If we hear about twins, it is usually related to facial resemblance. However, did you know that not all twins have the same faces? Twins who do not have the same faces are called non-identical twins. Of course, there are several factors why there are identical twins and non-identical twins. What are the factors? You can read about it below.
But first, it is important for you to note that identical twins are formed from the division of an egg cell. Meanwhile, non-identical twins happen because they are formed from two egg cells. To know more about identical twins and non-identical twins, you are able to check the explanation below.
Identical Twins vs. Non-Identical Twins
1. Identical Twins
Identical twins happen when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell and then the fertilized egg cell splits into two and produces the same genes or DNAs. So, no wonder why identical twins always have the same genders. In addition, their faces are usually very identical as well and they usually have the same placenta in the uterus.
2. Non-Identical Twins (Fraternal Twins)
For your information, non-identical twins happen more often than identical twins. How can non-identical twins happen? Non-identical twins happen when two egg cells are fertilized by two sperm cells.
Non-identical twins do not have the same genes so they have different genders and faces. When they are in the uterus, they also have different placentas.
Some Factors to Have Twins
You may want to have twin babies, but did you know that there are several factors to having twins? Around 1 in 25 women has a chance to have twin babies and there are several factors to have twin babies as you are able to read below.
1. Pregnant Mom’s Age
For your information, when you are pregnant at 35 to 40 years old, your body will produce higher follicle stimulating hormone. So, your ovary will be able to produce more than one egg cell during ovulation.
Let’s say that there are two egg cells which are fertilized. When it happens, the possibility of having non-identical twins is higher.
2. Heredity
If you have a twin sister or brother or you have other family members who have twins, there is a possibility for you to have non-identical twin babies. However, it is important for you to note that identical twins are not inherited from family. Until now, the experts still cannot find yet how identical twins can happen.
3. The Number of Previous Pregnancies
There is a study which shows that women who have been pregnant have the possibility to have twin babies, especially if they have had more than 4 children and have the history of twin pregnancies. However, you also need to note that this study still needs more research to find out the link between the number of previous pregnancies and the birth of twins.
4. The Help of Reproductive Technology
One of the reproductive technologies is test-tube baby procedure or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) where this procedure is done by injecting one or more embryos to mom’s uterus and it can increase the possibility of having twin babies.
5. Body Shape of Mom
Generally, non-identical twins are from moms who have large body posture. However, there is no clear link between moms’ height and the possibility of having twin babies. Nevertheless, nutrition consumed by pregnant moms is expected to increase the possibility of having twin babies.
