How to Get Pregnant with Twins: Secrets Every Mom Should Know

The journey to parenthood is exciting and challenging, and for some, the dream of having twins is a special hope. For many couples wishing to expand their families, the question of how to get pregnant with twins arises.

Although twins are not common, certain factors and treatments can increase the chance of multiple pregnancies. Whether it's fraternal (dizygotic) or identical (monozygotic) twins, understanding how these pregnancies occur can help couples make informed decisions about their fertility options.

This article will discuss the main factors to influence twin pregnancies, whether it is medical or natural and related risks. We will also tell you how you can have a greater chance of conceiving twins and if that option is appropriate for you.

What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant with Twins?

The overall chance of conceiving twins is about 1 in 250 . However, several factors may influence your chances, and these include genetics, age, and fertility treatments.

Genetics or Family History

Genetics plays a huge role. In simple words, women with a family history, especially on the maternal side, have a greater chance of conceiving twins.

This is because some women inherit genes for hyperovulation. Hyperovulation is a process in which more than one egg is released during ovulation, which massively increases the likelihood of dizygotic twins.

Age

Age also plays a role in twin pregnancies. Women between the ages of their late 30s to early 40s tend to release more eggs and increase the chances of a twin pregnancy. However, increasing age also increases the risk of complications like gestational hypertension and premature birth.

Number of previous pregnancies

Women who have given birth to more than one child are more likely to conceive twins since their hormonal and uterine changes stimulate ovulation.

Fertility Treatments

Assisted reproductive technologies like IVF also increase the chances of getting twins. In IVF, multiple embryos are transferred to the mother's uterus for implantation to reduce failure rates. However, if more than one embryo gets implanted into the uterus, this can lead to multiple pregnancies.

Natural Ways to Increase Your Chances of Conceiving Twins

The best possible chance to conceive twins is actually offered by medical treatment, but of course, there are also more natural ways.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Women with a high BMI might have a slightly better chance of having twins. Research points out that the more body fat, the more estrogen is produced in the woman's body, and this could stimulate hyperovulation.

But this doesn't mean that you start eating more calories to increase your BMI, as being overweight is linked to multiple diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, the goal is to keep your BMI near 23 to 24, which increases your chances of getting twin pregnancy without affecting your overall health.

Folic Acid Supplementation

We all know that folic acid supplementation is incredibly important for women who are planning to get pregnant. Adequate folic acid levels in the blood of pregnant women boost the brain development of the baby. In contrast, inadequate folic acid can lead to complications such as neural tube defects.

But do you know that folic acid supplementation is also linked to greater chances of having twins? Yes, a 2005 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology journal revealed that folic acid supplementation increases your chances of getting pregnant with twins by 40%.

Dairy Products

Back in 2006 , news broke that women who consume excess dairy products have a 5 times greater chance of having twins. The researchers claimed that a significant rise is noted in a special protein in those who consume dairy products. This special protein, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), has been linked with multiple ovulation. However, you should know that the science behind these claims is vague, and more studies are needed to make a solid argument.

Timing of Ovulation

Ovulation monitoring through fertility awareness methods can maximize the chances of conception. Ultrasound monitoring during fertility treatments ensures that conception is timed precisely, which also stimulates the release of more eggs.

What to Consider Before Trying to Conceive Twins?

Having twins is pretty exciting, but the conception of multiple pregnancies poses many risks and complications. It is also quite high risk because chances for complications are pretty likely to happen.

Medical Hazards

Carrying twins has a higher risk of premature birth, gestational hypertension, and preterm labor. Monochorionic twin pregnancies carry other risks like Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), where one twin gets more blood than the other, leading to growth imbalances.

Psychological and Financial Stress

Normally, twin pregnancies require more medical attention, which can be costly. Additionally, the emotional and physical demands of carrying twins are overwhelming, and it's really important to have a solid support system in place.

Consult a Doctor

Before trying to conceive twins, it is extremely important to see a physician who can evaluate your condition and discuss the risks you are taking. If you will be using IVF or fertility drugs to conceive, your healthcare professional can advise you on the best strategies to minimize risks.

The Bottom Line

Genetics, age, and fertility treatments can influence the possibility of having twins, but it does not guarantee success. Though there are natural ways of increasing the chances of conceiving twins, it's always a must to consider the risks, such as premature birth and gestational hypertension.

Whether you are carrying twins or not, the journey to parenthood is so intimate, and all pregnancies are gifts. So, communicate your wishes and possibilities to your physician if you ever decide on having a twin pregnancy.