Twins

Identical twins are the result of one fertilised egg splitting into two separate cells. Each cell grows into a baby. Because they originally came from the same cell, the babies have the same genes – they are the same sex and look very like each other.

Non-identical twins are common. They are one result of two eggs being fertilised by two sperm at the same time. The babies may not be the same sex and will probably look no more alike than any other brothers and sisters.

Twins happen about once in every 80 pregnancies. A couple is more likely to have twins if there are twins in the woman’s family. 

Triplets are much more rare and quads rarer still, although nowadays the use of drugs in the treatment of infertility has made multiple births more common.

You may suspect that you are carrying twins if you are very sick in early pregnancy, seem bigger than your ‘dates’, they run in your family or you have had fertility treatment. It is usually possible to find out by about the end of the second month of your pregnancy. An ultrasound scan is needed  to make the diagnosis at this stage. You should be told at this point whether the babies are in separate sacs or offered a further scan to determine this.

Twin and other multiple pregnancies (e.g. triplets)  carry a higher risk of most of the complications associated with pregnancy, particularly premature birth. You will probably be encouraged to have regular scans during your pregnancy to check the babies’ growth. You may be advised to have a Caesarean section. Discuss this with your doctor. You can still breastfeed with twins. With triplets, or more, this may be more difficult.

It is a good idea to contact support groups like TAMBA,( Twins and Multiple Births Association).

Information provided by Health Promotion England.