Curious to know how to get pregnant with twins? Here’s what experts know so far.
Twins have fascinated the world for ages. They are even present in various myths and religions around the globe. Identical twins are also important in science, especially because they can answer many questions scientists have about nature vs. nurture.
A baby brings immense happiness in your life, and twin babies are twice the fun and make you feel on top of the world. But not all parents are of the same view.
Many dread the thought of having twins or more babies at the same time, while others may desperately want to have twins. Are you and your partner in the second category? Then, this article is just for you!
What food should I eat to get pregnant with twin babies?
The natural way is the best, and if you are planning to have twins, you will have to make a few changes to your diet.
If you have always dreamt of having twins, eating the following foods may make your dreams come true.
1. Yam
In one of the studies, it was observed that people of the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria have a high rate of twin births. It was established that it was because of the significant amount of yams in their diet.
Yams are a rich source of progesterone and phytoestrogens, and this may lead to hyper-ovulation. Therefore, the high amount of yams in their diet was reported as a probable cause of twin or multiple births.
2. Maca Root
Consumption of maca root is very beneficial for men and women who are facing fertility issues. Additionally, consuming maca root is suggested to women who wish to have twin babies, as it can boost their fertility.
Though there is not much evidence available that supports this claim, it is worth giving a shot. This root can be consumed in raw, dried, or powdered form.
3. Complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are a good option if you want to plan for twin babies. Carbohydrates are great for your body, and it is a good idea to include complex carbohydrates, rather than including just simple carbohydrates in your diet.
Food items such as beans, grains, and vegetables, are a great source of complex carbohydrates.
You are not only more likely to have twins due to increased fertility with this kind of diet, but a diet rich in complex carbohydrates may even help in preventing neural birth defects in babies.
What should my partner eat to increase the chances of twin pregnancy?
Foods that are high in zinc, such as oysters, green leafy vegetables, seeds, and bread, will help with sperm production – thus increasing his likelihood of being able to fertilise more than one egg.
Factors that influence your chances of getting pregnant with twins
The following are a few of the factors behind twin birth:
1.Family history
If twins run in your family, then you have a greater chance of carrying twins. Your partner’s family tree might be bursting with twins, but this won’t increase your odds much.
Having twins doesn’t “skip generations,” so if your mom had twins, you might have higher chances, too!
If you’re curious about what’s going on in your womb, we’ve got you covered. Each week of pregnancy brings wonderful changes and feelings for mom and baby alike. From the first few weeks (when your baby is still smaller than a raisin!) to the last (when that baby bump is getting hard to miss), we’ll cover everything you need to know, from those first “positive” pregnancy tests to those first kicks.
2. Age
Being older can also contribute to twin birth. Studies have shown that people who are over 35 have a higher chance of getting pregnant with non-identical twins.
This is possible because, after the age of 35, the ovaries release more than one egg per month more often. Studies show that you produce more follicle-stimulating hormone when you’re over 35 than when you’re younger. This may cause more than one egg to be released during ovulation, which would increase the likelihood of having non-identical twins.
3. Body composition
Some researchers claim that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) have higher chances of carrying twins. People with a BMI greater than 30 before conception are more likely to give birth to non-identical twins. Health care providers don’t recommend gaining weight to have twins.
Studies have also shown that for people who are 5 feet 4.5 inches (164 centimeters) or taller, the relative odds of having twins is 1.5–2 times higher than for those under 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm).
4. Ethnicity
Ethnicity is another factor that can influence the chances of carrying two babies. Black people are more likely than Caucasian people to give birth to twins. Asian and Hispanic people are even less likely to become pregnant with two or more kids at a time.
Other Ways to Increase Your Chances of Having Twins
There are certain medical methods to heighten your chances of conceiving twins. However, make sure to consult your doctor when considering these methods:
1. IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It involves using medical intervention to conceive. Women who use IVF may also be prescribed fertility medications before the procedure to increase their chances of getting pregnant.
For IVF, the women’s eggs and man’s sperm are removed before they are fertilized. They are then incubated together in a laboratory dish where an embryo is formed.
Through a medical procedure, doctors place the embryo in the woman’s uterus where it will hopefully implant and grow.
To increase the odds that an embryo will take hold in the uterus, more than one may be put in during IVF. This raises the likelihood of having twins.
2. Fertility Medication
Fertility drugs increase the number of eggs released by the ovaries, to increase the chances of conception.
However, this also increases the likelihood of multiple eggs being fertilised, resulting in fraternal twins.
As fertility medication can only be taken in a certain amount, depending on your medical and physical health, a doctor must be consulted before trying this method to conceive twins.
Conclusion
No doubt there are many factors that may affect your chances of giving birth to twin babies. But you can try for twin babies by following some of the suggestions mentioned above. If you want to know more about conceiving twin babies, get in touch with your doctor.
Are you the parent of twins? Would you like to be? Have you ever tried any of these steps? Let us know in the comment section.
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