In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It involves using medical intervention in order to conceive. Women who use IVF may also be prescribed fertility medications before the procedure to increase their chances of getting pregnant.
For IVF, the women’s eggs and man’s sperm are removed before they are fertilized. They are then incubated together in a laboratory dish where an embryo is formed.
Through a medical procedure, doctors place the embryo in the woman’s uterus where it will hopefully implant and grow. To increase the odds that an embryo will take hold in the uterus, more than one may be put in during IVF. This raises the likelihood of having twins.
Ways to increase your chances of conceiving twins In South Africa
Folate: (or the natural form – Folinic acid) has been found in studies to have a 40% increase in twin pregnancies, although this appears to be aimed at women who have had IVF treatments. Increasing folic acid (400 – 1000 micrograms) is a natural way to get pregnant with twins. Folic Acid also helps to come overcome any neural tube defects during pregnancy and helps with the healthy growth of your baby. Foods that help you elevate your Vitamin B9 include lettuce, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, egg yolk, sunflower seeds, asparagus, broccoli, honeydew melon, and liver.
Hyperovulation-stimulating foods: There are a few foods that naturally increase the rate of ovulation and stimulates the ovaries to release multiple eggs. One example is Cassava, an African wild yam or sweet potato. Other examples include tofu, soy isoflavones, whole wheat, and whole grains. The same applies to feeding your partner Oysters for the high zinc content which helps with sperm production. Zinc is said to help with sperm mobility and health, doctors advise 14mg/day.
Gaining extra body weight: most doctors recommend an intake of dairy or calorie-rich food. In a study done by Dr. Gary Steinman, women who eat more dairy are 5 times more likely to conceive twins. Other studies did show that vegans are less likely to conceive twins. So perhaps the best chance is to increase your intake of dairy and meat.
Dairy: Consuming dairy-based products increases your chances of multiple birth pregnancies. Drink milk from hormone-treated cows. Cows liver also contains an Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) thought to trigger multiple pregnancies.
Gap before Conception: Don’t rush to fall pregnant shortly after giving birth. Experts advise leaving a gap in the conception.
Use a Birth Control Pill: As you stop taking the birth control pill, your hormones will fluctuate and take some time to find their natural rhythm. The hormone flux increases your chances of releasing multiple eggs leading to the conception of twins.
Have more children: Having more children increases your chance of having twins naturally. It becomes easier for your body to produce multiple eggs during ovulation the more times that you are pregnant.
Continue Breastfeeding: Your body produces a higher percentage of prolactin during breastfeeding. This increases your chances of having twins.
Bear in mind that there is no guarantee that you will conceive twins, the above just outlines ways to increase your chances. With multiple pregnancies there are higher risks, so be sure to consult your doctor for advice.
How can I conceive twins naturally?
Being older rather than younger help.
Have fertility assistance such as in vitro fertilization or take fertility drugs.
Pick your own genetics carefully!.
Be of African/American heritage.
Having been pregnant before.
Have a big family.