While certainly not common, multiple births, of course, happen – twins, triplets and even more! Having more than one baby at a time requires all kinds of extra preparation, time and money, but can also be highly rewarding. So what are the real odds of delivering twins?
There are two kinds of twins – fraternal and identical. Identical twins occur when one fertilized egg splits into two separate embryos, while fraternal twins result from two separate fertilized eggs released during the same ovulation period.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 32.6 per 1,000 births are twins. However, if you're taking fertility drugs or undergoing in vitro procedures, your chances of conceiving multiples likely increase dramatically.
While a two-for-one pregnancy may seem like a great deal, twin pregnancies are at risk for some complications that are uncommon in single-birth pregnancies. If you're carrying twins or multiples, it's imperative that you're getting regular and comprehensive prenatal care to ensure healthy, happy babies.
