Could i have twins?

Question

Okay my fiance and i have been talking about havin a baby. His father is a twin, and my father is also. Both are boy and girl. He is his fathers 3rd child (youngest) and i am my fathers 3rd child (the youngest) Is it likely that we could have twins? About how sure are you?

Answer 1

Identical twins happen purely by accident. It has nothing to do with family history. Twins that aren't identical do relate back to family history but it's no guarantee. In my research it goes by the fathers side of the family.

Answer 2

Fraternal twins run on maternal sides of the family (your moms side) as it is a genetic disposition for the woman to produce more than one egg at ovulation. Hence two or more eggs released more chance of having a multiple birth. (each egg fertilized by different sperm).. Identical twins occur when one egg fertilized by one sperm split within 14days of fertilization which causes the twins to have identical DNA. This is non genetic and there is no way to predict when this will occur.

There are some studies which have identified that young pregnancies (22& under) and pregnancies in women 33+ have a higher incidence of twins. Without taking fertility treatments to increase ovulation there is no way to predict if you will have twins.

Answer 3

I do know that having a family history of fraternal twins increases your chances of also having fraternal twins. I don't know what the percentages are or anything. I know that OB's generally ask you about your family history of twins because it does increase your chances. However it would not increase your chances of having identical twins. They just happen randomly

Answer 4

You can ignore your fiancee's background.

Multiple births generally follow through the maternal line. If your mother is a single, you will *likely* have singles.

That having been said...depending on your choice of birth control up til now, you could still have twins - especially if you've been using certain brands of oral contraceptive.