Conceiving twins

[kas3]

Is it possible to increase your chance of having twins? (I mean 'naturally', not with fertility drugs.)

Just curious :)

[andrewsmum]

Firstly I think you are nuts if you actually WANT to conceive twins!! :p

Anyway, there are some theories around that to conceive twins you would need a family history of twins on your maternal side of the family, be tall and overweight, be on fertility drugs or increase your folic acid intake.

Sometimes conceiving twins can be due to a freak of nature so good luck!

Oh, I just thought of something else, eat some yams to increase chance of twins!!

[FiveInTheBed]

Have sex using a condom to celebrate your engagement, with your ten month old son sleeping in the other room...Worked a treat for us!! :p

Don't know...as andrewsmum said about age, family history etc.

ID twins are a freak of nature...that can't be predicted.

Not sure what natural things help you release two eggs instead if one...interesting to find out - i'll check my books and get back to you at a not so freakishly late hour!

[Witchypoo]

Hey Kas3,

Check this out:


Folic acid.

Take folic acid daily. Folic acid is important for any healthy pregnancy (http://www.ehow.com/how_2109825_.html#), and it has also been shown to increase the likelihood of conceiving twins--an additional one woman out of 176 taking folic acid will bear twins, as compared to women not taking the supplement. If you want to have twins, start taking folic acid at least one month before conception.


Cassava Root.

Eat cassava root, a type of wild yam found in Africa. In a region in Africa where cassava is a staple of the local diet, women have the highest rate of twins found anywhere in the world. Many nutrition researches agree that the chemicals found in this yam cause hyperovulation.

Drink milk.

Drink milk and eat beef to increase the odds of having twins. According to Dr Gary Steinman, lead scientist in a medical study of twins, women who have a milk-based diet are more likely to conceive twins naturally than their vegan counterparts. It is thought that natural properties in milk may stimulate the ovaries, encouraging the production of multiple eggs for conception (http://www.ehow.com/how_2109825_.html#).

Breastfeed.

Keep nursing your infant or toddler while you try to conceive twins naturally. According to one study, women who are still breastfeeding and yet fertile are slightly more likely to produce twins.

Gain a little weight.
Women with slightly higher fat percentages and those who are a little overweight are more likely to have twins. Don't overdo it, however--your health is especially important during pregnancy.

Get Old

Older mothers have higher rates of twin births



Also having regular epsom salt baths is linked to conceiving twins as it is meant to stimulate the ovaries!!!

And taking low dose apsirin (baby aspirin) is also linked to hyperovulation. However be careful because some people believe it can stop you ovulating completely so the information is a little conflicting.

[FiveInTheBed]

wow elle...

I took folic acid (it was in my BF vitamin)
I ate sweet potato..are they like yams!??:laughing:
I lived on banana smoothies made with full cream milk.
I BF my DS1 til he was 15 months (i by then was 5months preg w twins)
I had plenty of padding...was fat but was carrying a little xtra.
Not really old, but about 27 when I conceived - thats sorta oldish.

so maybe it was all my fault !!
:laughing: just kidding...i wouldn't have it any other way!!

anyway, interesting thread!!:goodvibes:

[BrAins]

im going to try for twins :yelclap::smiliedance:

[kas3]

Thanks ladies - I'll probably give all those things a go! (Yep Kylie, I am a bit nuts :D)

My boss, who is a twin mum, said next time I should 'go for twins'.

I know she was only being funny, but then I thought, gee that would be great.

You see DH thinks we should stop at two, but I'd love three...

[Liliane]

Do any of you know if its possible to get Cassava root or wild yams here in Australia? I'm keen on twins as hubby only wants 1!

[Nomsie]

:eek: I also think if you actively try for multiples you must be crazy!! :laughing:

Seriously though- try acupuncture to stimulate both ovaries! :thumbsup:

[bgbgbb]

We are trying for #5 and the last thing I want is twins as our car only has room for one more.

But I am nearly 40 and have already had 4 kids, so the chances are creeping up for me.

Just about everyone I know who has had twins hoped they wouldn't get them. Perhaps reverse psychology on yourself might work?!

[Knocked_for_six]

Firstly I think you are nuts if you actually WANT to conceive twins!!


:iagree: :laughing:





Drink milk.

Drink milk and eat beef to increase the odds of having twins. According to Dr Gary Steinman, lead scientist in a medical study of twins, women who have a milk-based diet are more likely to conceive twins naturally than their vegan counterparts. It is thought that natural properties in milk may stimulate the ovaries, encouraging the production of multiple eggs for conception (http://www.ehow.com/how_2109825_.html).


I recently read this is actually due to the hormones in the cows, not the natural properties in milk and the particular hormone in not used in Australian cattle... :detective:


im going to try for twins

:eek: You do realise that multiple births are commonly considered high risk? Raising two newborns (or maybe more) takes a lot of support, little sleep, loss of sanity and extra $$. A close friend of mine has twin sons, they are gorgeous sweet boys, but I can remember back to those early days, it was very hard for her even with a supportive husband, family close by and friends to help out. I remember thinking after watching her with her newborn twins how grateful I was to have my boys one-at-a-time.

From the above list that can increases your chances that may have increased my chances of triplets-

I was breastfeeding Lacey
I am 35 years old
I already have 3 children (I have read that having already several children may increase your chances)

Although I have maintained the same weight for 8+ years
I am not tall- 5’3’’
Wasn’t taking higher than average folic acid- just Blackmores pregnancy & Breastfeeding supplement
Always eat organic meat and drink organic milk (so no or limited unnatural/added hormones in my diet etc)

I believe it ultimately comes down to luck and what is meant to be!!

[shockinamillion]

Well if we go by that list, my diet and my increased weight (heaviest I had ever been) would be sure indicators.

I was just starting to lose weight and at the time of conception I had just lost 5 kilos. I reckon my body just went "haha you I am going to throw a good one your way", and popped out two eggies.

I truelly think it is down to what is meant to be though. My DP wasn't meant to be able to knock anyone up naturally, let along two eggies at once.

I have not even have mine and I agree that anyone trying for multiples is nuts :p, It is soooooo hard on the body!!! I am 27 weeks almost and I am one giant ache,

[Witchypoo]

Do any of you know if its possible to get Cassava root or wild yams here in Australia? I'm keen on twins as hubby only wants 1!

Apparently tapioca (which you can buy from any supermarket) is made from cassava root. You could also try buying seeds to grow your own wild yams.

[BigRedV]

I recently fell pregnant with twins but unfortunately lost them :(

They were identical twin girls and there are no twins on either side of our families.

The doctor told me that only fraternal twins (non-identical) are hereditary. Identical twins have nothing to do with family history.

I was told that women over 30 have an increased chance of conceiving twins - they don't know why (I am 32.)

After reading the PP, I can say I was not on any folate, was not breastfeeding but am slightly overweight.

[BrAins]

i completely understand what twins entails as i am a nurse who works in a NICU/SCN. i have one of the closest most supportive families i know of, but besides all that, i know in myself that i would be able to cope.
none the less, it is only the special people that nature/god/or whoever it is, chooses to me a mother to multiples. i only hope that i can be that lucky one day.

[mumtofive]

Gee, well what would my chances be then, not that i want twins, but we did joke that it would just be our luck, lol.:laughing:
Im 32 in may.
Ttc #6, but will be my 7th pregnancy.
I love my milk and eat lots of yoghurt.
Im overweight.
and my mums cousin had twins, lol, is that close enough in the family, lol.:laughing:

[babylove81]

wow twins
DH and I have always said we would love twin girls, but don't think we have much control over that happening - although my great grandmother on my mum's side had twins... good luck to those of you who are hoping for twins
:smiliedance: