Our Blog
How to get pregnant with twins
Introduction
Planning for pregnancy is very daunting and depending on where you are in raising your family, being told you’re expecting twins can come as a shock to your system.
Timing is everything when trying to conceive, and studies have suggested that the absolute prime time to have sex is 12 hours prior to ovulation. This allows the sperm to be in place and ready as soon as the eggs are released.
Statically, there is about 15% to 30% chance of getting pregnant naturally in each cycle and typically about 50% of all couples who are trying to conceive become successful within four months.
Understanding Twin Conception
A woman discovers they are pregnant with multiple babies usually at the time of their first ultrasound. The ultrasound scan carried out during pregnancy uses sound waves to check the baby’s development, any abnormalities and also to detect the presence of multiple babies.
Types of Twins
Identical Twins
Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits and develops into two fetuses. Genetically, the two babies are identical. They will be the same sex and look exactly alike. So in simple terms, you end up with identical twins when one fertilized egg splits into two embryos.
Fraternal Twins
Fraternal twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm. In this case, the twins can be two girls, two boys, or a boy and a girl. Genetically, the twins are no more alike than are any other siblings. In other words, this occurs when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm.
Factors That Influence Twin Conception
There are a lot of complex factors that influences the chances of getting twins in any pregnancy. Some of these factors are listed below;
Genetics: Family history and ethnic background. While genetics does not usually play a role in conceiving identical twins, some families do have more than expected, suggesting a possible genetic link, though this isn't confirmed. Fraternal twins are more likely to run in families, possibly due to a genetic tendency for hyperovulation, though the specific genes involved aren't well understood
Age: Women over 30 are more likely to conceive twins.
Height and Weight: Taller and heavier women have a slightly higher chance.
Natural Methods to Increase Twin Conception
Dietary Adjustments
Dairy Products: Studies suggest dairy intake may increase chances.
Yams and Sweet Potatoes: Certain cultures with high twin birth rates consume these.
Folic Acid Supplements: Evidence shows a link between folic acid and twin conception.
Lifestyle Factors
Timing of Conception: Conceiving while breastfeeding or shortly after stopping the pill may increase the chances.
Weight Gain: Women with a higher body mass index (BMI) are statistically more likely to have twins.
Fertility Treatments and Supplements
Fertility Medications
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): A popular medication that stimulates ovulation.
Gonadotropins: Injectable hormones that can lead to the release of multiple eggs.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Transfer of multiple embryos increases the chance of twins.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Can be combined with fertility drugs to enhance the possibility.
Fertility Supplements
Everyone knows the importance of taking fertility vitamins during pregnancy, but it's beneficial to start taking them even before conception. Prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients that may increase your chances of conceiving, as even the best diets might not provide everything you need. It's also important for men to maintain good nutrition with vitamins and minerals, as this can improve sperm production and fertility. Both partners should consider taking vitamins to boost their overall reproductive health, and men with fertility issues should have their sperm count checked after a few months of supplementation.
Risks Associated with Twin Pregnancies
Carrying more than one baby can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, although many multiples, especially twins, are born healthy. The more babies you carry, the higher the risk. Common complications include:
Preterm Labor: About 60% of twins and 90% of triplets are born before 37 weeks, increasing the chances of low birth weight and other health issues.
Preeclampsia: This condition, marked by high blood pressure and swelling, is more common in multiple pregnancies and requires close monitoring.
Cesarean Birth: The likelihood of needing a C-section is higher with multiples, especially with more than two babies.
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): This condition affects identical twins when blood flow between them is uneven, potentially requiring treatments like amniocentesis or laser surgery.
Overall, close monitoring by healthcare providers is crucial for managing these risks.
Conclusion
For couples that are seeking to have twins, in addition to lifestyle and dietary changes, Purely Fertility is a recommended fertility supplement for couples that can be taken to help increase your chances of conception.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16679141/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16779988/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gepi.1370050503
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744165X10000466
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/diet-linked-to-twin-birth/
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/twins/
