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Expert Q&A
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| By Randy Morris Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Chicago | ||
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I have twins on my side from my father's mother (my father is a twin). I'm 26. What are my chances of having twins? I've read that there are only two days in the month that you can conceive twins. Is this true? Can I do anything to increase my chances of having twins?
A family history of fraternal twins (non-identical) on your side of the family will increase the chances for a twin to about 4 percent of all pregnancies.
Twins can be conceived at any time that conception is possible. This means a window of intercourse from about five days before ovulation until less than one day after ovulation.
Fertility medications will increase your chances for having a twin pregnancy. This SHOULD NOT be something that you strive for. Twins increase the chances for gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm labor and delivery, intrauterine fetal death, birth defects, risk for Cesarean section, postpartum bleeding and other complications. A twin is also seven times more likely to die in the first month of life compared to a singleton. Couples attempting pregnancy through fertility treatment should be thoroughly counseled on how to keep their risk for multiple pregnancy as low as possible.
Related Expert Q&A
- Does conceiving one set of twins increase a mother's chance of having a second set of twins?
- When fraternal twins are conceived, is it likely that two eggs were released from the same ovary, or can both ovaries release eggs during the same cycle?
- What is my percentage rate for having twins if I am taking Clomid and am 36 years old?
- I recently lost a pregnancy where I was carrying twins. What are the chances that I could get pregnant with twins again?
- I'm 39 years old. I've heard that the older you get, your eggs start splitting, increasing your odds of a multiple birth (which I would be very grateful for). Is it likely that I would have a multiple birth?
More Answers by this Expert
- How can I prepare for conception? Is there any truth to cranberries contributing to uterine health?
- Can a chronic urinary infection affect my chances of conception?
- Why can't fallopian tubes be transplanted?
- What are double ovum twins?
- I'm 39 years old. I've heard that the older you get, your eggs start splitting, increasing your odds of a multiple birth (which I would be very grateful for). Is it likely that I would have a multiple birth?