How to have twins?

In the past, having twins was considered an abnormality caused by the improper division of the embryo's cells. However, nowadays, people have twins for various reasons, which can differ in each case. Of course, twins are adorable; you get two babies in one pregnancy. Additionally, in medical treatments for infertility, it may be necessary to implant multiple embryos to increase the chance of pregnancy, which can also lead to twins. Many people may wonder if it is possible to naturally conceive twins or if there are ways to increase the chances of having twins, and what steps can be taken to achieve this.

Multiple pregnancy is when a woman is pregnant with more than one baby at the same time, typically two or more. It can be called a twin pregnancy, triplet pregnancy, or even quadruplet pregnancy, depending on the number of babies in the womb. This is generally referred to as a "multiple pregnancy." Carrying multiples is considered an abnormality as it carries a higher risk of complications, both during pregnancy and after childbirth. There is also an increased risk of the babies' deaths.

Identical twins (Monozygotic) occur when a single egg is fertilized by a single sperm and then splits into two separate embryos, resulting in two babies with identical genetic material. This means they may look very similar in many ways, such as their body shape, facial features, hair color, and even blood type. Environmental factors may cause minor differences in their appearance. Most identical twins are of the same gender.

Advantages of Having Twins:

1. One Pregnancy, Two Babies: You get two children in one pregnancy, saving time and effort compared to having children in separate pregnancies.

2. Built-in Playmates: Twins often have a built-in playmate, growing up together as friends, siblings, and helping each other out.

3. Fun with Matching Outfits: Dressing twins in matching clothes can be a fun and joyful experience for parents, sharing moments of style and bonding.

Disadvantages of Having Twins:

1. Higher Costs: The cost of raising twins is double, from buying baby products to educational expenses, everything must be multiplied.

2. Increased Pregnancy Risks: Carrying twins comes with more risks compared to a single pregnancy, such as a higher chance of complications like preterm birth.

3. Less Personal Time: With twins, personal time is limited, as their schedules for eating, sleeping, and playing may not always align. Parents will need to double their efforts for activities like bathing, dressing, feeding, and mealtime.

Miscarriage Risk
There is an increased risk of miscarriage in twin pregnancies, especially in the early stages.

Low Placenta Position (Placenta Previa):
The placenta may be positioned low in the uterus, which can increase the risk of bleeding before delivery.

Risk of Pregnancy Complications:
Twin pregnancies are more likely to experience complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia, and anemia.

Risk of Preterm Birth:
Twin pregnancies are more likely to result in preterm labor and premature birth, increasing the risk of complications for the babies.

Natural Delivery Less Likely:
The likelihood of a vaginal delivery is lower in twin pregnancies, as the babies may not be in the correct position for a natural birth.

Postpartum Complications:
There is a higher risk of infections after delivery, and twins are more likely to be born with a low birth weight. The rate of infant mortality is also higher compared to single pregnancies.

Increased Morning Sickness:
Mothers carrying twins may experience more severe morning sickness compared to those carrying a single baby.

Twin pregnancies occur due to abnormalities in fertilization between the egg and sperm, as well as the division of the embryo. This can happen due to various factors, including:

1. Genetics:
   If someone in the family has had twins, there is a higher chance of having a twin pregnancy. The inheritance of twin pregnancies is typically passed down more from the mother’s side than the father’s side.

2. Mother’s Age and Number of Previous Pregnancies:
   The older the mother, or the more pregnancies she has had, the greater the chance of releasing multiple eggs during ovulation in each cycle, which increases the likelihood of a twin pregnancy.

3. Stopping Birth Control:
   After discontinuing birth control pills, especially if used for more than three years, the hormones that were suppressed by the pill will resume their function. This can lead to the release of multiple eggs during ovulation, increasing the chance of a twin pregnancy.

Here are 4 methods that may increase the chances of having twins:

1. Cow's Milk: Cow's milk contains high levels of estrogen, which is a female hormone. Drinking milk daily may increase the chance of having twins.

2. Foods with Zinc: Consuming foods rich in zinc can help strengthen sperm. Foods with zinc include oysters, pumpkin seeds, peas, grains, and leafy vegetables.

3. Wild Yams (Cassava): Wild yams have properties that help stimulate the ovaries to produce and release more than one egg.

4. Flaxseed Oil: This natural supplement helps prepare the body before pregnancy and may also increase the chances of having twins.

However, these methods do not guarantee a 100% chance of conceiving twins, as they are just supportive measures for overall fertility.

Can you have twins without the twin gene? Another method to help conceive twins is through in vitro fertilization (IVF/ICSI). IVF has a higher rate of twin pregnancies, with the likelihood of having twins ranging from 20-40%.

As mentioned above, these are just supplementary methods and ways to nurture your body. If any mothers fall under the category of infertility or wish to have twins, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination to assess whether it is possible to conceive twins and evaluate how prepared your body is for pregnancy. Based on this, the doctor will then create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.