Overview
Did you know twins aren’t just a lucky surprise? Your chances can actually be influenced! This article will take you through those influencers, including the medically assisted methods that can help you conceive. We will also understand the outcomes aimed for in such a pregnancy. So let’s get started.
Introduction: Understand How Twins Happen
A twin pregnancy occurs when two babies share the same space, the uterus, and grow together. It is not something magical; it is a full series of biological events. However, not all twin pregnancies are the same; they differ in the circumstances surrounding these events. These types include:
- Identical Twins: Identical twins form when only one fertilised egg splits into two embryos, without any potential external trigger, like lifestyle, habit, diet, etc. These twins remarkably share the same external features and DNA.
- Fraternal Twins: Fraternal Twins pregnancy occurs when two eggs are released from the ovaries in one cycle, and those two eggs are fertilised by two different sperm. These twins share almost 50% of their DNA, just like typical siblings.
Note that identical twins are completely natural and cannot be acquired through any medical procedure. However, fraternal twins are something that can be influenced by external factors and acquired by medical procedures and drugs.
Natural Factors Influencing Twin Pregnancy Chances:
Although anyone can get pregnant with twins, the truth is that certain factors make it easier for some individuals to produce twins than others. The following factors do not always guarantee a twin pregnancy, but can give a baseline push towards one:
- Family History: Fraternal Twin pregnancy often runs in the blood. That is, a couple with a family history of fraternal twins has a higher chance of such a pregnancy. This is because women with such a history have the genetic traits that allow them to produce two eggs at once.
- Maternal Age: Women above 30 experience a natural rise in FSH hormones as a natural way of compensating for the declining egg count. However, this can eventually result in the production of multiple eggs at once, increasing the likelihood of fraternal twins.
- Maternal BMI: A slightly overweight or tall woman has a higher chance of conceiving a twin pregnancy. This can also be connected to the fact that such women require more nutrients to support twins.
- Ethnic Background: Some ethnic groups, like women of African heritage, naturally have higher rates of producing twins.
- Diet & Nutrition Patterns: Diet patterns can only provide better nutrition to twins after conception and have no impact on the chances of conceiving one.
Medical Ways for Twin Pregnancy
With advancing medical machinery and techniques, conceiving a twin pregnancy on your own has become possible. Specific medical pathways have transformed the way we look at twin pregnancy, from being considered only a thought to becoming a reality. These methods include:
Fertility Medications:
- Certain medications are most commonly the first line of medical support in achieving a twin pregnancy.
- These medications are equipped with fertility-stimulating hormones that work to increase the hormonal level, allowing for the production of multiple follicles in one cycle.
- Although really effective, these medications require constant monitoring to avoid any type of high stimulation to ensure the safety of the mother and babies.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF):
- IVF can help you in conceiving twins, as the process is done in a highly controlled environment with an option to transfer two embryos at once.
- However, stringent protocols and an individual’s decision are followed to proceed with this.
- Note that single embryo splitting also results in an identical twin pregnancy and is unplanned even in IVF.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) with Ovarian Stimulation:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the direct placement of sperm into the uterus after it has been processed.
- Although IUI alone does not improve the chance of a twin pregnancy, it can result in a twin pregnancy when combined with ovarian stimulation.
- Because fertilisation occurs entirely within, the chance of conceiving triplets or more may also be elevated. Close monitoring is essential.
Is It Safe to Aim for a Twin Pregnancy?
The idea of a twin pregnancy can be fascinating, but it comes at a cost of certain medical complexities. This is why doctors always suggest never approaching such a pregnancy casually. For anyone having a twin pregnancy or aspiring to have one, they must consider all these risks:
1. Higher Physical Demands on the Mother:
Twin pregnancy doubles the nutritional and blood volume demands, increasing strain on the heart, back, and pelvis. This can lead to increased fatigue and discomfort, as well as more frequent visits to the doctor for prenatal care.
2. Increased Risk of Obstetric Complications:
Twin pregnancy increases certain medical and gestational risks to both mother and babies, such as:
- Preterm labour and birth
- Low birth weight
- Gestational diabetes in the mother
- Preeclampsia
- C-section delivery.
3. NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Possibility:
Twin pregnancy has the highest rate of preterm birth, requiring short-term support in the NICU.
4. Emotional & Mental Preparedness:
Considering the number of complications a twin pregnancy has, it needs a more demanding birth plan and parturition support. This makes it essential to be prepared emotionally as well as physically.
Conclusion
Finally, it can be concluded that a twin pregnancy is quite a blessing in its own right. However, before making a choice, make a checklist of common complications that arise in this pregnancy. So, take your time and make a thoughtful decision to choose your own path of parenthood journey.
Common Questions Asked
Is it possible for twins to skip generations?
Yes, fraternal twins can skip generations if the gene for hyperovulation is inherited, but the hyperovulation gene is not expressed in all females of the family.
Does a man's genetics play a role in twinning?
A man cannot actually influence whether there will be twins, but he can carry the inherited hyperovulation gene and pass it along to his female offspring, which then increases their chances of having twins.
Does breastfeeding increase the chances of having twins?
Some studies indicate breastfeeding may trigger a hormonal response that will encourage multiple ovulation; however, it doesn't mean you will definitely get them.
Do birth control pills influence twin chances after they are discontinued?
After hormone birth control, sometimes in the first cycle, there can be a rebound ovulation effect that can slightly influence multiple eggs to arrive at that time.
Is stress a factor for twin probability?
Chronic stress may impact ovulation and lower fertility in general; however, it will not lower or increase twin chances.
Do twins share a placenta?
No. Identical twins can either share the placenta or have their own, but fraternal twins will always have separate placentas.