Can you increase your chances of having twins?

There’s no guaranteed way to increase your chances of having twins, as most twin pregnancies occur naturally and largely by chance.

However, certain factors can make twins more likely including a family history of fraternal/non-identical twins, maternal age (over 35), ethnicity, and fertility treatments including IVF or ovulation-inducing medication.

Identical twins occur randomly and are not influenced by genetics, lifestyle or diet.

In this article, we explore how twins are formed, and the factors that can increase your chances of having twins.

How common is it to have twins?

In Ireland, almost 2 in every 100 births are twins, and the majority of these are fraternal (non-identical/dizygotic) twins.

Fraternal twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilised by different sperm cells. These twins can run in families, as women may inherit a tendency to release more than one egg during ovulation.

Identical (monozygotic) twins, on the other hand, occur when a single fertilised egg splits into two embryos. This happens randomly and is not influenced by genetics, family history, or lifestyle factors. If you’re trying to conceive, the chance of having identical twins is roughly 1 in 250, and the odds are the same for everyone.

Learn more: What are the different types of twins?

What factors naturally increase your chances of having twins?

While identical twins occur at random, there are some factors that can increase your chances of having non-identical/fraternal twins naturally:

• Family history: Having fraternal twins on either side of the family can increase the chances of having twins. This is because a certain gene predisposes some women to hyperovulation – where more than one egg is released during ovulation – which makes twins more likely.
• Maternal age: Women over 35 are more likely to release multiple eggs in a single cycle due to hormonal changes, raising the chance of fraternal twins.
• Ethnicity: Twin rates vary by ethnicity. For example, twins occur more frequently among people of African descent, and less commonly among people of Asian descent.
• Previous pregnancies: Women who have had multiple pregnancies may have a slightly higher chance of conceiving twins.

Do fertility treatments increase the chance of having twins?

Fertility treatments can significantly increase the likelihood of conceiving twins or multiples.

Common fertility treatments that have been linked to multiple births, include:

• In vitro fertilisation (IVF): Transferring more than one embryo during IVF increases the chance of twins.
• Ovulation induction (e.g. with Clomid or gonadotropins): These medications stimulate the ovaries to release more than one egg.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): When used with fertility drugs, IUI can increase the chance of twins.

Can diet or lifestyle choices increase the chances of having twins?

There is no scientifically proven way to increase your chances of having twins through diet, supplements, or lifestyle changes.

Some small studies have suggested possible links between factors such as higher dairy consumption or increased folic acid intake and a higher rate of twin pregnancies. However, these findings are not supported by consistent or large-scale evidence, and no medical guidelines recognise diet or nutrition as a means of influencing twin conception.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and overall wellbeing can help support fertility and pregnancy health generally, but these factors do not directly affect the likelihood of having twins.

What are common misconceptions about conceiving twins?

Many myths circulate online about how to boost the chances of conceiving twins, but most are not supported by scientific evidence.

Common misconceptions include:

• Position or timing of intercourse – there’s no evidence that this influences twin conception.
• Eating certain foods – such as dairy or specific “fertility” diets, has no consistent scientific backing.
• Taking supplements or herbal remedies – none have been proven to increase the likelihood of twins.

In reality, only genetics, maternal age, and fertility treatments can influence the chances of having twins.

Are twins more likely to run in families?

Only fraternal/non-identical twins run in families.

If a woman inherits a tendency to release multiple eggs during ovulation (hyperovulation), this can run in her family.

This contrasts with identical twins, which occur randomly and are not influenced by heredity.

Learn more: Do twins run in families?

How can you find out if twins are identical or fraternal?

The only accurate way to determine whether twins are genetically identical is with a DNA test.

AlphaBiolabs offers a twin DNA test – also known as a zygosity test – which works by analysing and comparing the DNA samples of siblings from multiple births, to confirm whether they share identical DNA.

Learn more: Identical vs fraternal twins

Can you have twins without any family history?

It’s entirely possible to have twins without any prior family history of twins. Many twin pregnancies happen in this way, especially identical twins.

Can DNA testing confirm if twins are identical?

DNA testing is the only 100% accurate, reliable way to confirm if twins or children from multiple births are genetically identical.

A twin DNA test – like the one we offer at AlphaBiolabs – can be performed on a person of any age. All that’s required is a simple cheek swab sample from each sibling taking part in the test.

Your test kit will contain everything you need to collect the DNA samples and return them to our accredited laboratory.

Where can I buy a twin DNA test?

It’s easy to order an AlphaBiolabs Twin DNA Test online now, for just €119 plus free shipping of your test kit.

Your kit will contain everything you need to collect the DNA samples at home and return them to our laboratory.

Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 2-3 days from receipt of samples at our laboratory.

Need more information on our Twin DNA Test? Visit this page or contact us on 01 402 9466 / info@alphabiolabs.ie.