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.
• Twin pregnancy is considered full term at 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 Gynecologists:
• 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.
• China has the lowest rate of Twinning in the world.
• 22% of Twins are left handed where as in singletons only 10% of them are left handed.
• Did you know that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are actually fraternal twins?!!
