How to get pregnant with twins

There are many couples who are wondering how to get pregnant with twins. Natural twins are fairly rare. Without in vitro fertilization, your chances of having twins are about 3%. A lot of the factors that make twins more likely are things you can’t change, such as your family history and your race. Women who are over 35, of African descent, and tall are more likely to have twins naturally. However, there are some things you can do to improve your odds if you want to have twins.

Increase your intake of folic acid

A few studies have found that women who have a higher level of folic acid (vitamin B9) have a higher chance of conceiving twins. The best way to up your levels is to take a folic acid supplement. Folic acid is also essential for preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida, so it’s a good idea to take it regularly while you are trying to conceive anyway.

Eat more sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes and yams are believed to increase your chances of conceiving multiples (twins, trips, or even more). You can also try cassava, an African variant of the vegetable. Some people believe cassava increases the changes of hyperovulation, when two eggs come down instead of one during ovulation.

Keep breastfeeding

If you already have a baby, you may want to continue breastfeeding. At least one study has shown that women who conceive while breastfeeding are more likely to have twins. Some women, on the other hand, do not ovulate while breastfeeding. If this is the case for you, you may need to stop breast feeding in order to resume your normal menstrual cycle.

Eat dairy

Women who eat and drink dairy products are said to be more likely to conceive twins. This may be a result of the nutrients in milk and other dairy products. Or it may be a result of growth hormones used in cows. You may want to consult with your doctor about what level of dairy consumption is healthy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the chances of having twins naturally in the UK?

Without fertility treatment, your chances of conceiving twins naturally are around 3% or approximately 1 in 33 pregnancies. However, this can increase if you have a family history of twins on the maternal side, are over 35 years of age, or are of African descent.

Does taking folic acid increase your chances of having twins?

Some studies suggest that women with higher levels of folic acid may have a slightly increased chance of conceiving twins. The NHS recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily when trying to conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, primarily to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida.

Can IVF on the NHS result in twins?

Yes, IVF can increase the likelihood of twins, though the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) now recommends single embryo transfer in most cases to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. NHS fertility treatment policies vary by ICB (Integrated Care Board), so eligibility and the number of embryos transferred will depend on your local guidelines and individual circumstances.

Are twin pregnancies considered high risk by the NHS?

Yes, the NHS classifies twin pregnancies as higher risk and you'll typically receive more frequent antenatal appointments and scans. NICE guidelines recommend that women expecting twins should have additional monitoring, including scans every two to four weeks from 16 weeks onwards, depending on whether the twins share a placenta.

Does age affect my chances of having twins when TTC?

Yes, women over 35 are statistically more likely to conceive twins naturally. This is because hormonal changes as you age can cause your body to release more than one egg during ovulation, increasing the chances of fraternal twins.

Are there any foods that can help me conceive twins?

Some research suggests that eating dairy products and yams or sweet potatoes may be linked to higher rates of twin conception, though the evidence is not conclusive. Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is always recommended when trying to conceive, and you can speak to your GP for personalised advice.

Should I speak to my GP if I want to have twins?

While your GP can offer general preconception advice, there's no guaranteed way to conceive twins naturally and most NHS services focus on helping couples who are struggling to conceive at all. Around 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, so if you've been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it's worth booking an appointment to discuss a referral to a fertility specialist.