Factors that increase the chance of twins include: consuming high amounts of dairy foods, being over the age of 30, and conceiving while breastfeeding. Many fertility drugs including Clomid, Gonal-F, and Follistim also increase the odds of a twin pregnancy.
However, for a given pregnancy, only the mother's genetics matter. Fraternal twins happen when two eggs are simultaneously fertilized instead of just one. A father's genes can't make a woman release two eggs.
Be as prepared as you can by 30 weeks
Close to 50% of moms expecting multiples are placed on some form of bed rest by about 30 weeks. Try and make this your 'readiness point' and save yourself the stress of being stuck in bed worrying about untested strollers or still-to-be-selected bedding.
Can my twins sleep in a single cot? You can put your twins to sleep in a single cot while they're small enough. This is called co-bedding and is perfectly safe. In fact, putting twins in the same cot can help them regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles, and can soothe them and their twin.
The hardest thing about having twins is…
“Managing the movement of two babies. Carrying them both up and down the stairs, getting them into the car, etc.” —Simeon R. “Often having to make one baby wait!” —Catharine D. “Being outnumbered—the logistics of two on one is definitely the hardest.
For women born 1870-1899, moms of twins averaged reproductive spans of 14 years 11 months versus 14 years for singleton moms. Both results were statistically significant. Moms of twins also were older at the time of their last birth.
You'll make life much easier by stocking up on all the little items that they'll both want when they see their twin has one: sippy cups, pacifiers, snuggly toys, teethers, and rattles. Finally, there is one item that you absolutely must have two of — car seats.
What are the benefits for the twins? Their buddy is always there. They've known each other since they can remember and that is very comforting. They are also a little more social than the average child since they are used to being with another kid since the beginning.
The reality is that raising multiples is hard. You have double or triple the feeding, diapering, and laundry and, as a result, less time to spend cuddling and getting to know each baby. To be sure, there will be days when you feel as if you're walking up a down escalator.
The average length of pregnancy for twins is 36.4 weeks. Babies who are born between 32 weeks and 37 weeks generally do very well. If your babies are born early, they are likely to be fine, but they may need to spend time at the special care baby unit (SCBU) or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Being a twin has its benefits—tricking people, having a lifelong companion, sharing clothes—but it also has downsides. Many twins struggle to cultivate their own identities, while being so similar to one another. And that struggle lasts a lifetime, according to a recent study.
Twins' First Year: $25,880
First-year costs more than double when you have twins. Look for ways to divide expenses. Twins can share a room, toys, and clothing.
You don't need to buy two of everything. You will learn, if you haven't already, there are some areas where you should definitely double up. But most items you see at the baby stores are really just a matter of preference, for both you and baby. And you won't know what works until after your babies are born.
Here are some estimates based on your twins' age: Newborns (first month with twins): 10 diapers per baby per day = 20 diapers for the newborn twins per day = 140 diapers per week. 2-3 months: 8 diapers per baby per day = 16 diapers for infant twins per day = 112 diapers per week.
The average pregnant woman will likely want to pack her delivery bag around week 37, but as a pregnant woman of multiples, it is best to have all of the hospital bag for twins or more, organized by 35 weeks.
For twins, the average stay is nine to 25 days. For triplets it's 11 days to up to three months.
A new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics indicates that the optimal time of birth for twins is at 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Twins are now being born more often because of an increase in the use of assisted reproductive techniques, in which almost a quarter result in twinning.
The authors of the study believe the reason twins live longer may be because of the social support they provide each other, and the psychological and health benefits that come with that social connection. "There is benefit to having someone who is socially close to you who is looking out for you," Sharrow said.
Twins are more likely to be born early, often before 38 weeks, so it's important to understand your birth options. Less than half of all twin pregnancies last beyond 37 weeks. Because of the likelihood that your babies will be born early, there is a good chance one or both of them will spend some time in special care.