Chances of having twins or triplets

Chances of a Multiple Pregnancy – A Blog by Midwives Lelystad

Are you pregnant or do you want to become pregnant and are you curious about the chance of twins or triplets? That is very understandable! A multiple pregnancy is special and occurs less often. In this blog we will delve deeper into the chance of multiples and what this means for your pregnancy.

What are the chances of having twins or triplets?

The chance of having spontaneous twins in the Netherlands is approximately 1 in 80 to 90 births. For women over 40 years old this chance increases to 1 in 60The chance of spontaneous triplets is much smaller, namely 1 in 7000 births. Every year in the Netherlands about 20 to 25 triplets born. Fertility treatments result in additional babies being born each year about 40 triplets born.

Factors that influence the chance of multiple births

Several factors can increase the chance of having twins or triplets:

• Heredity – Specific gene variants can influence the number of eggs released per cycle.
• Ethnicity – Multiple births are more common in some population groups than in others.
• Age – As women age, ovulation becomes more irregular, which can lead to multiple eggs maturing at the same time. age 25 is the chance of having twins 1 in 90, while this on age 40 1 in 60 is.
• Fertility treatments – IVF and ICSI increase the chance of a multiple pregnancy because multiple embryos are often transferred.
• Height and BMI – Tall women and women with a BMI over 30 have a greater chance of having twins due to increased sensitivity of the ovaries to hormones.

How do multiples occur?

Multiples occur in different ways:

• Fraternal twins – Occurs when two egg cells are fertilized by two different sperm cells.
• Identical twins – Occur when one egg cell splits into two embryos.
• Triplets and quadruplets – Can be a combination of identical and fraternal siblings.

The role of fertility treatments

In fertility treatments such as IVF and ICSI the chance of a multiple pregnancy is significantly higher, because multiple embryos can be replaced. This increases the chance of a successful pregnancy, but also carries risks. Midwives Lelystad we always honestly discuss the pros and cons of a multiple pregnancy.

Identical or fraternal: what's the difference?

• Identical twins – Originated from one fertilized egg and have identical DNA. They are always of the same sex.
• Fraternal twins – Originated from two different egg cells and can be of different genders.

Risks of a multiple pregnancy

A multiple pregnancy brings extra medical risks carries with it:

• Greater chance of premature birth – Most multiples are for 37 weeks born.
• Higher chance of complications – Like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and an increased risk of a cesarean section.
• Lower birth weight – Multiple babies are more likely to have a lower birth weight, which may require extra care.

Bee Midwives Lelystad We have experience with multiple pregnancies and we will provide you with intensive support during your pregnancy.

Multiple pregnancy and heredity

Heredity plays a role role in fraternal twins, because some women have a genetic predisposition to release multiple eggs per cycle. Identical twins are on the other hand not hereditary and came about purely by chance.

Midwives Lelystad: Your care partner for multiple pregnancies

Are you expecting twins or triplets or do you have an increased risk of this? Midwives Lelystad is ready for you. We offer personal guidance and take your specific situation into account, so that you can healthy and prosperous as possible experience your pregnancy and childbirth.

Want to know more or schedule an introductory meeting? Contact us!

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Take care of yourself and your little ones!

With kind regards,

Midwives Lelystad
Address: Badweg 21, 8223 PA Lelystad
Telephone: 06 53 65 91 91