Are you pregnant or do you want to become pregnant and are you curious about the chances of a twin or triplets? That is very understandable! After all, a multiple pregnancy is special. There are several factors that influence the chance of a multiple. In this blog we will delve deeper into the chance of twins or triplets and what this means.
What are the chances of having twins or triplets?
The chance of spontaneous twins in the Netherlands is about 1 in 80 to 90 births. If you are 40 years or older, that chance is already 1 in 60. The chance of spontaneous triplets is a lot smaller, namely about 1 in 7000 births. This amounts to about 20 to 25 triplets per year in the Netherlands. Due to fertility treatments, about 40 triplets are born each year.
Factors that influence the chance of multiple births
There are several factors that can increase the chance of having twins or triplets:
- Heredity: Specific gene variants can influence the number of eggs released per cycle.
- Ethnicity: In some countries, multiple pregnancies are more common than in others. This may be related to factors such as the age at which women have children and the use of fertility treatments.
- Age of the woman: As women age, the ovulation more irregular, which increases the chance of multiple eggs being released. The chance of having twins at 25 is 1 in 90. At 40, that chance is 1 in 60.
- Fertility treatments: IVF or ICSI treatments increase the chance of a multiple pregnancy, because multiple embryos are replaced. The puncture during the treatment can also increase the chance of the fertilized egg splitting.
- Height and BMI: Tall women and women with a BMI over 30 have a higher chance of having twins. This may be due to a hormone that increases the sensitivity of the ovaries.
How do multiples occur?
Multiples are usually caused by the fertilization of multiple eggs. Twins can be fraternal (two eggs) or monozygotic (one egg that splits). Triplets and quadruplets can have various combinations of identical and fraternal siblings.
The role of fertility treatments
Fertility treatments such as IVF and ICSI significantly increase the chance of a multiple pregnancy. In these treatments, multiple embryos are often replaced to increase the chance of a successful pregnancy. This often results in a multiple pregnancy. Please note that we Midwives PuurBegin always have an honest conversation about the pros and cons of a multiple pregnancy.
Identical or fraternal: what's the difference?
It is good to know that there is a difference between identical and fraternal twins. Identical twins are created from one fertilized egg that splits. They therefore have the same DNA and are always the same sex. Fraternal twins are created from two different eggs that are fertilized at the same time. They do not have the same DNA and can therefore be of different sexes.
Risks of a multiple pregnancy
A multiple pregnancy also carries risks. For example, the chance of premature birth greater, as well as the chance of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Consider this high bloodpressure, gestational diabetes and a caesarean section. At Midwives PuurBegin In Kampen we are happy to guide you during your multiple pregnancy. We are specialized in multiple pregnancies and are ready to support and advise you.
Multiple pregnancy and heredity
Whether having twins is hereditary is a question that is often asked. Heredity does indeed play a role, but it is not the only factor. The predisposition for the release of multiple eggs can run in the family. This is especially true for fraternal twins. Identical twins are generally not hereditary.
Midwives PuurBegin in Kampen: Your care partner in multiple birth care
Are you expecting twins or triplets or do you have an increased chance of this? Then you are at Midwives PuurBegin in Kampen at the right address. We have experience in guiding multiple pregnancies and are ready to support you during this special journey. We offer personal guidance and take your specific situation into account. Together we ensure the healthiest and most successful pregnancy and delivery possible.
Please feel free to contact us for an introductory meeting. We look forward to meeting you!
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Take care of yourself and your little one!
With kind regards,
Midwives PuurBegin
Address: Orkestlaan 148, 8265RC Kampen
Telephone: 085 40 19 095