What are some ways to make having twins more likely?

Question

I'd really like my wife to have twins. What can I do to make this happen or at least more likely? Neither of us has a history of twins in our families. Thanks.

Answer 1

The things that increase the chances of having twins are almost entirely outside of our control. As you know, the risk of (fraternal) twinning is greater if there is a family history of (fraternal) twinning on the mother's side (through her mother, her maternal grandmother, etc. In other words, all through the women). Studies have found a higher incidence of fraternal twinning among certain races, among women who are taller, among women who are overweight, and among women who are older (older than 30, generally). Also, the more children you've had, the more likely you are to have fraternal twins, and if you've had fraternal twins previously you're more likely to have them again.

And that brings us to what is really the only thing we can control: the use of certain fertility drugs increases the risk of twinning, because they stimulate the ovaries to release more than one egg during ovulation.

(I have also read that there may be a higher incidence of fraternal twinning among women whose diet is rich in dairy and animal proteins, as contrasted with those whose diet is not rich in those things. However, I have not seen that corroborated anywhere. Ditto a theory that eating a lot of yams helps. That said, it can't hurt, so, go for it.)

At one time there were concerns that fertility drugs were linked to cancer, but the drugs have been given the all-clear in that regard and studies have concluded that no such connection exists. That's the good news. The "bad" news, if you're looking to up your chances of having twins, is that it's not practical to go on fertility drugs to up the chances of having twins and, what's more, no responsible doctor would prescribe the drugs for that purpose.

There is nothing at all that can be done to ensure having twins. That includes in vitro fertilization, although it seems that many people unfamiliar with the process do think that IVF does ensure a multiple pregnancy if that's what the couple desires.

That being the case, the best you can do is eat yams (just because, you know, it can't hurt!) and keep your fingers crossed -- if that's what you really want. But keep in mind that 1) raising twins ain't easy. It's not twice the work, either, it's *many* times the work. 2) multiple pregnancies are much riskier than singleton pregnancies, and women carrying more than one baby are at increased risk for things like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, often require bedrest (which sounds a lot less challenging than it is), and are far more likely to have preterm labor and premature infants. Having twins is a wonderful thing, don't get me wrong, but, as I said....it ain't easy!

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

ou may be hoping that your next pregnancy will be twins. After all, there is nothing like having two little babies at once!

Focus on Nutrition:
Women who are well nourished are more likely to have twins or multiple births. So focus on eating well and eating enough to maintain a healthy weight.
Eat Yams
Yams, a type of sweet potato, have also been linked with multiple births. A tribe in Africa whose diet consists mostly of yams was recently found to have exceptionally high rates of twins and multiple births. Yams are thought to contain chemicals that stimulate hyperovulation, increasing your chances of conceiving twins.

Answer 3

Why would you want twins? Do you know how hard just one baby is to take care of?

Answer 4

Pay for very expensive in-vitro fertilization! that way, you could even get quadruplets!