The unparalleled joy of embracing a child as a symbol of shared life is truly incomparable. What greater blessing could one desire than the arrival of twins during such a momentous occasion? This shift from rare occurrences to a more common occurrence in the birth of twins marks a noticeable change.
Two distinct types of twin births exist, with one category being identical twins, also known as monozygotic twins. In this scenario, a single sperm fertilizes an egg, resulting in the formation of two embryos. These twins share both the same placenta and egg sacs, facilitating the sharing of nutrients between them.
The second type is known as fraternal twins or dizygotic twins. In this scenario, two separate ovules are formed, each fertilized by different sperms. These twins develop with distinct placentas and uteri.
Understanding the formation of twins allows us to explore the reasons behind it and identify factors that contribute to the likelihood of their occurrence.
Family genes
Family history plays a significant role in the likelihood of having twins, especially in the maternal family, where a higher incidence of twins increases the chances. However, if there are more twins in the paternal family, this correlation is considered invalid.
Age Factor
Additionally, an increased chance of twins is observed when couples attempt to conceive after years of trying. This is associated with a growing trend of women opting to have children after the age of 30. After the age of 35, the elevated secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women supports the maturation of multiple eggs in each cycle, effectively doubling the number of eggs and heightening the probability of having twins.
Artificial Procedures
Fertility treatments, particularly those involving fertilization pills, amplify the production of fertilized eggs, significantly raising the chances of having twins. Depending on the specific fertility treatment, the likelihood of conceiving three additional children may also vary.
Hormonal Changes
The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones from the ovaries and the pituitary gland. A standard menstrual cycle occurs every 28 days, with estrogen levels rising after menopause, leading to the thickening of the endometrium. If fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, and the ovum lodges in the thickened uterine lining, it initiates division, resulting in the formation of two embryos.