How to give birth to twins: conception of twins or twins in a natural way. How to have twins: tips and tricks for conceiving babies

The subtleties of raising twins. Features of the development of twins.

Gemini - double happiness and care for parents. Many women simply dream of giving birth to two children at a time, however, according to statistics, most of the twins are born precisely in women after 35 years.

Why are twins born?

Modern medicine knows almost everything about the processes that occur in a woman's body immediately after conception. The following factors contribute to the birth of twins:

• Infertility treatment
• Elevated levels of FSH in a woman's body
• Heredity age over 35 years

Now scientists separate monozygotic and dizygotic twins. The difference in the amount of initial biomaterial for conception. In the treatment of infertility and in women over 35, the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone is higher than normal, so instead of one egg, two or more grow. Each of them is fertilized by a separate spermatozoon. In this case, the twins can be of different sexes and generally dissimilar.

And in the case of a monozygotic pregnancy, one fertilized cell divides into two during the growth process. This mechanism has not been fully studied. But identical twins are most often of the same sex and their DNA is almost the same. Why at some point the cell divides into two is still unclear. It is impossible to plan such a pregnancy.

How to determine the probability of having twins?

The probability of having twins from two eggs is 1.4%. That is, 14 women out of 1000 will become mothers of twins. Scientists have found that blacks are three times more likely to have twins. These are features of physiology and development. The probability of having identical twins is only 0.3%.

Scientists have found that a third of all twins are born from women who have been treated for infertility for a long time.

During IVF, the risk of having twins or triplets is also high, but this is a completely controlled procedure. Several embryos can take root in the uterus during IVF. How much a woman wants to leave, she chooses herself.

How are twins different from twins?

In medicine, as such, the concept of twins does not exist. These are identical or multi-egg twins. Among the people, to make it easier to navigate, children who are different from each other and of different sexes were called twins. And completely identical children born from the same cell are twins. Although in medicine they are twins, only born from one or more cells.

How are twins and twins made?

The mechanism for the birth of dizygotic twins is simple. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone in a woman's body, not one dominant follicle grows, but several. Most often, one egg matures in each ovary. Upon entering the uterus, the sperm fertilizes each egg. Zygotes can attach in different places in the uterus.

Placenta previa often occurs when one fetus “unsuccessfully” attached itself at the very exit from the uterus. During growth, one fetus presses on the other, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Why one fertilized cell divides into two parts is unclear. But there are such variations of identical twins:

• Both embryos have their own placenta and gestational sac and develop independently of each other.
• Two embryos divide the fetal site into two. Often in such cases, fused children are born - Siamese twins.
• One egg has a polar body, which is also fertilized

What are the developmental features of twins?

Usually, twins are born with a lower body weight than normal children. They later begin to hold their heads, sit and walk. Often one of the twins is born larger and the other smaller. A stronger child begins to speak earlier, he has developed fine motor skills and skills. But by school years, the differences are erased.

• Many people think that twins are retarded, in fact, they are not. With such children, you need to do more, because initially they are weaker. In school years, twins catch up with their peers in the physical development
• social skills. Psychologically, twins are more developed than other children. This is due to the fact that in early age they perceive each other as one. They often argue, fight and make up
• Twins learn to share, forgive and give in before other children. When the twins grow up, mom is very easy with them. They take care of her, often call and come. In high school, such children often help their parents with the housework.

How to raise twins?

Many parents try to raise twins as one child. They feed them from the same bottle, put them to sleep in the same bed. Of course, this allows the kids to get used to each other and feel like a single whole. Later, this can significantly slow down the development of children.

• At 6 months, children are accustomed to each other, peer into emotions and react to them. Mom at this time is quite simple, since the children do not require attention, they are busy with each other. At the same time, this slows down the speech of babies, since most of the time they hear not normal words, but humming.
• Try to divide the responsibilities between family members, and let everyone take turns communicating with the kids. Try to get separate cribs, but feed, potty and sleep at the same time
• Do not buy children the same toys. Everyone should be an individual, not one
• Try not to buy the same things and purchases. Explain to the kids that this time you will buy something for one, and after a while the second child
• If children fight over toys, do not rush to buy the second baby exactly the same. Explain what needs to be shared
• If possible, walk with the kids separately. You can give one child to dad, and go for a walk with the second. Change next time. This brings up individuality in children, and it will help you to better know the interests of each child.
• Children need to have different friends and interests. Great if they want to study in different classes and attend different clubs

Should twins dress the same?

• When the babies are not yet a year old, even the mother hardly distinguishes them. To make it easier, you can purchase the same things in different colors. You can put on different hats or booties for babies. After a year, try to buy different things for babies. They should not feel like an addition to a brother or sister.
• Let the children choose their own clothes. It’s good if one is fond of sports and wears tracksuits, while the other prefers classic clothes.
• As soon as the children learn to dress themselves, arrange their things in different closets. Let them choose in the morning what they will wear to kindergarten or school

How to take care of twins?

Many questions arise around the feeding and sleep of children. If you choose to breastfeed your babies, do both at the same time. Get a comfortable pillow and hold the babies with both hands.

• When the children grow up, they can be put on each breast face, provided that the mother's breast size is not more than the fourth. Never feed babies on demand. You need a clear schedule, otherwise you will quickly run out of steam
• You can buy one bed for children, but separate it with a partition, which can sometimes be removed so that the kids communicate with each other
• Try to put the kids to bed at the same time. Bathe at the same time. If the babies are still very young, bathe one after the other, the first should be more restless. Since when bathing a calm baby, he can throw tantrums
• When the children learn to sit, get them high chairs and bathe together

At what age are twins born?

Usually labor begins prematurely. On average, twins are born at 34-38 weeks. Few people make it to 39-40 weeks, and some doctors believe that it makes no sense for children to be in the stomach for so long, because there is simply no room for them. Birth at 32 weeks is considered premature. This usually happens with placenta previa or polyhydramnios. If the cervix opens prematurely, the pregnant woman can put a ring and put it in storage. Shows complete peace. It is forbidden to even get up for a walk.

In 70% of cases, twins are born through surgery and only 30% are born naturally.

If the mother's health is good and there is no need to do a caesarean, delivery is usually rapid. And a woman gives birth to children in 2-3 hours from the start of contractions. Often children are born as a result of a planned caesarean section.

First of all, don't think that having twins won't change your life. Do not expect that your house will always be clean and tidy. Now you will be thinking about unwashed dishes and floors late at night.

• Realize that you can't fix everything on your own. Divide responsibilities among all family members
• Once a week, leave the kids with someone from your family and go to a cafe with friends or with your husband to the movies
• Write your daily routine and try to follow it
• Don't put off small things for later. It's easier to wash one plate than the whole mountain
• Don't push yourself. It's better to do nothing and relax. After all, babies need a healthy and happy mother.

Of course, caring for twins is much more difficult than caring for one baby, but over time you will get used to it. After all, no everyday problems can be compared with the smile of the kids and their hugs.

VIDEO: Multiple pregnancy

Nature from time to time pleases us with twins or twins, but not as often as some mothers would like. Can we somehow influence conception so that two children are born, and not one? It turns out that nature is to some extent subject to us. Both natural and artificial methods, as well as popular advice, will come to the rescue. Interestingly, the sex of future children can also be influenced.

Although the "gift" of having twins is usually hereditary, the use of special methods and advice leads to the fact that parents are increasingly waiting for the birth of two babies at once. According to statistics, you can give birth to twins in one case out of 80. We will tell you how you can increase your chances.

Who are the twins

In order for this joyful event to happen to you, it is necessary, first of all, to understand what twins are. Unlike monozygotic twins, formed from one egg with the participation of one sperm, in the case of twins, two cells on both sides.

Twins – these are children of different ages. Such a pregnancy occurs when two eggs are fertilized by different sperm at the same time. Each fetus is formed in a separate placenta.

The babies that appear can have a very similar appearance, but they can also differ significantly from each other. In addition, only one gender will be represented in their pair. It may also turn out that a boy and a girl will be born. Although this phenomenon does not occur very often.

So, in order to get twins, you need to find a way as a result of which the female body will throw out not one, but several eggs. As you understand, there is no need to take care of spermatozoa - there are always more than enough of them anyway.

There are two options for conception - natural and artificial. Each case needs its own strategy, and now you will get acquainted with the main ones.

Natural Ways to Have Twins

Gather as much information about your family as possible. You will also need a medical history (spouse and your own). Having collected all this, go to genetics which will tell you what to do.

If you do not like doctors, you can act on your own, following the general recommendations, both folk and based on scientific research. Here are the most important ones:

• Before conception give up use alcohol and smoking cigarettes. First of all, you should take care of your health;
• Increases the chances of conception refusal of contraceptives. If you use contraceptives or hormonal drugs, you can try to conceive a child immediately after stopping their use. There is evidence that the ovaries will begin to produce more eggs. Try to conceive right after you stop taking birth control pills, after pills the body tries to regulate hormones, the body may need a cycle or two to get the hormones to work as they should, when this passes, the hormones can be stimulated more than necessary. This can cause the ovary to release more eggs than usual during the very first cycles after the pills. So if you want to conceive twins, the first cycles are a great time to try!
• It is curious that the conception of twins more often happens precisely spring. Probably, women's well-being improves with the renewal of nature. In addition, the day becomes longer, which also improves hormonal levels;
• Do not ignore the people's advice. It is considered that if eat more chicken eggs, walnuts, and different kind fermented milk products, the likelihood of twins increases;
• Eat cassava root or alternatively cassava or yam (wild yam) In one of the regions of Africa, where yam is very common, it has been noticed that there are the most twins born there, many nutritionists agree that using this product increases the chances of conceiving twins ( There is even a place called Gemini Land where this plant grows in large numbers.) Sweet potatoes are also recommended. The fact is that for some reason, twins and twins are born more often in sweet potato-eating tribes;
• A little extra weight may be useful if you are considering having twins. By the way, the chances are significantly increased for those who are expecting a child again. Some believe that this is due to the fact that the weight of a woman after the birth of a baby usually increases;
• Accept folic acid. Duration of admission should be at least 3 months;
• Not only weight can play a big role, but also woman's age. It is known that a hormonal surge is observed after 30 years, so it is more difficult for younger ladies to give birth to twins, and with age the chances increase. It is believed that they are maximum from 30 to 40 years. If you are between 20 and 30 years old, your chances are about 3%, and closer to forty - 6%. That is, they are doubled!
• There is an opinion that you can count on twins if get pregnant again immediately after the birth of the baby or after a short break. We also read: ;
• Those who is breastfeeding and is not using contraception after a previous pregnancy, the chance of conceiving twins also increases;
• The likelihood of getting pregnant with twins increases after IVF or after taking hormonal drugs to stimulate ovulation in the treatment of infertility;
• Genetics is considered one of the main factors affecting the conception of twins. There are especially many chances for those women in whose family the twins were precisely on the maternal side. Of course, you can't change anything here. However, if you really want to have twins, you can find a partner in whose family she was.

Well, the simplest, but far from the most useless advice on how to conceive twins: you just need to really want it. After all, it will not be a secret to anyone that self-hypnosis has tremendous power and often leads to the desired, although not always expected, results. If a woman constantly thinks that she will have twins, most likely she will!

Artificial Methods

• ECO

Medicine does not stand still, there are all new artificial ways of conceiving twins. Contributes to her birth IVF method(stands for in vitro fertilization). However, the nuance here is that artificial insemination is usually used in the case of couples who are not able to conceive and give birth to a baby on their own. In order for twins to appear, doctors strive to produce as many eggs as possible “in reserve”. The fact is that not every one of them is able to become fertilized. With artificial conception, it becomes possible to fertilize several eggs at once, and then, depending on the wishes of the parents, leave one or two.

• Stimulation of ovulation

Unfortunately, there is no way that could guarantee you the birth of twins. However, by stimulating ovulation, you can increase the likelihood that two babies will be born at once. To do this, you need to undergo an examination and consult a doctor. If he says that you are able to conceive twins and, equally important, carry them, you may be assigned a course of certain drugs that can affect the natural ovulatory cycle. However, they should not be used without a doctor's prescription in any case. These drugs have a range of side effects and they can severely damage your body.

Another artificial method is used when anovulatory disease, in which pregnancy does not occur in principle. Such a violation is treated with drugs containing a special follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It awakens the body of a woman. After the treatment, in the first cycles of ovulation, the likelihood that two eggs will ripen at once increases.

List of tests (for women and men) when planning pregnancy —

Will calendar methods help?

You can use them, but you should not completely rely on them. There are no such wonderful days when with one hundred percent probability you can conceive twins. You can only determine the best periods for this. Doctors believe that women with a short menstrual cycle (about 21 days) have the greatest chance of having two babies.

If you are interested in the birth of twins, you should plan your attempts to conceive babies in a special way. The least chance of fertilization, as you probably know, is during the period of menstruation, as well as a week before they begin. Therefore, we will not consider this period. Within a few months, you need to observe how your cycle is going. If it is fairly regular, then it will not be difficult at all to calculate the day of ovulation. It takes place in the middle of the cycle. The table for the conception of twins is no different from the table for the conception of one baby. However, there is one caveat. You should especially actively try to do this directly on the day of ovulation. It is on this day that the eggs are released from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes.

Folk healers give their advice on how to conceive twins. It is believed that the chances are increased if you try to do this on days when the passage of the Moon is observed through constellations such as Gemini and Pisces. Couples seeking to conceive twins must make sexual contact before the new moon if the birth of babies of the same sex is preferable. If you do this before full moon, the probability of the birth of heterosexual babies is high. At least folk healers believe it. Why not try?

Moms take note!

Hello girls) I didn’t think that the problem of stretch marks would affect me, but I’ll write about it))) But I have nowhere to go, so I’m writing here: How did I get rid of stretch marks after childbirth? I will be very glad if my method helps you too ...

Geographic factor

According to studies, it is easiest to give birth to twins in Africa and the Middle East. However, in our country there are places where the appearance of many twins is noted. This, for example, Kopan village located in the Carpathians. 54 pairs of twins were born here in half a century. Locals claim that the reason for this is the healing spring located in the village, which contributes to the birth of twins. Many parents come to him who want twins to be born in the family. Some of them actually managed to achieve their goal after the trip.

In the village of Denisovka, located in the Rostov region, miraculous phenomena were also noted. There are 19 pairs of twins per 500 population. It is believed that fertile land contributes to this. As the locals say, you can get the desired gift, even just by staying for some time in this village.

Do you want twin girls?

It turns out that you can influence the sex of the unborn child by choosing certain positions for conception. If you want girls to be born, it is recommended positions with shallow penetration. Best fit missionary, since when it is used, a lot of sperm remains in the vagina, which increases the likelihood of conception.

In addition, there is special diet to increase the chances of having girls. It is worth including more honey, sugar, jam, fragrant herbs and spices in your diet. At the same time, it is recommended to avoid salty foods, as well as foods that contain caffeine.

Another interesting way is based on using blood youth theories. Since blood is renewed in a woman's body after 3 years, and in men - after 4, the countdown should be from the last major loss of blood: childbirth, abortion, surgery. The gender of the unborn baby can be determined based on whose blood is younger at the time of conception.

How to give birth to boys

In this case, just fit poses exactly with deep penetration. The fact is that the Y chromosomes that determine the male sex live less than their competitors, thanks to which girls are born (X). It is believed that after a female orgasm, the penetration of Y-spermatozoa is facilitated, since special substances are released that contribute to their greater vitality.

If you want boys to be born, it's better to have sex before ovulation. This is also due to the fact that Y-sperms do not live long. If you follow this advice, the chances that they will get faster than their rivals to a mature egg will increase.

It will also help you special diet. It is worth eating less dairy drinks, caviar, crabs, shrimp, bread, pastries, sauces, green beans, green salad, waffles, cocoa, dill and raw cabbage. An impressive list, but women for whom the gender of their unborn child is very important easily go for such restrictions. Instead, it is recommended to consume fruit juices, coffee, tea, fish and meat, mineral water, egg white, sausage, potatoes, rice, semolina, cookies, peas, lentils, mushrooms, all kinds of dried fruits and fruits, as well as dark chocolate. Salt your food more, use canned food, as well as baked goods with yeast.

Of course, all this will only slightly increase your chances of having boys. However, all means are good, and used in the aggregate, they may well give the result you need. The main thing is to believe.

Even if you could not conceive the desired twins, do not be discouraged. Keep in mind that carrying two babies at once is not easy. For your body, this is a serious burden. In addition, the happiness of motherhood is not in the number of children, but in how you manage to raise them.

From the forum

mother N. Of course, you can calculate the day of ovulation, but why? It won't increase your chance of having twins. IVF can increase your chances, but if you are healthy, why do you need it? And you can increase (but also not a 100% guarantee) by taking Clostilbegit according to the scheme, but the drug is very serious, it is taken to stimulate ovulation strictly according to indications, without consulting a doctor you can do yourself a lot of trouble (due to ovarian hyperstimulation).

MaryAngel: I also read that after the abolition of hormonal contraceptives, twins are often obtained. But there is also the opposite risk - infertility. The ability to give birth to twins is transmitted through the female line, if you do not have such cases in your family, then nothing will come of it except artificially - through eco or pills. And if you read how hard it is to bear two at once, to educate, maybe you will change your mind?

SayuRi: The chance of getting pregnant with twins increases after the withdrawal of OK.
Just do twins (non-identical twins) are transmitted genetically through the female line. I also heard that a generation later, but this was not scientifically confirmed.
Twins (identical twins) are generally a gift from God. Until now, scientists have not been able to figure out why the egg suddenly divides into two. And if there is a chance to specifically become pregnant with non-identical twins. That identical twins is a great gift of fate that does not depend on anything!

Natach: This happiness happens by chance! You don't even expect to have twins. Probably this is the fate of neighing nimagu neighing nimagu I know for sure that women from 35 to 45 years old have an increased risk of having twins, because. during this period, the so-called “last cry” occurs - an increased hormonal surge

Lilusa: For us to find out that there will be twins was a complete surprise. There was no such thing in the family, I never took OK in my life, they did not stimulate ovulation, they conceived naturally. The only thing is that she drank folic acid 3 months before conception, in the second phase vitamin e 200.
I don't even know what to advise you. All the will of God!

READ ALSO: Caring for newborn twins - top tips for a young mother - telegram channel

The news of pregnancy is always good news. Pregnancy with twins is both exciting and scary at the same time. How will it proceed? Will the expectant mother be able to carry out the birth of twins on her own? A million questions pop into your head as soon as future parents find out that there will be two children.

Most often, a pregnant woman does not know that she is expecting twins until the first ultrasound. Although often a blood test for hCG already for a period of 4 weeks can tell about multiple pregnancy.

Despite the fact that such a pregnancy in many cases is quite easy, doctors tend to classify it as a pathology. The risks can be very different: premature birth of twins, miscarriage, fetal pathology.

As a rule, the possibility of conceiving twins is inherited, often through several generations. However, modern medical possibilities and various folk remedies can help make such a bold dream come true.

To begin with, it is worth determining that twins are fraternal babies, often of different sexes. Twins, on the other hand, develop in the same egg and are called, respectively, identical. Twins are almost always the same sex.

Conceiving twins with the help of medical procedures and drugs:

• After stimulating ovulation with potent hormonal drugs, multiple pregnancy may develop due to the maturation of a large number of follicles.
• Stopping birth control can also give rise to a surge in follicle-stimulating hormone activity.
• Artificial insemination, or. The most common cause of twins. AT last years more and more women resort to the help of reproductive specialists in order to conceive a child. Doctors stimulate the growth of a large number of follicles. Then, after ovulation, an operation is performed to remove the follicles with eggs, which are subsequently crossed with sperm. Based on how many embryos turned out, the issue of replanting is being decided. As a rule, it is recommended to plant no more than two. Thus, twins and triplets are born.

1. Folic acid intake. It has a beneficial effect on the woman's body and contributes to the appearance of twins.
2. Long-term breastfeeding of the first child may also help in the issue of conceiving subsequent twins.
3. Proper nutrition and the inclusion in the diet of foods that stimulate the activity of the ovaries will have a beneficial effect. Chicken eggs, dairy products, walnuts, whole grains contain various vitamins and amino acids, they have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pelvic organs.
4. It has been proven that the age of a woman is also able to "help" in planning a multiple pregnancy. Women over 30 are more likely to have twins.

How does a multiple pregnancy proceed?

Often, pregnancy with twins or triplets proceeds quite favorably and is not much different from the usual. However, it still has some features.

Tracking the course of multiple pregnancy, doctors pay special attention to the uniform development of the fetus in the womb. A pronounced difference in weight and size may indicate a developmental pathology.

In addition, due to the different blood supply to the fetuses, one child can "eat" another. Because of this, the second baby receives less nutrition and may die or lag behind in development.

The first trimester of multiple pregnancy in 20% of cases brings unpleasant surprises. Under unfavorable circumstances, the death of one fetus is possible.

If the second baby feels good and continues to develop, then doctors prefer to simply monitor such a pregnancy. If the second fetal egg does not harm a living baby, then it is left in the womb until delivery.

Pregnant twins often suffer from iron deficiency. There is a condition called anemia. To prevent this from happening, doctors prescribe additional vitamin complexes.

The second and third trimesters are the hardest for multiple pregnancies. The walls of the uterus stretch too much, the internal organs suffer due to increased blood circulation, a large load on the heart and kidneys. Because of such loads, miscarriages and premature births often occur.

How long to expect childbirth?

A multiple pregnancy differs from a normal one even in the timing of the birth of babies. Twins and triplets mature a few weeks earlier. Of course, the later the birth date of the fetuses, the less problems may arise with their health.

If we are talking about delivery through a caesarean section, then only the doctor determines the date of birth. However, in most cases, multiple pregnancy ends.

For a period of 32-33 weeks, childbirth is complex and unpredictable. Babies can be quite viable. However, they often go through a long course of rehabilitation. At this time, children are not always able to breathe on their own, they lack many reflexes.

34-36 weeks give a much better chance of survival for babies. If the woman still has not given birth, she is offered to go under observation, since childbirth can begin at any time. At 36 weeks, a woman can already give birth to children naturally, without resorting to surgical intervention.

Childbirth at 37-38 weeks is considered normal. The babies are already full-term and ready for independent life. At this time, you can no longer worry about the onset of premature contractions.

At any stage of pregnancy, the question of how to give birth to twins is decided only by a doctor. Even if the pregnancy proceeded without complications, various unforeseen situations may arise during childbirth, which only an obstetrician can resolve.

Natural birth or caesarean section

Favorable multiple pregnancy may well end in natural childbirth. In this case, the expectant mother needs to know how they proceed.

Harbingers of labor can be frequent urination. Also, a woman notices a pronounced one, after which it becomes easier to breathe. Pain in the lower abdomen will prompt the thought of an early delivery.

Contractions in a pregnant woman can begin from 25 weeks. They are called training, do not cause pain and pass quickly. In this case, the pregnant woman has nothing to worry about.

However, if the gestational age is already more than 30 weeks, and the contractions are strongly given to the perineum, then it is necessary to visit a doctor to confirm the onset of labor. Contractions may also be accompanied by the discharge of water and plugs. Real contractions have a clear frequency, which is reduced over time.

During the onset of contractions, the woman's cervix begins to prepare for the birth of babies. Its opening should be within 9-10 cm.

After the onset of contractions and the opening of the cervix, attempts begin. This is the most critical part of natural childbirth for the mother. It is on how correctly she knows how to push that the favorable outcome of childbearing depends.

The difference in time for the appearance of babies from twins is from 5 to 20 minutes. In order to speed up the process of having a second child, doctors manually open the fetal bladder.

After the birth of babies, they are washed, weighed and evaluated by. With a favorable outcome, the children are laid out on the mother's stomach.

Some time after the birth of children, the woman has another important task: the birth of the placenta. She also comes out with an effort. The state of the mother's pelvic organs depends on how whole the placenta came out.

Natural childbirth of twins proceeds quite favorably. Much depends on how competent the obstetrician-gynecologist is.

A caesarean section in a multiple pregnancy is necessary if there are the following indications:

1. Chronic diseases of the mother. Heart defects, renal failure in most cases require operative delivery.
2. Diseases acquired during pregnancy. It is not uncommon to find cases when, during pregnancy with twins, the mother has problems with the gallbladder. An increase in certain enzymes can lead to the appearance of jaundice, hepatitis, cholecystitis. In the most difficult cases, the woman is urgently given birth. Also, the resulting gestosis in the 3rd degree requires the intervention of doctors. The life and health of the mother and babies depends on how quickly the operation is carried out.
3. Incorrect positioning of one or two babies is the most common indication for caesarean section.
4. Preterm birth before 35 weeks is most often performed surgically.
5. Insufficiency of labor activity. This means that the woman's contractions are so weak that it is not possible to have a natural birth.

If doctors suggest a caesarean section for a woman with multiple pregnancies, do not immediately refuse. Multiple pregnancy is a phenomenon not yet fully understood. No one knows for sure how a natural birth will go.

Pregnancy and childbirth is a wonderful time in a woman's life. Despite the fact that they are fraught with uncertainty and may have complications, every expectant mother in her heart dreams of multiple pregnancies.

It's so interesting to watch how several kids develop in you at once. The first time after their birth, it will not be easy for the mother to get used to the new pace of life, but the smiles and new skills of the twins will help to overcome all difficulties.

Children born from one pregnancy. Fraternal twins are distinguished - developed from different zygotes, and identical twins - developed from one zygote, which then divided into two or more embions. Identical twins are very similar to each other.

Twins, monozygotic and dizygotic, make up approximately 1.5% of the population of our planet. This is more than a hundred million people on Earth, in terms of number - like the inhabitants of, for example, two Frances. What influences the appearance of twins, who are called Siamese twins and who are twins, is it possible to predict the birth of twins and what are the features of bearing and raising such children, MedAboutMe tells.

Although there are two different words in Russian - “twins” and “twins”, which refer to children born from the same mother at the same time, these concepts are often confused. Their correct use implies that twins are children born as a result of the division of one egg. Such babies are almost identical in terms of gene set, and are almost one hundred percent copy of each other, although sometimes there are minor differences.

Twins are dizygotic, multi-egg twins, children who appeared as a result of the presence of two or more eggs in the mother, which are fertilized and gestated during one pregnancy. However, these babies, although similar to each other, are not identical twins. They have a partially different set of genes and are considered as close as siblings, brothers and sisters born at different times from the same.

The average twin birth rate in the population is 1% and has been on the rise in recent years. Slightly less than a third of this number are identical twins, the rest are twins (triplets, etc.). The number of identical twins in nature is invariable and does not depend on external factors, but the conception and successful bearing of twins is influenced by both changing socio-economic conditions and the development of medicine and pharmacology.

In addition to identical and multiple twins, there is a separate, intermediate type: homozygous polar twins, also called semi-identical. Such children are born extremely rarely due to the complex specific process of splitting the polar body, the part of the egg that usually dies before fertilization. In some cases, the polar body, which has the same chromosome set as the egg, begins to divide and grow, and can be fertilized by a sperm. In this case, babies are born in which the maternal part of the genes is completely the same, but the set from the father is different. This intermediate type combines the characteristics of monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Children in such couples can be born, for example, with the same appearance, but at the same time be of different sexes.

Identical twins are called monozygous or homozygous. After the egg is fertilized by the sperm, a zygote is formed. In the process of development, it can be divided into two or more parts, and it is in this case that twins have the opportunity to be born.

From the time of crushing the zygote depends on how the pregnancy will proceed. The most common case is the crushing of the zygote on the 6th day after union with the spermatozoon. The later the separation occurs, the higher the possibility of developing twins in the same amniotic sac. So, when crushed for up to 3 days after conception, children will develop in separate bubbles and eat from their “own” placentas, when separated from 4 to 8 days, each fetus will have its own fetal bladder, but one placenta will form. The period of separation from 8 to 13 days means that they will mature in one bladder with blood supply from one placenta.

Later terms of separation of the zygote in most cases lead to such a phenomenon as Siamese, or conjoined twins.

Later (after 14 days from the formation of the zygote), the separation of the fertilized egg provokes the formation of Siamese twins. By this time, some organs are already beginning to form, and the zygote is not completely crushed, which leads to the impossibility of complete separation and the development of two independent embryos.

The frequency of this phenomenon is not precisely defined, since some of the embryos do not survive, approximately 50% of pregnancies end in stillbirth. Statistical data: the birth of living Siamese twins ends 1 pregnancy out of 200,000.

However, even after birth, such children have far from one hundred percent chances of survival. Depending on the degree of union and the availability of medical care, Siamese twins have the opportunity to grow and develop in 5-25%. More often (up to 3 out of 4 cases) girls are born.

The very name "Siamese twins" was fixed after a long tour of the famous couple Chang and Ang Bunker together with the Barnum Circus. The Bunker twins were born in Thailand, which at the beginning of the 19th century was called the country of Siam. The pathology of the fusion of this pair is called xifopagia (fusion of the cartilaginous tissue of the chest), in the conditions of modern medicine, such cases are quite easily corrected, and Siamese twins have the possibility of a separate existence. The following fact testifies to the degree of influence of xipophagy on the body of twins: Bunkers lived for 63 years, were married to two sisters and had healthy children (according to some sources, the brothers had 21 children). However, the death of one twin of the pair from pneumonia led to the rapid death of the second due to intoxication. Later it was found that the brothers also had a fused liver.

Other options for pathology include:

• omphalopagia. Omphalopagus twins occur in 34% of cases; with this type of fusion, they most often have common digestive and hematopoietic organs, the lower part of the chest is united;
• Thoracopagia, of which the Bunker xifopagi twins are a special case, is a fusion of the chest. This is the most common case (up to 40%). Most often, the presence of a single heart is noted, with such a phenomenon, the chances of survival for twins are extremely low, separation of bodies is impossible;
• oropagia, 19%. Fusion occurs in the buttocks, back, iliac region of the body;
• craniopagia, 2%. The fusion is necessarily present in the region of the skulls, depending on the fusion of the bodies, it can be divided into several subspecies of the pathology. Extremely low chance of survival. The birth of such children in ancient times served as reasons for the emergence of legends. In particular, the legend of the two-faced god Janus could have been provoked by the appearance of cephalopagic children fused with their heads;
• polycephaly: on one body - two (in rare cases three) heads and two or more arms;
• etc., depending on the area and degree of union.

The most famous twin sisters

In Russia, the most famous twin sisters were Masha and Dasha Krivoshlyapov and Zita and Gita Rezakhanov. Both pairs belong to ischiopagus biznets, with an anterior type of connection of body parts and fused spines.

The Rezakhanov twin sisters were successfully separated surgically at the age of 11. Zita lived for 24 years and died due to multiple organ failure in 2015.

The twin sisters Krivoshlyapovs lived for 53 years (1950-2003). Masha's death from a heart attack led to the death of Dasha, as a result of intoxication of the body through the common circulatory system.

The most famous stories are cases of the appearance of unusual, Siamese twins. Aside from legends, the first reliable mention of such children dates back to 179 AD, recording the appearance in China of a craniophage, a two-headed child. At various times, many conjoined twins have attracted public attention and left their mark on history. Some of the testimonies refer only to medical facts, some tell of amazing people with a single body, becoming famous, usually performing in circuses or music salons.

The first known mention of an attempt to separate Siamese twins belongs to Byzantine doctors: an adult pair of brothers was tried to be separated from each other after the death of one of them. Unfortunately, the surviving twin lived only 3 days after the operation.

The birth of identical children, identical twins, has led to the emergence of a number of myths. For example, the myth of telepathy among twins is quite stable, and is based on high empathy, understanding of each other's reactions to certain events, associated both with the features of joint development and with the matching reactions of the psyche of similar children.

The myth of a 100% match, the complete identity of twins, is incorrect. Although in monozygotic children, the DNA chains coincide by 99.99999%, but this is not an absolute identity. Moreover, about a quarter of identical twins are called "mirror": they may have moles located on different sides of the body, as in a mirror image, one of a pair of children may have internal organs on the opposite side. Often in a pair of twin children, one is born right-handed, and the second is left-handed.

True claims include the ability of animals to distinguish between twins by smell. Even children, who are sometimes difficult to distinguish between parents, smell differently for animals, despite the same living conditions, diet, activity and health status.

But the fingerprints of homozygous twins differ, although not completely: the formation of skin patterns on the pads is influenced not only by the gene sequence, but also by touching the umbilical cord and skin during fetal development.

The development of other myths about twins, such as the ability to inherit the probability of the appearance of such children in the family, or the possibility of having a boy and a girl in a pair of twins, led to the confusion of the concepts of "twins" and "twins". This type of myth is true only for dizygotic children developing from different eggs.

Two twins or more? How many twins can there be

Two twins or a pair of twins is the most common option. However, three, four or more children can be born. To date, the maximum number of viable children born as a result of multiple pregnancy is 9 babies.

At the same time, among the babies born, there can be monozygotic, dizygotic children, or even a “mixed composition”: for example, in triplets there can be two twins and one child that developed from a separate egg.

Polar semi-identical twins are still a little-studied phenomenon, but at the moment the prevailing opinion is that there can be no more than two of them.

For many millennia, people have tried to understand what leads to the birth of twin children, and what marks the birth of several children at once, especially if the babies were born exactly the same or fused.

In some countries, the birth of twin children was considered a sign of good luck and happiness in the family, in other nations it was a harbinger of wars and troubles.

In attempts to avoid or stimulate the birth of twin children, various signs appeared. So, eating “double”, deformed fruits, berries with two seeds instead of one, bananas with one bunch was considered one of the ways to help conceive and give birth to two or more children at once.

Some of the signs are confirmed by science: the ability to give birth to twin children is indeed inherited if different eggs are fertilized. The influence of a non-standard type of fruit on the birth of twin children has not been confirmed, but there are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies.

The birth of monozygotic and semi-identical twins cannot be controlled, the process of the appearance of identical children cannot be predicted or stimulated, it is not due to a genetic predisposition and cannot be analyzed.

Identical twin children are born on average in 3 cases out of 1000, that is, the incidence of zygote division and pregnancy is 0.3%. But the conception of multi-egg twins has several characteristics that allow you to predict the probabilities and even control the process.

Natural pregnancies, accompanied by the fertilization of 2 or more eggs, occur about 5 times more often. In vitro fertilization, when several eggs are planted in the uterus, in many cases leads to the appearance of dizygotic twins.

Twin children, born as a result of the division of one egg, can appear in any family. But the birth of twins is influenced by several established factors.

It is a statistically reliable fact that twin children are born most often to women from Nigeria, who make up the indigenous population of the country. Also, couples whose close relatives had a history of conception or the birth of twins have a high chance of giving birth to twin children.

Twin babies are also more likely to occur in mothers over 35 years of age, women who have undergone egg-stimulating therapy, and those whose pregnancy begins after stopping birth control, as this causes an increased activity of the ovaries in producing eggs.

When in the body future mother two or more eggs are implanted, which also leads to the appearance of twins with a high frequency, if the embryos take root and the parents decide to bear them. This practice has led to some increase in the number of dizygotic twins in recent decades.

There are some factors that can affect the birth of twin children, developed as a result of the fertilization of two or more eggs. It is impossible to control the conception of identical twins, however, if you want to give birth or avoid the birth of dizygotic children, you can talk about some confirmed facts that indicate the presence of the influence of diet, age, heredity, etc. on the appearance of multi-egg twins.

Natural factors that affect the ability to give birth to twin children include:

• heredity, genetic predisposition to the maturation of several eggs in one cycle;
• genetic propensity identified in some nationalities;
• mother's age. At 18, the average probability for a woman to give birth to twin children is 0.27%, at 35 - 1.47%, then the chances decrease;
• number of pregnancies and births. During the second pregnancy, the chances of giving birth to twin children increase by 2 times, after 3 - by 5. If a woman has already had twins, then the chances of repeating the birth of twin children are multiplied by another 2;
• strict diets reduce the likelihood of twins, and a long daylight hours during ovulation increases;
• some foods that, according to research, can provoke the simultaneous release of mature eggs from the ovaries, such as yams or sweet potatoes, a natural source of a hormone-like substance.

Medical types of stimulation of egg maturation include special drugs that are usually used in the treatment of infertility. Such measures are possible if you want to conceive and give birth to twin children, but are not recommended.

The effect of the withdrawal of long-term use of hormonal contraceptives often leads to the active work of both ovaries, which can provoke the maturation of two eggs at the same time in the first two cycles after stopping the use of medications.

In vitro fertilization, in which more than one zygote is implanted in the uterus, also makes it possible to give birth to twin children.

Recently, statisticians have been talking about the influence of environmental factors, stress, changes in the diet that affect the body of women and lead to both difficulties with conception and an increase in the number of twins born due to the unstable work of the reproductive system.

Children of twin parents who are dizygotic have an increased chance of conceiving and having twins. Children of twin parents born as a result of the separation of one zygote, according to statistics, do not inherit this property.

An example, however, is the story of two families in which identical male twins are married to identical twin sisters. (This situation is not non-standard: it is statistically confirmed that twins and same-sex twins, due to the peculiarities of mental development, often form families with members of the same pairs of twins.)

Craig and Mark Sanders and Diana and Darling Nettermeyer gave birth to five children, and one pair had identical twin boys, and the second had three children in turn: two daughters and a son, which indirectly indicates a possible, but not yet studied, probability of inheritance of certain factors leading to division of the zygote.

Studies confirm that the probability of having identical twins in a couple where the parents were also born due to zygote splitting is almost 1 chance in 1,000,000.

A more complete study is hindered by statistics: the occurrence of such pairs for the possibility of studying them is extremely low.

Carrying and giving birth to twins: features

The bearing of a multiple pregnancy proceeds with its own characteristics. As a rule, mothers of future twins or twins are more tired, more likely to encounter manifestations of toxicosis, preeclampsia, and a higher risk of miscarriage.

The birth of twins in half of the cases is carried out by the operative method of caesarean section. This fact is mainly due to the stretching of the uterus during multiple pregnancy, which leads to weakness of labor, as well as the peculiarities of the location of the children, preventing passage through the natural birth canal.

In the absence of contraindications, the birth of twins naturally occurs in the maternity ward of ordinary maternity hospitals. As a result of multiple pregnancies, babies are usually born underweight (up to 3 kg).

Contrary to popular belief, identical homozygous twins can be born with a different shade of skin, and even have differences in body weight up to 300 g.

Twin children in the family require not only simultaneous attention to physiological needs, but also a special approach. Babies born at the same time get used to being together, sharing each other's interests, which leads to complications in separation, separation, as well as specific problems in the formation of the personalities of twin children.

This applies least of all to pairs of opposite-sex twins, most of all to pairs of identical twins.

For identical children, experts advise not only to try to allocate separate time for each child, but also to stimulate the development of their own interests and preferences that do not match in a pair. What they usually try to teach siblings with an age difference - to live together - turns out to be the exact opposite goal when it comes to twin children, especially identical ones. Such kids need to be taught to live separately, not to close on each other, to eradicate the lack of social ties and communication with other children.

One of the features of twin children in families is cryptophasia, a specific language made up of deformed words (onomotapeia), thanks to which children understand each other better. A similar phenomenon, very common among twins, can make it difficult, slow down the development of speech skills, and cause a lag in language development.

For example, psychologist Rene Zazzo, who studied pairs of twin children in a family, proved that in most cases, the twins reach the mastery of speech skills of the norm of 4-5 year old children only by the age of 6-7 years, subject to socially and economically prosperous living conditions.

Various features accompanying the development of twin children should attract the attention and efforts of parents aimed at identifying, emphasizing specific features, striving to enable and motivate children to form as separate individuals. Psychologists advise to send babies from the age of 10-12 months to various games and activities, dress differently, cut their hair, give different gifts, take them to Kindergarten on different days, write them down in sections separately, if possible, separate them at school, and also do not call the kids to you “Children, go to dinner”, but address everyone by name.

Otherwise, children born together have a fairly high chance of living their whole lives without making a new couple, but being dependent on each other. Statistical studies show that twins (as well as same-sex twins) are much less likely to marry and form families. Most often this happens in the absence of the possibility of the process of individualization of the child during the period of active mental development.

If there are triplets in the family, a couple is most often formed, the third child is not included in the tandem and grows like a sibling of the same age. If there are four twin children, two stable pairs are formed, and so on.

In pairs of twins, in most cases, a “slave-leader” relationship is established, and factors other than those in pairs of girls or opposite-sex tandems become the basis for determining the leader. Twin boys tend to form a dominance and submission pattern in 80% of twin pairs and 75% of identical twin pairs.

Relations of dominance over a brother in twin boys develop in early childhood, as a rule, a more physically strong baby becomes the leader in a pair, the one who develops better, eats, moves more actively, or the one who, by right of birth, is the first, parents call the firstborn or emphasize it in conversation with children.

During life, roles in a couple can change, although this does not happen so often. Twin boys may change the balance of dominance during adolescence or share leading roles: someone becomes a leader in studies, a second more developed athlete, etc.

In pairs of heterozygous twins of different sexes, in most cases, girls dominate at the initial stage (66% of couples) due to earlier social development, while the physical characteristics and IQ of children may coincide, but do not affect the dominant position.

twin girls

Twin girls also tend to form master-slave pairs. However, unlike males, female twins, when choosing a dominant sister, rarely focus on physical characteristics, preferring social components: success at school, in a company, and intellectual advantage.

In the established system of horoscopes, there are different years and periods that promise people born in this period of time special, different signs, preferences, twists of fate, dictating specific requirements for lifestyle, choice of partner, profession, etc.

These folk beliefs are partly based on observations of people whose period of intrauterine development fell, for example, on the winter-spring period, which was not rich in sunlight and vitamins, and infancy passed under the active rays of the sun and in light diapers, with frequent walks, and the diet of a nursing mother. mother was enriched with fresh vegetables and fruits, or vice versa.

Some general coincidences in the pace of physical and mental development of people born in the same period of time can be found in various horoscopes and predictions, but this method cannot be called scientific.

If we talk about the concept of "children of the year twins", then this is the wrong wording. Gemini is a sign corresponding to the time period from May 22 to June 21, but not a one-year interval.

The article talks about how to plan for twins and what it takes to conceive twins.

The appearance of twins in the family, along with doubled expenses, also brings obvious advantages. Toddlers from early childhood have a partner for play. Parents do not have to rack their brains over how to entertain their restless children of the same age.

Twin teens will trust their secrets to themselves close person- brother or sister. Women who have suffered or late pregnancy get the opportunity to raise two children at once. With two frisky kids in the house there is more noise and fun!

How to plan for twins?

Some women are afraid to hear the news of twins at the first ultrasound examination. And this is understandable: a multiple pregnancy is more difficult for a woman to tolerate. Two babies, if you do not immediately find an approach to them, can destroy all the joy of motherhood for a newly-made mother.

A constant feeling of fatigue, the need to soothe and feed two screaming babies at the same time, nerves, and even tears appear in the first months of a baby's life. But there are women who simply dream of twins. In this article, we will consider whether it is possible to artificially plan the conception of twins and how the stars must coincide for this.

Video: about multiple pregnancy

According to popular wisdom, the appearance of twins in the family is preceded by the coincidence of certain factors. A woman is considered to have twins if she:

• takes complex vitamins that have a positive effect on the formation of the inner lining of the uterine body and increase the likelihood of conception
  drinks a decoction of common prune, after which more eggs mature (a decoction of the plant has long been used by women to restore the menstrual cycle)
• takes hormonal contraceptives (after a hormonal "attack" on reproductive functions, the body tends to multiply intensively). Taking hormonal pills for several months, a woman increases the chances of giving birth to twins
• takes other hormonal drugs, treats infertility with the help of medical products that stimulate the ovaries;
• adds to the menu foods that stimulate ovarian activity (cereals, eggs, whole grain bread)
  does not adhere to diets (“crushed” by various diets, the body does not realize its reproductive function)
• reaches the age of 30 to 36 years, when the eggs have a tendency to divide during pregnancy
• is slightly overweight or is breastfeeding while breastfeeding;
• plans to conceive in the spring, when daylight hours increase

How is the conception of twins?

Before you start planning twins, you need to find out how twins differ from twins. Identical twins or twins are born absolutely similar to each other.

One fertilized egg becomes a place for the development of two babies at once. In the conception of twins, one sperm takes part. But the egg at some stage is divided in two. That is why identical twins are same-sex. They have the same set of genes. But the birth of twins is connected with heredity. It is impossible to plan their conception.

Important : Having twins in the family increases the chances of having twins.

Video: Gemini

The separation in time of the generation of twins reduces the likelihood of twins being born. There are no special methods that would affect the process of egg division. This phenomenon is not well understood.

How is the conception of twins?

Twins develop in two eggs. Two spermatozoa take part in fertilization. Twins can have a different set of chromosomes and be of different sexes. The similarity between them is preserved as between ordinary brothers and sisters, but they are not the same.

The appearance of twins is preceded by the maturation of two eggs in one cycle. This rarely happens in nature. But you can increase the chances by taking hormonal drugs.

Tablets stimulate a woman's body to mature more than one egg.

Hormone therapy should be under the supervision of doctors. But no doctor will prescribe you hormones just to conceive twins. After all, no one can guarantee a multiple pregnancy. And horse doses of hormones will become a big burden for the body of the expectant mother.

Poses for conception of twins

• Relying on the wisdom of the people, couples try to control every little thing. The matter is not limited to the nutrition of future parents, because myths and superstitions in the process of conception are striking in variety
• Those who want to become happy parents of twins sometimes wonder if the position affects the conception of twins.
• But scientific studies on the effect of posture on the conception of twins have not been conducted. But some experts say that deep penetration of a man helps to conceive twins.
• This will ensure the penetration of Y-type sperm into the egg. Such sperm quickly lose their viability. But getting into the egg, they contribute to multiple conception

Video: How to conceive twins?

The probability of conceiving twins

Turning to a specialist, a woman increases the chances of giving birth to twins. An experienced gynecologist will eliminate unnecessary misconceptions and help find out if a woman can plan twins.

The main factor in multiple pregnancy is genetics and the ability of a woman's egg to divide in two.

A woman with no maternal multiple pregnancies in her family should look for a partner with twins in her family.

After undergoing treatment for infertility, the likelihood of multiple pregnancy increases. This is due to the fact that ovulation deviations are treated with follicle-stimulating hormone. The hormone stimulates the development of follicles in the ovary and the appearance of two eggs at once.

The scientific approach to twin planning

1. Conducting hormonal stimulation that promotes the production of several viable eggs at the same time
2. IVF procedure, in which eggs are fertilized in a test tube and transferred to the uterus

twin conception calendar

• A woman who is planning a pregnancy begins to keep a conception calendar at least six months before the planned pregnancy.
• The duration of the menstrual cycle also affects the conception of twins: with a short cycle of 20-21 days, the probability of multiple pregnancy doubles
• Anomalies in the development of the uterus contribute to the pregnancy of twins. This may be a bifurcation, the presence of a septum in the uterine cavity

Twins after stimulation

• Hormonal contraceptives put the ovaries at rest for three months. The cycle is controlled artificially. After the functioning of one ovary and the passage of ovulation in it, the other is included in the work. Cancellation of the hormonal drug leads to the fact that both appendages “turn on” and two eggs are formed. This phenomenon in medicine is called the Rebound effect.
• The occurrence of the Rebound effect cannot be influenced, but drug stimulation of ovulation helps several follicles to mature at the same time. But either both mature eggs will be fertilized, or only one
• The IVF procedure is carried out after artificial stimulation of the ovaries and obtaining two or more female germ cells. At least four eggs will be fertilized, but how many will take root is unknown
• All embryos can take root, but only two of them can. Regardless of how many embryos take root, two are left. Therefore, IVF is considered the main method that guarantees the birth of twins. Diverse. Or does not guarantee, then how the card will fall
• Even a successfully fertilized female germ cell may not survive the "artificial replanting" and not take root

Will sage help to conceive twins?

• Sage is popularly known as a natural remedy for conception. Women decide to use it according to grandmother's recipes even now. There is an opinion that a healing herb sometimes works wonders. And the benefits of herbal treatment are sometimes greater than those of pill treatment.
• Due to the presence of substances similar to the female hormones estrogens, sage promotes conception. Estrogens play an important role in the formation of follicles, conception. Sage also increases the cervical reflex, for which he received the “honorary title” of a phytohormone among the people.
• It is important to use sage strictly according to the scheme and stop as soon as you know that you are pregnant. Otherwise, the level of the hormone progesterone will increase, which stops the development of the fetus. An overdose of sage broth is also dangerous: an allergy may begin or poisoning may occur.

Twins need to be strongly wanted

One of the most effective methods that help to get pregnant with twins - self-hypnosis and great desire. Visualize a picture where you are 40 years old: at this age, the probability of conceiving two babies at once is 6% (for 20-year-olds, this probability is only 3%).

Video: How to keep a multiple pregnancy?