There are two types of twins:
- Identical twins (monozygotic) are conceived when a single egg is fertilized. The egg divides into two, creating identical twins that share the same genes. Identical twins are always the same sex and will usually share a placenta. One-third of twins conceived are identical.
- Non-identical twins (dizygotic) are conceived when two separate eggs are fertilized and then implant in the uterus. They may or may not be the same sex and will develop in two separate placentas. Two-thirds of twins conceived are non-identical.
How can I tell that I’m having twins?
- Usually your gynaecologist will determine this from your ultrasound scans
- Your pregnancy bump appears bigger than it should for your dates
- Twins run in your family
- You have had fertility treatment
What increases my likelihood of having twins?
- Taking fertility medications
- A history of twin pregnancies in your family
- Being an older mother
- Getting pregnant through IVF- 1 in 80 natural pregnancies result in twins, compared to 1 in 5 IVF pregnancies
For more information, please arrange an appointment with Queen’s Clinic by phoning us on 020 7935 5540.
