How Can You Increase Your Chance of Getting Pregnant With Twins?

ByHeather Spohr

A twin pregnancy used to be a rather rare occurrence. In 1980, one in every 53 babies born in the United States was a twin. Compare that to 2009, where one in every 30 births resulted in twins. That’s a rise of 76% in just three decades! There are several factors that account for all of these multiple pregnancies, and not all of them are medical. If you want to be like Amal and Beyonce and have twins of your very own, read on! We have some tips on how to get pregnant with twins.

Fertility Treatments

The advent of assisted reproductive technology is one of the leading ways to get pregnant with twins. Some women have multiple embryos implanted during IVF to increase the odds that at least one will implant in the uterus. Other women take hormones like Clomiphene and gonadotropins to stimulate egg production. When more eggs are made, the likelihood of multiple eggs being released increases.

Age

Many women are waiting to have babies later in life, which increases their odds of having twins. Women in their 30s are far more likely to release more than one egg during ovulation. And, if the woman is between ages 35 ”” 40 and already given birth at least once, those odds go up even more.

Family History

If your family has a history of twin births, you struck the jackpot ”” especially if twins run on both sides. Men and women with a family history of multiples are much more likely to have twins themselves. Women with fraternal twins in their family are even more likely to have a set of their own, as the gene that causes women to release more than one egg is inherited.

Food and Supplements

There is some anecdotal evidence that certain foods and supplements can increase the odds of having twins. Cassava (an African sweet potato), Maca root, pineapple cores, and dairy products are believed to cause hyperovulation. There are also some studies that show women who take folinic acid are 40% more likely to have twins. A combination of magnesium and calcium is also thought to increase the odds of twins (but definitely check with a doctor before taking them).

Remember, a twin pregnancy is considered high-risk. Proceed with caution!

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(Image: iStock / dianekjohnson)

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