Could multiples run in my family?

Question

First of all, let me just say that I'm 13 and nowhere near the age I start thinking about having children.

However, I dream of having twins someday and wonder what the odds are that this would come naturally to me. I know several people on my mom's side that were twins or triplets and I myself am a triplet, although my mother was on pills or something to help this. Is it more likely I could concieve twins naturally because there have been several instances in my ancestry?

Answer 1

yes it has been seen that multiples often run in family genetics. Many familys seem to skip generations for multiples however. in my husbands family that it the case. at least one family member in every other generation has a set of twins or triplets. HIs great grandmother had one set of triplets (died before birth) and 2 sets of twins (only one child survived out of both pregnancies) it skipped his grandmother and her brother. My husbands cousin gave birth to a set of very premature twins (died in the hospital) This would make a very good Biology project. Look into it online. I would start with Wikipedia.

Answer 2

Your chances are higher provided that the twins or triplets on your mom's side weren't the result of fertility pills. Most likely you would have fraternal twins.

The poster above is incorrect. Current research indicates that twins can also come down the father's line, but it does it in a different way. Also, identical twinning, while mostly random, can also be genetic in uncommon instances.

Answer 3

You might be slightly more inclined if you are a descendant of people who had twins.

My great grandmother had twins. None of her daughters had twins and as far as I know none of their daughters had twins. My mother never had twins. I did have twins. But my daughter has had three single births.

It's just the luck of the draw.

I know that you have a very close relationship with your triplet siblings. And want that for your children. But let me tell you, having multiples is very very hard work on the parents. I would have given anything to have had my twins separately. Even though my son and daughter are very very close... and I'm happy about that, but it was so difficult caring for twins. And I had very little outside help.

Answer 4

Yes, some type twins can run in families. There are 11 sets in my ancestry, 3 set in my generation. My great grandmother had 2 set in the 1800's. Read this article in Wikipedia about twins. Very interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twins

Answer 5

You'd have to ask the doctor the exact odds, but yes, twins most definately run in families. Your chances are higher than someone who has no twins in her family anyway. Twins are very difficult when they are young though.

So glad you are not planning on having children until many years from now! Smart!!!

Answer 6

If your maternal side has more fraternal multiples, then your chance might be higher. And as you age, you have a higher chances of having multiples also.

Check the website below..it's quite interesting.

Answer 7

if you have a lot of fraternal twins (not identical) on your moms side then it ups your chances but only if it was a genetic thing, not fertility treatment and multiples that are genetic usually skip a generation (but not always).

Answer 8

Not likely. Esp since your mom was on fertility meds. Twins are fun to have, but they are really challenging too.

Answer 9

lucky you have a twin aactually you have 2 twin sisters sigh i wish i had a twin bro

Answer 10

only natural fraternal twins are hereditary and only through the maternal side.