How to Boost Your Chances of Having Twins

bY Milcah Tanimu

Twin births can be categorized as fraternal twins or identical twins. Identical twins occur when a single egg is fertilized by a single sperm, resulting in two twins with the same sex and DNA. Fraternal twins, on the other hand, develop when two separate eggs are fertilized by two distinct sperm cells, resulting in twins of different sexes with different DNA, and who do not look identical.

So, if you’re hoping to increase your chances of having twins, here are some methods to consider:

1. Dairy Consumption:
Drinking milk and consuming dairy products might enhance your likelihood of having twins. Dairy items can stimulate the production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in women due to growth hormones released by cows in their milk. This can encourage the ovaries to release more eggs simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of fertilizing two eggs.

2. Genetic Factors:
Marrying a partner with a family history of twins can boost your chances of having twins. If both you and your partner have a family history of twins, your odds of having twins increase even further.

3. Body Mass Index (BMI):
Research has shown that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher have a higher likelihood of having twins. Obesity can contribute to increased levels of estrogen, a female sex hormone, and excessive stimulation of the ovaries due to extra body fat. This can result in the release of multiple eggs instead of just one.

4. Maternal Age:
Getting pregnant in your 30s or 40s can increase your chances of having twins. Women over 30 tend to have higher levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is responsible for egg development in the ovaries. Lower fertility levels can lead to the overproduction of follicles, resulting in the release of multiple eggs and, consequently, multiple births.

5. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
Mothers undergoing IVF may be given medications that enhance the likelihood of twin pregnancies. The chances of having twins can be influenced by the number of embryos transferred during the IVF procedure. Transferring multiple embryos can increase the likelihood of two or more embryos successfully attaching and developing, resulting in fraternal twins or more.

Please note that while these methods may increase your chances of having twins, the occurrence of twins is not entirely within your control and can be influenced by various factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.