What Are Your Chances of Giving Birth to Twins?

Having a baby is very exciting, so how would you feel about a two-for-one pregnancy? If you’re undergoing fertility treatment, you probably already know that twins are a possibility. However, there are many other factors that come into play when it comes to multiples. Do you know your chances of giving birth to twins?  

• Your age plays a role. Women who are over 30 are more likely to have twins because they have higher levels of follicle–stimulating hormone. This surge in FSH occurs because older women have lower fertility in general, but sometimes the follicles can overreact and release two or more eggs.  
• Twins are sometimes hereditary. If your family history includes identical twins, that doesn’t make you more likely to conceive them. However, a history of fraternal twins on the woman’s side indicates a genetic predisposition to ovulate more than one egg per cycle, and if it’s in the man’s family it indicates high sperm production, so if your family has fraternal twins, you might have them too.  
• Your height and weight are a factor. Overweight women are more likely to have twins, even though extra weight can keep some women from conceiving because more weight means more estrogen, which can overstimulate the ovaries. Taller women are prone to twins, though no one knows quite why.  
• If you have a large family, it might get larger still. Women who have carried many pregnancies are more likely to conceive twins.  
• Race makes a difference. African Americans are more likely than Caucasian women to conceive twins, and Asian women are the least likely.  
• Surprisingly, breastfeeding can contribute to a higher risk of twins. This may seem unbelievable, because breastfeeding typically suppresses fertility, preventing pregnancy, especially if the baby is under six months and exclusively breastfed. However, if you do get pregnant while breastfeeding, you’re more than ten times as likely to have twins.  

All of these factors work together, so if you have more than one, your chances of twins are higher, especially if you are also undergoing fertility treatments. In general, the rate of twins is about 3.35%, but with fertility treatment, that number jumps significantly, depending on the type of treatment. With Clomid and Femera, for instance, the rate is between 5 and 12%, while with IVF it’s 12.1% for women under 35, and decreases as women age.  

If male infertility is impairing your ability to conceive, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for vasectomy reversals and other fertility issues. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks and offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just want to learn more, contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.