interventions. In the U.S. there is about a 3.35 percent chance a woman will have twins. According to the CDC that means that there are 33.5 twins born out of 1,000 babies. Your chances of having twins will also depend on your genetics. Again, this information doesn’t include women taking any fertility drugs to conceive.
Who Is At Risk For Conceiving Twins
Older Women
I am not sure if I like how I called it “risk” for conceiving twins, because maybe that is the goal and would be a blessing, but I think you know what I mean. Since FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels rise as a woman gets older, women over 30 have a higher chance of conceiving twins. A woman who is 37 is four times more likely to conceive twins than a woman at the age of 18! FSH is responsible for the development of the eggs before ovulation. Higher FSH levels = Higher chance of having more than one egg mature.
Women Who Have Been Pregnant Before
Women that have had multiple pregnancies or large families have higher chances of having twins. The thought behind this is pretty much the same as the one before. The reasoning is that you are older from the first time you had your first, second, or third. So consequently, you are producing higher levels of FSH making your chances of developing more mature eggs increases.
Race And Weight
I remember when my husband and I went to see the RE, he told me that I had a higher chance of having twins due to being black. Yes, apparently being black increases your chance of having twins more than any other race. In one of my earlier posts, I discussed losing weight to get pregnant, but being obese increases your chances of conceiving twins. Strangely enough, the heavier you are the more estrogen you produce and this can lead to over stimulation of ovaries. Just keep in mind if you have problems getting pregnant due to your weight and/or your doctor suggests it, it is probably a good idea to lose the weight.
Family History
Genetics and family history are also a factor in your chances of conceiving twins. Apparently, taller women are more likely to conceive twins and woman whose mother had fraternal twins has a higher chance of having a twin herself. Am I confusing you yet? A lot of people tend to think that if the male has twins in his family, he has a greater chance of having twins. That is actually not the case. Keep in mind, that fraternal twins are from the woman releasing more than one egg. However, if the male has fraternal twins on his side of the family, chances are he can produce enough sperm to fertilize more than one egg.
What You Eat
Your diet can play a role on whether you get pregnant with twins. Eating dairy regularly is said to increase your chances of having twins. This is based on a study in 2006 that suggests eating dairy (specifically from cows that have been injected with a synthetic growth hormone) increases the insulin-like growth hormones (IGF) and that is associated with an increased risk of multiples.
Also, eating yams specifically African yams or cassava’s are supposed to increase your chances of having twins. I have seen many women discussing eating sweet potatoes to increase their chances. Sweet potatoes are not the same thing. These specific tubers aren’t grown in the U.S. and are likely not in your regular grocery store. Unless you are buying a supplement, you may be able to find cassava in at an ethnic grocer. At any rate, there is a ton of misinformation and confusion about eating yams or sweet potatoes to have twins. One thing is for sure, it is the cassava that enhances your chances.
My Thoughts
Having a baby in general would be a blessing for many. While I I fall into a few of the categories that increase my chances of having twins, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if that were to happen. I am sure like all the expecting mothers of twins and the mother’s that already have twins, I would make a way and make it work. Even though the chances are slim in conceiving twins, it is nice to know that there are supplements and things you can do to increase your chances (hello ice cream!). So hopefully I have answered your question on how to have twins.
If you have any other methods that increase your chances, please feel free to drop them in the comments. If you are a mom that used a specific method to have twins, I would love to hear from you. As always, good luck and baby dust to you!
Great post, Tiffany, it’s ironic that I am reading your post. I have fraternal twin grandaughters from my daughter. They are 26 yr. of age now and neither so far has twins of their own. My daughter was first in my immediate family, but, history of twins in both my parents’ history. I must say it was work when they were babies, but, double the joy! Thanks for a great article on twins in your thirties…
Thank you for stopping by! I thought it would be interesting to do a story on twins since they run in my family. My grandmother, mom, and aunts have had twins. My grandmother had two sets! So far it hasn’t happened to me, but as I am getting older the chances increase. So we shall see. Thank you for the comment!