How to Have Twins: Conception & Getting Pregnant
Do you want to learn how to have twins? You may be aware that race, height, family history and fertility treatments are related to the probability that you will have twins. However, let’s focus on what you can influence in order to get pregnant with twins.
Consider having (some of ) your children in your thirties
Researchers agree that women in their mid to late thirties are more likely to prepare more than one egg per menstrual cycle than women in their twenties. If two eggs are released the possibility for fraternal twins are present. Getting pregnant several times when you are over the age of 35 will increase your chances of having twins significantly.
Start trying after you stop taking the pill
You need to try conceiving right after you stop taking the pill. This theory based on a 1977 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that when women first stop taking the pill, their bodies work to re-regulate their hormones. During the first months after getting off the pill, two eggs are sometimes released enabling them to get pregnant with twins. Be aware that other research show, that there is no correlation between ceasing to use oral contraceptives and having twins.
Eat dairy products
Gary Steinman of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center conducted a study that suggests that in particular dairy foods, could boost the production of a protein called insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in women. This could promote the release of eggs by the ovary, so that two are more likely to be released. This is especially the case in areas where growth hormone is given to cattle. Listen to Gary Steinman’s explanation in this video.
Use folic acid as a supplement
Many women take folic acid as a supplement when they’re pregnant. Most do this to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Some researchers claim that this supplement is also likely to increase the chances of getting pregnant with fraternal twins. This is described in an abstract by Bengt Källén from the University of Lund in Sweden. However, other researchers claim that there is no correlation between the consumption of folic acid and twinning rates. Keep taking the supplement though – it is proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Be aware of weight
Several studies have showed a correlation between maternal weight and the chances for a twin pregnancy. You have a significantly higher chance of getting pregnant with fraternal twins if you have a BMI over 30. However, obese women are encouraged to lose weight before getting pregnant, as maternal overweight is linked to lower fertility and also increases the risk of babies born with birth defects. The odds of having identical twins do not seem to be related to BMI.
Eat lots of yams
No direct correlation between eating yams and getting pregnant with twins have been proved, but research has suggested that a high occurrence of multiple births could be related to the eating habits of women in specific regions – for instance in a Nigerian town nicknamed Twin Capital of the World – where the intake of yams is known to be high. Read more here.
We hope you’ve learned a bit more about how to have twins. Leave a reply below this article if you have any tips or tricks on how to have twins.
