Multiple Births – What Are Your Odds?

For some moms, the thought of having twins is a dream, but for others, it’s enough to keep them up at night!

While there’s no way to predict your exact odds of having twins (and some theories seem closer to old wives tales than science), a few factors have been identified that may make you more likely to have a multiple birth. Find out which ones apply to you!

• Heredity. It’s commonly known that twins can run in families, but what is lesser known is that only the occurrence of fraternal twins are influenced by family history.
• Fertility Treatment. Fertility treatments such as invitro fertilization and ovulation drugs are known to increase the chances of multiple births.
• Age. Multiple births are more common among older women, and some say it’s a symptom of the “biological clock”. When women get older, their bodies may speed up the rate of ovulation.
• Taking the Pill. While it’s vary rare that women get pregnant while on the pill, those who take it improperly may be playing a dangerous game with their hormones, which could lead to multiples if pregnancy does occur.
• Keep having kids. Though this one is pretty shaky, some research shows that the more kids you have, the greater your chance of having twins or multiple births. It’s also believed that mothers who have twins once have a greater chance of having them again on a subsequent pregnancy.

What did we miss? Let us know of any other multiple birth science or superstition in the comments section below!