Having twins is a blessing for parents. Talking about twins, there are many myths about them known by the community. Unfortunately, not all of them are true. There are several of them that must be straightened out based on existing facts and scientific evidence.
There are tons of myths about twins that you should not believe. Below are 9 myths and facts about twins that parents should know.
1. Twins Can Be Born at Different Times
Twin pregnancy, which is also known as gemeli, is defined as a condition when two babies are born from the same uterus and at a close time. If they are born at different times for many years, chances are it is caused by certain conditions, such as IVF. The reason is because, during the IVF process, only a few embryos are used for fertilization. As for the other embryos, they are stored for the next pregnancy.
When planning to have a second pregnancy, the embryos that have been stored can be used again. This is why some parents think that two children are twins, because during the second IVF process the previous embryos were taken at the same time.
2. The First Born is the Older
Determining who is older between the twins is usually related to the culture of the surrounding community. In fact, some people believe that the one that is born first is considered as the older. However, in terms of conception, chronologically, the ages of the twins are the same. Therefore, the assumption that the twins that are born first are older is not entirely correct.
3. If One Gets Sick, the Other Gets Sick As Well
One of the most popular myths about twins is that when one child is sick, the other is sick as well. Many assume this because twins are considered to have a strong inner bond since they were still in the womb. Contrary to popular belief, it is not true because a person’s health condition is generally influenced by the immune system of the body. It means if they are both sick, there is a chance that one of them is infected or transmits it. These twins can get sick because they live in a house and are always together. It is possible that transmission of viruses and bacteria easily occurs between one child and another.
4. Have the Same Fingerprint
Twins, especially identical ones, often have the same physical characteristics. That’s why many people think that their fingerprints are also the same. Actually, it is not true. Basically, even though they are twins, their fingerprints are different because they are two different children. It is worth noting that in this world there are no identical fingerprints, not even twins.
5. Twins Are Related to Heredity Factors
It is true that the potential for multiple pregnancies can be supported by heredity or genetics. Having twins in your family can increase your chances of having twins. Even so, every married couple has the chance to have twins, regardless of heredity or not. Aside from that, the latest developments in medical technology allow couples to have twins.
6. Twins Have Their Own Language
Some people believe that twins have their own language for communicating. Actually, it is not 100% correct. In fact, not all twins have their own language to communicate. Plus, the language development of every child is different and can affect the ability to communicate with twins.
7. Mothers Who Give Birth to Twins Have Difficulty in Breastfeeding
Some mothers have given up on breastfeeding their twins because they feel unable and difficult. Actually, there are many stories of mothers who are able to breastfeed their twins. Apart from that, breast milk production can also be doubled to meet the needs of two babies at once.
8. Twins Can Be Telepathic
One of the myths about twins is that they can telepathically or reach each other’s minds. According to the research listed in the book called Twin Mythconceptions written by Nancy L. Segal Ph.D. this cannot be scientifically proven.
In fact, twins can understand each other’s feelings and thoughts because they are used to playing and being together for a long time. This is why twins feel they can get to know each other better.
9. Twins Are Only from One Father
It is widely known that twins have the same father. For your information, twins can have two different fathers. The phenomenon of twins with different fathers is known as superfecundation. This can happen when an egg is fertilized by two different sperm cells. Usually, twins who are born with superfecundation are called bipaternal or heteropaternal twins. While it is possible, twins from different fathers are rare and only happen in 1 in 13,000 pregnancies.
After reading the information above, you surely know the difference between myths and facts about twins now. If you are confused about something, make sure to always check the facts through the verified sources.
