#conceieve

I've always loved the idea of twins and I've often looked into how likely it would be.  Below are ten points that are believed to results in a twin pregnancy (or multiples).

  1.  Family History

Identical twins is not believed to be hereditary.  It is when two babies grow in the same egg.

Fraternal twins is believed to be hereditary down the mothers side.  This is when the woman hyper ovulates (releases two eggs).

My sister was supposed to be a twin.  My mum lost one of the babies early on in her pregnancy.  I don't know if she would have been an identical or fraternal twin but there is a possibility the gene is there.

  2.  Already Have Twins

If you've already had a twin pregnancy then there is a good chance that you will fall pregnant with twins again.

I am still trying for the first pregnancy.

  3.  Have lots of children

If you've got a big family then there is chance that your body with get good at making babies and give your multiples.

I am still trying for the first pregnancy.

  4.  Breast feedings

Women who get pregnant whilst breastfeeding could fall pregnant with twins.

I am still trying for the first pregnancy.  I am hoping to be able to breastfeed so maybe if I'm ready then and get pregnant I could have my twins.

  5.  Contraceptive Pill

If you get pregnant on the pill then the hormone used can cause you to conceive twins.  This can happen if you don't take it regularly (missed pill, irregular time) or have recently come off the pill and it is still in your system. 

I have been off the pill for a month.  My doctor did warn me that in the first three months there is a risk of multiple pregnancy - I can only hope.  

  6.  Age

Women over 40 have a higher chance of having twins and this increases at 45.  However, the older you get the more difficult it is to get pregnant and the greater the risks of complications.

I'm almost 31 so not close enough to join the 40+ camp but maybe one day in my future...

  7.  Cassava Root

An African tribe eat the cassava yam as a staple of their diet and have a high number of twin pregnancy.  It is believe this yam causes hyper ovulation and therefore increases the chances of fraternal twins.

I have been tempted to try this but it is very difficult to get hold of.  All I can find is crisps by Hale & Hearty in the UK.  I have found two websites in America that sell the cassava root supplement.  The links are:

http://www.halenhearty.co.uk

http://www.cassavashop.com/

http://www.foreverblessedtwins.com/

  8.  Dairy

  If you're not shy of full fat dairy then you could increase your chance of twins. A study in 2006 found that women who eat dairy were five times more likely to have twins.

I love yogurt, cheese, milk, etc.  It looks like my love of diary may have improved my chances - woohoo. 

  9.  BMI

  A BMI of 19 to 24 will have a less complicated pregnancy but you are more fertile and likely to get pregnant if you have a BMI of 25 to 30.  You will have difficulties getting pregnant if have a BMI of 30+ but when you do it is likely to be twins.

I have a BMI of 19, so although its not the twin zone, it looks like I should have an easy going pregnancy.  That has got to be a good thing.  

  10.  Fertility Drugs/IVF

  Some drugs like Clomid or undergoing IVF can not only help a woman to get pregnant but also increase the chances of twins.

I'm hoping I will never have to go down the stressful route of fertility drugs and IVF.  I hope women who take this route are blessed with the child they always dreamed of.