Having twins is an exciting prospect for many hopeful parents. While the chance of conceiving twins naturally is only around 3%, there are several things you can do to increase your odds of having two babies at once. This comprehensive guide covers all the top tips and information on how to get pregnant with twins fast.
Key Takeaways:
- Take fertility drugs like clomiphene or injectable gonadotropins to release multiple eggs. This can increase twin chances to 30%.
- Opt for IVF with multiple embryo transfers. Transferring 2-3 embryos at once raises the odds of twins.
- Make dietary changes like increasing dairy and vitamin B to improve egg quality and ovulation.
- Gain weight if underweight and lose weight if overweight to achieve optimal fertility.
- Use conceiving aids like ovulation predictor kits to target the most fertile days.
- Pick the right conception position to encourage quick sperm transport.
- Have a family history of twins and be of African descent to up your chances.
- Get pregnant before age 35 when your natural twin rates are highest.
- Take supplements like folic acid, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D for better conception.
What Are Your Odds of Having Twins Naturally?
On average, about 1 in 250 natural pregnancies results in twins. So without any intervention, your odds of conceiving fraternal (non-identical) twins is just 3-4%. The chance of having identical twins naturally is even lower at approximately 0.4%.
Fraternal twins happen when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm. Identical twins occur when one fertilized egg splits into two embryos.
However, certain factors can increase your baseline chances of twins:
- Age – Odds peak between 35-40. Women over 40 have 1 in 10 chance of twins.
- Ethnicity – African women have highest rates of around 1 in 80.
- Family history – Having a twin sibling or twins that run in the family ups your chances.
- Height/weight – Taller and heavier women have elevated twin rates.
- Parity – Having previous pregnancies, especially multiple prior births.
So before considering conception assistance, look at your individual circumstances and risk factors to determine if you may already be predisposed to having fraternal or identical twins spontaneously.
Ways to Increase Your Chances of Twins
If your natural twin chances are low, there are several methods proven to boost your odds of successfully conceiving twins. Here are the top ways to get pregnant with twins backed by scientific research:
Take Ovulation-Inducing Fertility Drugs
The most effective medical way to increase chances of twins is to take fertility drugs that stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs at once. This allows for more targets for sperm to fertilize. The more eggs you ovulate, the higher the odds of conceiving fraternal twins.
There are two main types of medications used:
- Clomiphene – Oral anti-estrogen pills that trigger ovulation. Up to 10% twin rate.
- Gonadotropins – Injectable hormones FSH and LH that stimulate ovulation. Up to 30% twin rate.
Talk to your doctor about prescribing these if appropriate for your situation. Clomid is the most common first line drug used to induce ovulation and twins. Gonadotropins are stronger but come with a higher risk of multiples like triplets and quadruplets.
Proper monitoring during medicated cycles is important to limit this risk. But overall, fertility medications give you the highest probability of getting pregnant with twins without invasive procedures.
Undergo IVF with Multiple Embryo Transfers
In vitro fertilization (IVF) with multiple embryo transfer (ET) is another medical route to increase your chances of twins. During IVF:
- Ovarian stimulating drugs are used to produce many eggs.
- Eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a lab to create embryos.
- Multiple embryos are then transferred into the uterus during the embryo transfer procedure.
Transferring more than one embryo at a time ups the odds of twins. On average:
- Transferring 2 embryos has a 30% chance of twins.
- Transferring 3 embryos has a 40% chance of twins.
- Transferring 4 embryos has a 50%+ chance of twins.
However, transferring more embryos also increases the risk of conceiving triplets or more. To safely maximize twin chances with IVF, most doctors recommend only transferring 2-3 embryos at once.
Change Your Diet and Lifestyle
Making certain dietary and lifestyle changes may support ovulation and fertility. Research shows women who:
- Eat a dairy-rich diet have 5x higher twin rates. Full-fat dairy contains growth hormones that may spark multiple ovulations.
- Take multivitamins with folic acid have slightly elevated twin rates. Folic acid helps eggs mature properly.
- Consume foods with vitamin B like meat and eggs have higher twin rates. Vitamin B boosts ovary function.
- Are tall or have an optimal body mass index (BMI) conceive more twins. Being under or overweight can negatively impact ovulation.
Additionally, reducing stress levels and avoiding smoking normalizes hormones for better egg quality and ovulation. Simple natural changes to optimize your health can make you more twin-friendly.
Time Intercourse Perfectly
To conceive twins without medical intervention, you need to release two eggs and have them fertilized by two sperm. This is more likely to occur during peak fertility.
Using ovulation predictor test kits will help pinpoint your 2 most fertile days each cycle. Have frequent intercourse on these 2 days before and on the day of ovulation to maximize chances of hyperovulation.
additionally, use positions that allow for deep penetration to get sperm closer to the cervix quicker. The closer together the eggs are released, the higher probability two will be fertilized.
Pick Fertility Boosting Supplements
Taking supplements with key vitamins and minerals needed for ovulation and conception may support your twin goals naturally.
The top supplements linked to higher twin rates include:
- Folic acid – Helps eggs mature and release. Take 400mcg daily.
- Zinc – Regulates hormones for ovulation. Take 15-30mg daily.
- Vitamin D – Improves egg quality. Take 600 IU daily.
- Calcium – Supports egg release. Take 500-600mg daily.
- Iron – Oxygenates cells for conception. Take 30mg daily.
Combining a prenatal vitamin with additional calcium, zinc, and vitamin D is ideal for boosting fertility and twin chances safely.
Tips to Conceive Twins by Age
Your age significantly impacts your odds of conceiving twins naturally. In your late 20s and 30s, you have the highest chance of hyperovulation. Here are the optimal times to try for twins by age bracket:
Under 25
- Take a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid to prepare your body.
- Start tracking periods to determine when you ovulate.
- Have sex every other day during your fertile window.
- Maintain a healthy BMI and diet to set yourself up for twins later on.
25-30 Years Old
- Use an ovulation predictor kit to pinpoint your 2 most fertile days.
- Have intercourse on those 2 days to try for fraternal twins.
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin and eating fertility boosting foods.
31-35 Years Old
- Natural chance of twins peaks now, so have well-timed intercourse.
- If after 6 months, no pregnancy, talk to your doctor about ovulation inducing drugs.
- Clomiphene citrate starting now may safely lead to a twin pregnancy.
Over 35 Years Old
- See your doctor sooner rather than later for fertility testing and possible drug therapy.
- Timed intercourse likely won’t be enough. You need medical ovulation induction.
- If you want two kids, strongly consider IVF with multiple embryo transfer to conceive twins.
- Don’t wait too long or your egg supply and quality will start decreasing.
Maximizing your chances for twins in your early to mid 30s is ideal, as your egg quality will still be good. With fertility assistance, you can safely conceived twins at advanced ages too. But the sooner you start trying when odds are already in your favor, the better.
Risks and Complications of Twin Pregnancies
While having twins is a blessing, it does come with additional risks and complications not seen in singleton pregnancies. It’s important to be aware of these before trying to conceive twins:
- Preterm labor – 50% of twins are born prematurely before 37 weeks.
- Low birth weight – Twins are often below 5.5 pounds at birth.
- Preeclampsia – High blood pressure. Up to 20% in twin pregnancies.
- Gestational diabetes – Caused by increased hormones. Affects up to 18%.
- Excess bleeding – After delivery, the uterus may bleed more.
- C-section delivery – Over 50% to 70% of twins are delivered via c-section.
- Twin-to-twin transfusion – Unequal blood sharing through their shared placenta.
- Fetal and infant mortality – Higher rate of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death with twins.
Carrying and delivering two babies are harder on the body. Proper prenatal care is essential to monitor for complications. Understanding the risks means you can watch for issues and have the healthiest twin pregnancy possible.
FAQs on Getting Pregnant With Twins Fast:
Getting pregnant with twins fast takes preparation and strategic timing. Here are answers to common questions to help you conceive twins:
How can I guarantee twins?
There are no 100% guaranteed ways to ensure twins besides IVF with multiple transfers or fertility drugs. Natural methods can only increase chances.
Do twins run in families?
Yes, having fraternal twins in your family like a twin sibling or twins on your mother’s side ups your odds. Genetics partly determine hyperovulation rates.
When am I most fertile for twins?
Your most fertile days each cycle with the highest chance of conceiving twins is the 2 days before and day of ovulation. Time intercourse on these days.
Can I influence whether I get identical or fraternal twins?
No, you cannot influence getting identical vs fraternal twins. Identical twins are random from a single embryo splitting. Fraternal twins come from two separate eggs.
If I get pregnant with twins once am I more likely to have twins again?
Yes, having a previous twin pregnancy makes you 2-4x more likely to conceive twins in a subsequent pregnancy due to hyperovulation.
Do fertility drugs or IVF increase twin health risks?
Yes, twins conceived via fertility treatments have moderately higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weights compared to natural twins.
What foods help you get pregnant with twins?
Eating full-fat dairy, wild yams, beans, oysters, eggs, bananas, and sweet potatoes may help boost twin conception odds thanks to supporting ovulation.
The Takeaway
Getting pregnant with twins fast is possible with the right approach. Combining timed intercourse, diet changes, supplements and medical assistance as needed can help double your chances. Work closely with your doctor to develop the optimal conception plan for your age and goals. With persistence and proper preparation, the dream of having adorable twins can absolutely become a reality.