Quick Facts and Figures about Twins
● Identical twins share the same DNA, but will have their own fingerprints!
● About 25% of identical twins are called mirror image twins. For example if one has a mole under her right eye, the other will have it under her left eye.
● Chances of having a twin pregnancy naturally is increased by maternal age ( 30+), genetics and number of previous pregnancies.
● According to the National Center for Health Statistics the number of multiple births has increased about 74% since 1980.
● The average length of a twin pregnancy is 36 weeks and 3 days.
● The average weight of twins at term is about 5.5 lbs
● The average or recommended weight gain for average sized mothers of twins is between 35-45 lbs.
● Studies have shown that mothers who gain about 24 pounds by week 24 have reduced their chances of giving birth either prematurely or to low birth-weight babies.
● Women pregnant with twins will have more ultrasounds, tests and prenatal appointments than women pregnant with singletons.
● Male twins will not have twins unless their wives have the ability to produce 2 eggs.
● Fraternal twins (girls) have twice the chance of giving birth to twins than singletons.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:
● 1 in 250 pregnancies can result in identical twins.
● In some African countries such as Nigeria, the rate of twin pregnancies can be as high as 1 in 20.
● Did you know that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are actually fraternal twins?!!