Chances are, you or someone you know is having or has had twins.
Many factors apparently affect your chances of welcoming more than one bundle of joy, but today we thought we’d bring you a few more facts about twins to show you how amazing it is to have double the trouble!
Some of them you may know while others might surprise you.
1. The older you get, the more likely you are to have twins
There are a number of factors that increase your chances of having twins or triplets including family history, diet, family size, fertility treatments and age. A study found that women in their 30s and 40s are more likely to have multiple births.
2. There are two types of twins
Fraternal twins happen when two separate eggs are fertilised by two separate sperm and implant in the womb at the same time whilst identical twins (which are less common) happen when a single fertilized egg splits in two.
3. Having twins can intensify pregnancy symptoms
According to WebMD, being pregnant with twins can make morning sickness worse during the first trimester. Women carrying twins are also apparently more prone to back pain, heartburn and sleeping problems.
4. More twins are being born now than ever before
A recent study revealed that twin births have almost doubled in a number of developed countries over the course of four decades. Ireland itself has seen a slight increase in the number of twin births since 1975.
5. Even identical twins don’t have the same fingerprints
Identical twins have the same DNA but their fingerprints aren’t the same. They do tend to be similar but there are subtle differences which make them unique, just like the rest of us.
6. Labour can come early
Dr Abdulla Al-Khan told WebMD that women expecting twins will usually go into labour at 36-37 weeks. The fact that twins are more likely to be born prematurely also means that they may have low birth weights and could have health issues.
7. Anything can happen
It is possible for twins to have different fathers. Bi-paternal twins are incredibly rare and happen when a woman releases two eggs which are fertilised by the sperm of two different men. It is also possible for twins to have different skin colours.
