If you are trying to get pregnant, looking to adopt twins, or are expecting twins, you may have a lot of questions, as do identical twins run in families?. Thankfully, TwinStuff is here to help answer commonly asked twin related questions. Having gained knowledge by asking experienced parents of twins, along with researching the topic, we have put together key findings to help put your mind at ease and focus on your growing family. Not only do we have a successful online presence within out TwinStuff Facebook Group, but we also provide you additional blogs and insights to prepare you for your newest arrivals.
Do Identical Twins Run In Families?
The straightforward answer is that studies are still out as to whether or not identical twins can run in families. In certain studies, identical twins scientifically known as monozygotic twins (MZ twins), do not occur. Though MZ twins may happen throughout the generations, it does not confirm that identical twins run in the family. It is classified as familial MZ twinning.
Identical twins happen when a single zygote splits into two fertilized eggs. When studying genetics and familial MZ twinning, it is believed that a mutation of the splitting cells may be passed through generations. Thus, allowing the cells to not bond as strong and causing the cells to split in half creating MZ twins. In fact, identical twins are less likely to occur than fraternal twins.
Do Fraternal Twins Run In Families?
Yes, fraternal twins can run in families. Fraternal twins, scientifically referred to as dizygotic twins (DZ twins), happen when two separate egg cells are released from the fertile woman at the same time. The eggs are then inseminated by two individual sperms. This results in two separate embryos forming creating DZ twins.
DZ twins are about twice as likely to happen, especially among woman who have sisters or mothers who were pregnant with fraternal twins. When releasing more than one egg within the same menstrual cycle, this is known as hyper-ovulation.
What Are The Odds Of Having Twins?
Besides genetics, there are other factors to consider in having a twin pregnancy. Age, race, weight and height can increase the chance of having twins. When it comes to age, the older a woman is, the more likely she is to hyperovulate. Women over the age of 30 have a higher chance of conceiving twins than her younger counterpart.
While considering race as a factor, Hispanic woman have shown a greater probability in having twins than other woman of different ethnic backgrounds. Yet, woman who are taller or weight more show an increased possibility of being carrying twins. Studies show that taller and heavier woman may have more nutrients within their systems to provide ample amount of nutrition for their twin babies.
What are The Types Of Twin Pregnancy?
When it comes down to the basics, there are two types of twins. One type is identical (MZ) twins and the other is fraternal (DZ) twins. From these two types, twin classifications branch off into five subcategories of twins.
How can I Get Twins?
If you are having a challenging time getting pregnant with twins, many women will look further into using in vitro fertilization (IVF). If IVF is a choice you are interested in, fraternal twin boy and girl babies are quite the common outcome. Other possibilities are fraternal twin boys or fraternal twin girls. Due to being in a controlled environment, identical twins resulting from IVF is extremely rare.
If you have been trying to conceive, are unable to conceive, and/or IVF is not a possibility; consider adopting twin babies. There are plenty of twins that are in need of homes. Women who become unexpectedly pregnant with twins may be scared and worried about their twin’s futures. Should you receive the call to adopt twins, stay informed with the twin pregnancy. This can help alleviate any pressures the pregnant mom may be facing, let alone any questions you may have along the way.
Are Twin Pregnancies High Risk?
Yes, twin pregnancies are considered to be at high risk. There are plenty of things to consider, during a regular pregnancy, let alone when carrying two or more babies. Besides the common fraternal or identical twins within a twin pregnancy, there are rare sets of twins that are monitored more extensively than common twin pregnancies.
One rare set of twins are called mirror image twins. This happens when the egg splits many days after fertilization of the egg. The cells are already forming, later splitting the babies to mirror one another. Doctors will monitor to ensure that the twins will have their own placentas and individual amniotic sacs. This allows each growing twin to have their own set of nutrients they need for proper development and growth.
As your mirror image twin babies grow you may see the hair parting to the left side of one child. Whereas the other twin sibling will have a natural part on their hairline on the right side. Thus, being mirrored identically of their twin siblings.
Other unique twins are conjoined, parasitic, and monochorionic-monoamniotic twins (MoMo). Conjoined twins result from the egg not splitting all the way. Parasitic twins happen when the embryos are attached to one another. MoMo can be discovered through a blood test, after 12 weeks of gestation. The twins will be identical, as they share a placenta and amniotic sac.
Answering Do Identical Twins Run in Families and More
Answering commonly asked questions such as, “do identical twins run in families,” provides you with a healthy outlook on your growing family. Join in our online TwinStuff Facebook Group for additional perspectives from other families with twins and multiples. If planning your up and coming twin baby shower, check out our other reliable blogs and sources on our TwinStuff site. You can find additional information on cotton onesies and other must-haves for your twin babies. Whether you are planning your pregnancy, adopting twins, or are pregnant with twins; we are here to help guide you every step of the way.
