Expert Q&A: What Are My Chances of Getting Pregnant With Twins? by Dr. Alan Lindemann

We get lots of great questions from our community members, and we have lots of great experts to provide answers. Have a question? Send it to us at info@30seconds.com and we'll do our best to get it answered for you! 

Q. What are my chances of having twins?

A. Simply put, there are two kinds of twins. Those from one egg (oocyte) which splits into two. These are called monozygotic twins, and are what we commonly call identical twins. The other kind of twins come from two eggs, and are called dizygotic. Monozygotic twins occur at a relatively constant rate regardless of demographics such as who you are or where you live. That rate is one set of twins in 250 births.

Dizgotic twinning, that is two eggs, varies from nation to nation, heredity, race, maternal age and number of pregnancies. These twins can look much alike, but are not identical. The use of oral Clomid for infertility has been shown to increase the rate of twins.

In one study of twinning, the rate of twinning was 3.5 percent for black women, 3.0 percent for white women, while the rates for Asian, Hispanic Americans and native women were a lot less. In one study in a rural community in Nigeria, twinning occurred in one in 20 births.

Maternal age is a risk factor. From the age of 15 to 37, twinning increases four times. Increasing parity is also a risk factor, which means that dizygotic twinning runs in families. I know a lady who has two sets of twins, all living. Family history.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.