There is no known natural way of having twins, but certain assisted reproductive technologies might be effective in increasing the chances of having twins.
The question of how to conceive twins does not have a clear solution. While it is an intriguing topic, the likelihood of having twins is typically based on chance. Various elements, like genetics or medical interventions, could increase the possibility of having twins or multiple births.
Nonetheless, even with various techniques, there is no guarantee of having twins.
Continue reading this post ‘How to Increase the Chances of Having Twins?‘ to learn about the likelihood of having twins, as well as methods to enhance the chances and various fertility treatments that could assist in achieving the chances of having twins.
What is the process by which twins are conceived?
There are two categories of twins – identical (monozygotic) and non-identical (dizygotic).1
- Identical twins: Approximately 33% of twins are identical twins, or monozygotic twins, which occur randomly when one egg is fertilized by one sperm and splits into two separate embryos. These twins have identical genetic makeup and share the same placenta. Identical twins can also result from fertility treatments in some cases.
- Non-identical twins: Non-identical twins, also referred to as dizygotic twins, occur when two distinct eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm cells. These twins are distinct individuals with varying genetic makeups and do not have a shared placenta. Due to only sharing around 50% of their genes, non-identical twins may not always be the same gender.
Likelihood of Twins Occurring in Various Scenarios
Data from the US National Center for Health Statistics indicate that the age of the mother is linked to the likelihood of giving birth to twins. As women age, the chances of having twins rise, with those in their 40s having a higher likelihood compared to younger women.
However, there was a noticeable decline in twin births among women over 40 from 2014 to 2018,2 while there was a slight increase in twin births among mothers under 20 during the same period. It is important to mention that there is no foolproof method to naturally increase the chances of having twins.
Factors that can impact the chances of having twins
As previously stated, the birth of identical twins is completely unpredictable. There is no surefire way to ensure having twins.
However, certain factors could influence the chances of having twins.
1. An individual’s familial background or genetic inheritance
If you have a twin or a family history of twins, your chances of having twins are increased. However, if your partner is a twin or has twins in their family, it will not affect your chances of having twins.
Your chances of having twins depend on whether you produce the eggs. If either you or your mother is a twin, the chances of you having twins increase. Hyperovulation, which is the release of two eggs during the ovulation process, may also increase your chances of having twins. Certain genes combined with hyperovulation can further raise the likelihood of non-identical twins.3
2. Cultural background / Skin color
Different ethnicities are believed to have varying chances of giving birth to twins. Asians and Hispanics tend to have lower chances of having twins, while Africans have a higher probability, with Europeans following closely behind.
3. Physical Build (Height and Body Weight)
Taller women have a greater chance of having twins than shorter women, which may be unexpected. Additionally, women with a higher weight are more likely to give birth to twins than those who are thinner.
Women who adhere to a balanced and nutritious diet may be more likely to conceive twins than those who follow a limited, low-fat diet.
A study by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology suggests a link between the increase in multiple births and the rise in obesity rates. The research shows that women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more are more likely to have twins, especially fraternal twins.4
4. Age of the mother
As you get older, the chances of having twins or multiple babies may rise. Women over the age of 35 tend to have higher levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) compared to younger women. This hormone helps the ovaries release eggs for ovulation, and higher levels of FSH mean more eggs are released during ovulation, leading to the possibility of multiple pregnancies.
5. Increased number of pregnancies
If you have had more than one pregnancy in the past, there is a greater chance of having twins. The chances of having twins may also increase with each additional pregnancy.
The utilization of fertility treatments could increase the chances of achieving a twin pregnancy
Fertility interventions have the potential to increase the likelihood of having twins. Your medical professional can recommend the most suitable treatment options considering your unique situation. Nevertheless, it is typically advised against seeking fertility treatments that may result in multiple gestations.
1. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproductive technology
Women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) have a good possibility of giving birth to multiple babies, but this largely depends on the number of embryos implanted in the uterus.
Healthcare professionals may choose to insert more than one embryo into the uterus to improve the chances of having twins. If both embryos are successfully implanted and developed, it can lead to a twin pregnancy.
2. Intrauterine insemination, commonly known as IUI
The process involves inserting sperm into the uterus through a syringe. However, IUI on its own does not raise the chances of having multiple pregnancies. Women undergoing this procedure may need to use fertility medications to enhance the probability.
3. A hormone that stimulates the gonads.
These drugs could increase the chances of having twins by improving the health and maturity of eggs. Gonadotropins are known to stimulate the simultaneous release of multiple eggs. Your doctor will be able to recommend the appropriate medication for you.
4. A medication known as Clomiphene Citrate
Approximately 10% of women taking Clomiphene or Clomiphene citrate have the potential to conceive twins. The drug can increase the likelihood of twin births for women who already have a higher probability of conceiving twins.5
Before undergoing assisted reproductive procedures such as in vitro fertilization, it is possible to take the pill to enhance egg production.
It may also assist in managing hormonal irregularities in males, which can impact the sperm’s quality, quantity, and movement.
Fertility herbs that can help increase the chances of having twins
While there is no scientific evidence to back up the effectiveness of herbs in increasing the chances of conceiving twins, traditional forms of medicine like Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine often recommend the use of specific herbs to enhance fertility and conception.
However, there is a lack of concrete proof of how effective these herbs are in promoting twin or multiple pregnancies.
- Evening primrose oil is thought to enhance healthy cervical mucus that could help the sperm survive in the ovary for a longer period.
- Licorice is believed to regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and could aid in conception.
- Flaxseed oil may potentially enhance fertility and increase the likelihood of conceiving twins.
- Sweet cassava is also thought to increase the chances of having twins due to its ability to induce hyper-ovulation.
- Black cohosh is not proven to increase the chances of conceiving twins, but it is believed to boost fertility.
- Vitex (chaste tree berry) may regulate hormonal levels, improve ovulation, and prevent ovarian cysts, all of which are thought to be beneficial for conceiving twins.
- Maca root is also thought to enhance overall fertility, potentially improving the chances of having twins.
Even though these herbs come from nature, they may still have certain unintended effects. It is recommended to consult with a knowledgeable herbalist or naturopath before using them.
Natural Methods That Could Increase the Likelihood of Getting Pregnant with Twins
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of having twins, but these are simply popular beliefs supported by personal stories rather than scientific research.
1. Dairy products.
Women who ingest dairy products are more likely to give birth to twins than those who do not. Studies suggest that the presence of growth hormones in milk, especially from cows that have been treated with growth hormones, maybe a contributing factor to the increased chances of having twins.
2. Untamed Yam
Wild yams are believed to cause the ovaries to be overactive, leading to the release of multiple eggs during ovulation, potentially raising the chances of having twins. This is why African women are thought to have an increased likelihood of conceiving twins as wild yams are a regular part of their traditional diet. Among African populations, the Yoruba tribe from West Africa is known to have the highest rate of twins.
3. Discontinue the use of oral contraceptives
When you discontinue the use of birth control pills, your body will need some time to adjust to its natural cycle. According to a study, there is a possibility of getting pregnant with twins within one year of ceasing oral contraceptives.
4. Conceiving a child while still breastfeeding
A research study revealed that women who became pregnant while breastfeeding had a higher likelihood of giving birth to twins.
5. Encourage your significant other to consume foods that are high in zinc
Zinc is recognized for its ability to enhance sperm count. To boost zinc intake, it is advisable to suggest to your partner to incorporate foods high in zinc like pumpkin seeds, lamb, green peas, and yogurt into their diet. This could potentially increase the chances of fertilizing multiple eggs.
6. Give yourself some time between pregnancies
Having a sufficient interval between pregnancies may increase the chances of having twins.
Can specific sexual positions increase the chances of conceiving twins?
Despite the belief that certain sexual positions can increase the chances of having twins, there is no scientific evidence to back up these assertions. Nevertheless, various myths and traditions suggest that there are specific positions that may be more conducive to conceiving twins.
Some of these positions include:
1. Beside each other
This position is commonly referred to as doggy style and is believed to increase the likelihood of a woman conceiving twins, as the position makes it easier for sperm to reach the cervix.
2. Upright posture
Another position is the doggy style, which is thought to allow for deeper penetration and possibly increase the likelihood of conceiving twins.
3. The traditional sexual position where the man is on top of the woman, facing each other
Being on top during sex is believed to facilitate easier entry of sperm into the egg and potentially increase the chances of conceiving twins.
4. Position With the Partner Entering from Behind
In this position, the partner enters from the rear, which is thought to help keep the sperm near the woman’s cervix and potentially improve the chances of conception.
Having twins is a joyful occurrence, but there is no foolproof way to ensure the birth of twin babies.
Genetics, ethnicity, and the age of the mother are among the factors that may increase the chances of having twins. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are reproductive technologies that can aid in conceiving multiple babies, although experts strongly advise against using these methods for that purpose.
Some natural remedies, such as black cohosh and licorice, certain dietary choices, and specific sexual positions are believed to enhance the chances of twin pregnancy. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. Ultimately, having twins is largely a matter of chance.
Key Takeaways of ‘Tips on How to Increase the Chance of Having Twins’
- As a woman ages, her chances of getting pregnant with and delivering multiple babies increase.
- Different factors such as genetics, body type, age, and previous pregnancies can affect the chances of having twins.
- Medical interventions like IUI, IVF, and specific medications can elevate the chances of having twins, despite being generally discouraged.
- Consuming a nutritious diet that incorporates dairy products might enhance the chances of having twins compared to a diet low in fat.
