![\"Twin](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-To-Have-Twins-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHow to\u00a0Have\u00a0Twins<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re not pregnant with twins\u00a0but want to be,\u00a0you\u00a0may be\u00a0interested\u00a0in knowing\u00a0what\u00a0are the chances\u00a0of having twins<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0how\u00a0to increase chances of having twins<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you’ve always dreamed of having a big family, the thought of having twins may\u00a0be appealing.\u00a0However,\u00a0it\u2019s probably worth knowing\u00a0how common twins are\u00a0first.\u00a0Whilst\u00a0the number of twins and triplets born in the UK has increased<\/a>\u00a0over\u00a0the past three decades, the\u00a0odds\u00a0of having twins\u00a0are\u00a0still\u00a0fairly low.\u00a0Much of it\u00a0depends on whether you\u00a0conceive your twins naturally, or with the help of fertility treatment.\u00a0If you\u2019re going down the natural route, just over 1%\u00a0of pregnancies are twins, whereas IFV\u00a0(in-vitro fertilisation)\u00a0bumps up\u00a0your chance,\u00a0as 24% of births will be twins or even triplets.\u00a0Therefore, twins, triplets or more little ones\u00a0make up\u00a0about\u00a03%<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0the gorgeous babes born in the UK.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHow to\u00a0Get\u00a0Pregnant with\u00a0Twins\u00a0Naturally<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-To-Have-Twins-2-1024x552.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhilst\u00a0being pregnant with\u00a0two tots\u00a0has a low chance\u00a0statistically, there are some\u00a0factors\u00a0that may increase your odds of having\u00a0double the trouble.\u00a0These include:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Genetics\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0identical twins don\u2019t run in families, it\u2019s only non-identical twins that tend to. You may be thinking\u00a0how do twins run in families?<\/em>\u00a0Well, it\u2019s all to do with genes\u00a0as there is a gene that makes women more likely to release two or more eggs during ovulation, and it\u2019s this gene that runs in families.\u00a0Generally, your chances of having two little ones\u00a0may be higher if you\u2019re a twin yourself or if\u00a0you have many\u00a0twins in your family.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Age<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0as\u00a0women age their pregnancies are more likely to be twins<\/a>, so if\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0wanting\u00a0two babes, your\u00a0chances\u00a0will be higher<\/a>\u00a0if you\u2019re in your late 30s or in your 40s.\u00a0Why? Because hormonal changes\u00a0that occur as you come closer to menopause can\u00a0actually encourage\u00a0the body to release more than one egg during ovulation. So, if you\u2019re an older mama, you\u2019re in luck!\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Height\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0taller women have been linked to being more likely\u00a0to have twins<\/a>\u00a0due to an insulin-like growth factor.\u00a0For all the taller mummies out there,\u00a0you may have two teeny tots on your hands\u00a0in no time!\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Race<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0African American women are more likely to have two babes\u00a0in comparison to\u00a0any other race. Asian and Native Americans have the\u00a0lowest chances\u00a0of\u00a0twinning.\u00a0And if two\u2019s not enough,\u00a0Caucasian women\u00a0(particularly\u00a0those over 35)\u00a0have the highest\u00a0chance\u00a0of higher-order multiple births (triplets or more).\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to\u00a0Increase\u00a0Chances\u00a0of\u00a0Having\u00a0Twins<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome of the factors above that increase your chances of having twins may be out of your control, for example genetics and height. Fortunately, there are other\u00a0rumoured\u00a0ways to bump up your odds\u00a0of having two bundles of joy:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Consuming high amounts of dairy foods<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Conceiving\u00a0whilst\u00a0breastfeeding<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Having been pregnant before<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, the most reliable way\u00a0to increase your at\u00a0having two teeny tots is through\u00a0IVF or other fertility treatments:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- IVF\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u2013\u00a0<\/em>according to the\u00a0ASRM<\/a>,\u00a0using\u00a0fertility treatments\u00a0are\u00a0the\u00a0top\u00a0factor that increase the chance of\u00a0conceiving\u00a0twins\u00a0e.g. IVF.\u00a0This is where a medical professional will\u00a0extract eggs and fertilise\u00a0them using your partner\u2019s or a donor\u2019s sperm in a lab. If successful, the embryo\u00a0will be\u00a0transferred back into your womb.\u00a0If you\u2019re wanting two little\u00a0treasures,\u00a0then they may be able to\u00a0transfer\u00a0more than one embryo into the womb to increase the chances of success.\u00a0If both embryos are successfully implanted,\u00a0you may have an extra surprise!\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Fertility drugs\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u2013 other fertility treatments involve the use of medication to\u00a0encourage\u00a0the ovaries to produce mature eggs.\u00a0This includes the\u00a0popular\u00a0fertility medication\u00a0Clomid<\/em>.\u00a0Such treatments work by\u00a0causing\u00a0the ovaries to release two or more eggs\u00a0within\u00a0the same cycle. If both eggs are fertilised by sperm, you could potentially\u00a0be on your way to having two babes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How Do You Know if You\u2019re Having Twins?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSo, when does pregnancy start to show with twins? Well, if\u00a0you\u2019re expecting\u00a0two bundles of joy, it\u2019s possible you\u2019ll begin\u00a0to show\u00a0before the end of\u00a0week 12 of your pregnancy<\/a>.\u00a0Of course,\u00a0your uterus\u00a0will have to\u00a0grow larger to make room for not one but two little ones.\u00a0\u00a0Therefore,\u00a0whereas\u00a0a mummy\u00a0expecting\u00a0just one baby\u00a0may not show until after 3 or 4 months, you may\u00a0show as early as 6 weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere are also other tell-tale signs that may indicate you\u2019re\u00a0pregnant with twins.\u00a0Although you may share many of the same symptoms as mums-to-be carrying\u00a0one\u00a0bub,\u00a0when\u00a0expecting two, you\u2019re\u00a0more likely to experience:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Increased weight gain\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 one of the\u00a0tell-tale\u00a0signs of\u00a0twin pregnancy\u00a0is\u00a0quickly\u00a0gaining more weight than expected.\u00a0Because of this extra weight gain, you\u00a0may\u00a0find that your\u00a0baby bump\u00a0starts to show a little\u00a0sooner\u00a0if you\u2019re carrying two babes.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Itchy skin\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 as your skin stretches over your growing\u00a0tummy, you may\u00a0notice symptoms\u00a0such as\u00a0itching\u00a0starting\u00a0earlier in your pregnancy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Backache<\/strong>\u00a0and pelvic pain\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 as your pregnancy\u00a0goes forward\u00a0and\u00a0the\u00a0weight of your\u00a0little ones\u00a0increase, you may experience this\u00a0sort\u00a0of pain more often.\u00a0We\u00a0recommend practicing good posture,\u00a0relaxing\u00a0regularly, wearing comfy\u00a0shoes and avoid lifting heavy objects\u00a0to\u00a0help relieve some of this pain.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Heartburn and indigestion\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 this may\u00a0be caused by extra pressure on your\u00a0tummy\u00a0as your\u00a0womb presses against it.\u00a0Try to eat smaller\u00a0meals\u00a0more frequently,\u00a0and\u00a0don\u2019t eat for a few hours before\u00a0heading off to snooze. Make sure to also\u00a0avoid any foods you\u2019re aware\u00a0can\u00a0trigger your heartburn or indigestion.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you\u2019re wondering when you\u2019ll officially know if you\u2019re expecting twins, most of the time, your midwife or doctor will be able to tell you at your\u00a012-week scan<\/a>.\u00a0However,\u00a0sometimes you\u00a0may find your little ones want to play a game of hide and seek which poses the question \u2013\u00a0how often are twins missed on\u00a0an\u00a0ultrasound?\u00a0<\/em>It\u2019s\u00a0actually not\u00a0uncommon for a\u00a0twin pregnancy to go unnoticed in initial ultrasounds (around 10 weeks).\u00a0However,\u00a0once you reach the middle\u00a0of your pregnancy and have your 20-week anatomy scan,\u00a0this is when\u00a0you can be\u00a099.99%<\/a>\u00a0confident about how many babies\u00a0to expect\u00a0when you give birth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen Can You Feel Twins Move?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost first-time mummies\u00a0to\u00a0twins\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0feel\u00a0foetal\u00a0movement\u00a0until\u00a0around about\u00a018 to 20 weeks \u2014\u00a0similar to\u00a0the same average for\u00a0mums expecting one bub.\u00a0However,\u00a0if this is your second or later pregnancy, you\u2019re more likely to feel\u00a0your twosome\u2019s little kicks sooner.\u00a0Where you fall on average depends on your size and build, and on the positioning of your placenta(s). If you\u2019re\u00a0slim, you may\u00a0feel your babes\u00a0earlier, simply\u00a0due to the fact that\u00a0you\u2019ve got less padding on your\u00a0tummy\u00a0\u201cmuffling\u201d the movements.\u00a0The way your placenta is positioned also plays a part too. This is because\u00a0an\u00a0anterior (front-facing) placenta<\/a>\u00a0can \u201cblock\u201d you from feeling\u00a0your\u00a0two angels\u2019 movements.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe\u00a0Different\u00a0Types of\u00a0Twins<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Twin](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-To-Have-Twins-3-1024x681.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou\u2019re probably\u00a0familiar with the most common types of twins \u2014\u00a0fraternal\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0identical<\/strong>. However, there are actually a few other\u00a0rare subtypes too\u00a0that you may not have heard of.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s take a closer look at the different types of twins:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What are fraternal twins?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSo, what does fraternal twins mean?\u00a0These types of twins, also known as\u00a0dizygotic\u00a0are basically\u00a0non-identical twins.\u00a0How are non-identical twins formed, we hear you ask? Well, they are\u00a0the result of two separate eggs being fertilised by two separate sperm.\u00a0They\u2019re the most common type of twins,\u00a0accounting for around two thirds of all twin baby bumps<\/a>.\u00a0This\u00a0usually happens\u00a0because the ovaries occasionally release not one, but two eggs in the same menstrual cycle. If\u00a0both are fertilised, it can lead to\u00a0the joys of not loving one but two precious babes. Fraternal twins can\u00a0either be of the same\u00a0sex\u00a0or you could also\u00a0end up with the best of both worlds!\u00a0If you\u00a0give birth to fraternal twins,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0possible they won\u2019t look alike.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat are identical twins?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf your two cuties\u00a0look\u00a0exactly the same\u00a0then\u00a0they\u2019re identical twins, also known as monozygotic twins.\u00a0These types of twins are\u00a0less common than fraternal twins \u2013\u00a0around one third of all twins are identical<\/a>.\u00a0Now, you may be thinking \u2013\u00a0how do identical twins form?<\/em>\u00a0Well,\u00a0this occurs\u00a0when\u00a0a single fertilised egg splits into two and grows into two separate embryos.\u00a0Identical\u00a0twins\u00a0will be of the\u00a0same gender, have the same blood type and share\u00a0the same\u00a0physical traits\u00a0for example\u00a0eye colour,\u00a0hair colour and facial features.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnd it\u00a0doesn\u2019t end just end there\u00a0\u2013 there are\u00a0also 4\u00a0other types of\u00a0twins to look out for:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Half-identical twins\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0this is\u00a0the result of an\u00a0egg splitting\u00a0and only then gets\u00a0fertilised,\u00a0so they end up being a mix of\u00a0fraternal and identical twins. These types of twins share\u00a0the same DNA from the egg, but not the same DNA from the sperm.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Mirror-image twins\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0these types of twins\u00a0are exactly as their name\u00a0suggests\u00a0because\u00a0their features are the mirror image of one another.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Mixed chromosome twins\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 these twins\u00a0begin their\u00a0life\u00a0as fraternal twins (from two fertilised eggs) which then\u00a0combine\u00a0into one. This results in a\u00a0mixed bag of DNA.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Superfetation:<\/strong>\u202fthis is when a second, new pregnancy comes about during an initial pregnancy. The egg is fertilised by sperm and implanted in the womb days\/weeks\u00a0after\u00a0the first one. That\u2019s why\u00a0bubs\u00a0born from superfetation are often considered twins as they\u2019re\u00a0normally\u00a0born during the same birth on the same day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The\u00a0Different\u00a0Types of\u00a0Twin\u00a0Pregnancy<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhether twins are identical or not is only one of the differences between the types of twin pregnancy. Other distinctions are made based on whether\u00a0your\u00a0twinnies\u00a0share a placenta and\/or the membranes of the\u00a0amniotic sac<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThese differences are significant\u00a0as\u00a0each type have\u00a0different risks. These\u00a0need to be overseen by your midwife or doctor to\u00a0make\u00a0the\u00a0pregnancy for you and your little ones\u00a0as safe as possible. To\u00a0get to grips with\u00a0the three main types of twin pregnancy, it helps to know that the\u00a0amniotic sac\u00a0surrounding and\u00a0protecting\u00a0your bubs\u00a0is\u00a0made up of two membranes:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Outer membrane<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 called the\u00a0chorion<\/em>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Inner membrane<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 known as the\u00a0amnion<\/em>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Twin pregnancies fall into\u00a03\u00a0main groups:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Dichorionic Diamniotic (DCDA)\u00a0twins\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0this is\u00a0the most common type of twin pregnancy, and it also has the lowest risks. It\u2019s\u00a0where each twin has a separate chorion,\u00a0amnion\u00a0and placenta.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Monochorionic Diamniotic (MCDA) twins<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0these types of twins are\u00a0cocooned\u00a0in a single chorion and share the same placenta, but each is snugly\u00a0tucked\u00a0in a separate amnion.\u00a0Due to the\u00a0shared placenta, the risks of this type of twin pregnancy are a little higher. However,\u00a0there\u2019s no need to worry as\u00a0you\u2019ll be offered more frequent scans\u00a0so your angels can be\u00a0monitored more closely.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Monochorionic Monoamniotic twins<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0one of the burning questions\u00a0that we often get\u00a0asked\u00a0is\u00a0what are mono\/mono twins<\/em>?\u00a0These types of twins share the same chorion,\u00a0placenta\u00a0and amnion.\u00a0If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0expecting\u00a0with monochorionic-monoamniotic twins, you\u00a0and your\u00a0twinnies\u00a0will be monitored closely. It\u2019s also likely that you\u2019ll be offered a planned birth earlier than you would if it was\u00a0DCDA<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0MCDA\u00a0<\/strong>twins.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How Twins Are Born<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-To-Have-Twins-4-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTwins are more likely to be\u202fborn early<\/a>\u202fand\u00a0they\u2019ll need more\u00a0special care<\/a>\u202fafter\u00a0they\u2019re born in comparison to single bubs.\u00a0We recommend discussing your birth options with your midwife or doctor early on in your pregnancy.\u00a0The process of labour is pretty much the same as having one baby. However,\u00a0your maternity team will normally advise you to have your babies electronically monitored. This is so\u00a0that your babes get all the necessary care needed for the safest possible delivery.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYes \u2013 you can have a natural birth with twins! Many mums-to-be think they\u00a0have to\u00a0have a caesarean when it comes to twins. However,\u00a0more than 40% of twin births are\u00a0natural\u00a0births<\/a>.\u00a0You’re\u00a0also\u00a0more likely to have a\u00a0natural\u00a0birth if the first\u00a0teeny tot\u00a0is in a head-down position.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you’ve always dreamed of having a big family, the thought of having twins may\u00a0be appealing.\u00a0However,\u00a0it\u2019s probably worth knowing\u00a0how common twins are\u00a0first.\u00a0Whilst\u00a0the number of twins and triplets born in the UK has increased<\/a>\u00a0over\u00a0the past three decades, the\u00a0odds\u00a0of having twins\u00a0are\u00a0still\u00a0fairly low.\u00a0Much of it\u00a0depends on whether you\u00a0conceive your twins naturally, or with the help of fertility treatment.\u00a0If you\u2019re going down the natural route, just over 1%\u00a0of pregnancies are twins, whereas IFV\u00a0(in-vitro fertilisation)\u00a0bumps up\u00a0your chance,\u00a0as 24% of births will be twins or even triplets.\u00a0Therefore, twins, triplets or more little ones\u00a0make up\u00a0about\u00a03%<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0the gorgeous babes born in the UK.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Whilst\u00a0being pregnant with\u00a0two tots\u00a0has a low chance\u00a0statistically, there are some\u00a0factors\u00a0that may increase your odds of having\u00a0double the trouble.\u00a0These include:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some of the factors above that increase your chances of having twins may be out of your control, for example genetics and height. Fortunately, there are other\u00a0rumoured\u00a0ways to bump up your odds\u00a0of having two bundles of joy:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n However, the most reliable way\u00a0to increase your at\u00a0having two teeny tots is through\u00a0IVF or other fertility treatments:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n So, when does pregnancy start to show with twins? Well, if\u00a0you\u2019re expecting\u00a0two bundles of joy, it\u2019s possible you\u2019ll begin\u00a0to show\u00a0before the end of\u00a0week 12 of your pregnancy<\/a>.\u00a0Of course,\u00a0your uterus\u00a0will have to\u00a0grow larger to make room for not one but two little ones.\u00a0\u00a0Therefore,\u00a0whereas\u00a0a mummy\u00a0expecting\u00a0just one baby\u00a0may not show until after 3 or 4 months, you may\u00a0show as early as 6 weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There are also other tell-tale signs that may indicate you\u2019re\u00a0pregnant with twins.\u00a0Although you may share many of the same symptoms as mums-to-be carrying\u00a0one\u00a0bub,\u00a0when\u00a0expecting two, you\u2019re\u00a0more likely to experience:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re wondering when you\u2019ll officially know if you\u2019re expecting twins, most of the time, your midwife or doctor will be able to tell you at your\u00a012-week scan<\/a>.\u00a0However,\u00a0sometimes you\u00a0may find your little ones want to play a game of hide and seek which poses the question \u2013\u00a0how often are twins missed on\u00a0an\u00a0ultrasound?\u00a0<\/em>It\u2019s\u00a0actually not\u00a0uncommon for a\u00a0twin pregnancy to go unnoticed in initial ultrasounds (around 10 weeks).\u00a0However,\u00a0once you reach the middle\u00a0of your pregnancy and have your 20-week anatomy scan,\u00a0this is when\u00a0you can be\u00a099.99%<\/a>\u00a0confident about how many babies\u00a0to expect\u00a0when you give birth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Most first-time mummies\u00a0to\u00a0twins\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0feel\u00a0foetal\u00a0movement\u00a0until\u00a0around about\u00a018 to 20 weeks \u2014\u00a0similar to\u00a0the same average for\u00a0mums expecting one bub.\u00a0However,\u00a0if this is your second or later pregnancy, you\u2019re more likely to feel\u00a0your twosome\u2019s little kicks sooner.\u00a0Where you fall on average depends on your size and build, and on the positioning of your placenta(s). If you\u2019re\u00a0slim, you may\u00a0feel your babes\u00a0earlier, simply\u00a0due to the fact that\u00a0you\u2019ve got less padding on your\u00a0tummy\u00a0\u201cmuffling\u201d the movements.\u00a0The way your placenta is positioned also plays a part too. This is because\u00a0an\u00a0anterior (front-facing) placenta<\/a>\u00a0can \u201cblock\u201d you from feeling\u00a0your\u00a0two angels\u2019 movements.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You\u2019re probably\u00a0familiar with the most common types of twins \u2014\u00a0fraternal\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0identical<\/strong>. However, there are actually a few other\u00a0rare subtypes too\u00a0that you may not have heard of.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at the different types of twins:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What are fraternal twins?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n So, what does fraternal twins mean?\u00a0These types of twins, also known as\u00a0dizygotic\u00a0are basically\u00a0non-identical twins.\u00a0How are non-identical twins formed, we hear you ask? Well, they are\u00a0the result of two separate eggs being fertilised by two separate sperm.\u00a0They\u2019re the most common type of twins,\u00a0accounting for around two thirds of all twin baby bumps<\/a>.\u00a0This\u00a0usually happens\u00a0because the ovaries occasionally release not one, but two eggs in the same menstrual cycle. If\u00a0both are fertilised, it can lead to\u00a0the joys of not loving one but two precious babes. Fraternal twins can\u00a0either be of the same\u00a0sex\u00a0or you could also\u00a0end up with the best of both worlds!\u00a0If you\u00a0give birth to fraternal twins,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0possible they won\u2019t look alike.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What are identical twins?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If your two cuties\u00a0look\u00a0exactly the same\u00a0then\u00a0they\u2019re identical twins, also known as monozygotic twins.\u00a0These types of twins are\u00a0less common than fraternal twins \u2013\u00a0around one third of all twins are identical<\/a>.\u00a0Now, you may be thinking \u2013\u00a0how do identical twins form?<\/em>\u00a0Well,\u00a0this occurs\u00a0when\u00a0a single fertilised egg splits into two and grows into two separate embryos.\u00a0Identical\u00a0twins\u00a0will be of the\u00a0same gender, have the same blood type and share\u00a0the same\u00a0physical traits\u00a0for example\u00a0eye colour,\u00a0hair colour and facial features.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n And it\u00a0doesn\u2019t end just end there\u00a0\u2013 there are\u00a0also 4\u00a0other types of\u00a0twins to look out for:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Whether twins are identical or not is only one of the differences between the types of twin pregnancy. Other distinctions are made based on whether\u00a0your\u00a0twinnies\u00a0share a placenta and\/or the membranes of the\u00a0amniotic sac<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n These differences are significant\u00a0as\u00a0each type have\u00a0different risks. These\u00a0need to be overseen by your midwife or doctor to\u00a0make\u00a0the\u00a0pregnancy for you and your little ones\u00a0as safe as possible. To\u00a0get to grips with\u00a0the three main types of twin pregnancy, it helps to know that the\u00a0amniotic sac\u00a0surrounding and\u00a0protecting\u00a0your bubs\u00a0is\u00a0made up of two membranes:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Twin pregnancies fall into\u00a03\u00a0main groups:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Twins are more likely to be\u202fborn early<\/a>\u202fand\u00a0they\u2019ll need more\u00a0special care<\/a>\u202fafter\u00a0they\u2019re born in comparison to single bubs.\u00a0We recommend discussing your birth options with your midwife or doctor early on in your pregnancy.\u00a0The process of labour is pretty much the same as having one baby. However,\u00a0your maternity team will normally advise you to have your babies electronically monitored. This is so\u00a0that your babes get all the necessary care needed for the safest possible delivery.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Yes \u2013 you can have a natural birth with twins! Many mums-to-be think they\u00a0have to\u00a0have a caesarean when it comes to twins. However,\u00a0more than 40% of twin births are\u00a0natural\u00a0births<\/a>.\u00a0You’re\u00a0also\u00a0more likely to have a\u00a0natural\u00a0birth if the first\u00a0teeny tot\u00a0is in a head-down position.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHow to\u00a0Get\u00a0Pregnant with\u00a0Twins\u00a0Naturally<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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How to\u00a0Increase\u00a0Chances\u00a0of\u00a0Having\u00a0Twins<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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How Do You Know if You\u2019re Having Twins?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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When Can You Feel Twins Move?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The\u00a0Different\u00a0Types of\u00a0Twins<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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The\u00a0Different\u00a0Types of\u00a0Twin\u00a0Pregnancy<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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How Twins Are Born<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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