Indications of Twins Pregnancy

Spontaneous twin pregnancies occur in about one in 83 pregnancies. Twins are more common in older mothers (over 35 years), African-Americans, Caucasians, Asians or if there are twins in the mother's family. Twins are also more common if any infertility treatments were used to achieve pregnancy.

Diagnosis of twins can be made as early as seven weeks from the last menstrual period. An ultrasound exam is necessary to make the diagnosis. If you or your doctor think there might be twins, the earlier the diagnosis, the better. It is very important to find out if the twins have one or two placentas.

Fraternal twins result from two eggs being fertilized by two sperm. Each will have his or her own placenta, sac and baby. One-in-3 twins are identical, where there is one egg and one sperm that splits after conception. Identical twins can have two placentas or one placenta. It is much more dangerous to have one placenta, and the babies have to be followed more closely because complications are more frequent with one placenta.