As a mother of (Fraternal/Mirror) twins I was and I am always getting asked crazy questions...
So, I had to share some of this funny intel with my fellow parents, especially those expecting twins.
Twin Facts and Myths
From: https://www.twiniversity.com/
1. Twins come from the father’s side. (But....nobody knows for sure)
- **MYTH:** It’s the mom’s side that matters.
2. Twins are only truly twins if they share a birthday. (I know twins with different bdays)
- **MYTH:** They are still twins regardless of birth dates.
3. Twins skip a generation. (Nobody told my uterus)
- **MYTH:** They don't necessarily skip generations; it’s a likelihood based on family history.
4. Twins are hereditary. (I married a fraternal twin, I had fraternal twins...lol)
- **FACT:** They are hereditary, particularly fraternal twins.
5. Twins means double the work. (I think yes, lol)
- **FACT-ish:** It's more complex; while there are double responsibilities, the workload can sometimes be balanced.
6. If you have one set of twins, you are more likely to have another set.
- **FACT:** Yes, the chance increases for having another set of twins.
7. Do twins speak their own language?
- **FACT-ish:** They might have unique ways of communicating, but it’s typically not a complete language.
8. You have to eat double the caloric intake when pregnant with twins.
- **MYTH:** You need more calories, but not double.
9. One twin will be born bad, and the other will be good. (I do wonder sometimes, lol)
- **MYTH:** No scientific basis; personalities vary among twins.
10. Eat more yams if you want to have twins. (What??)
- **MYTH with facts:** Some studies suggest a correlation, but it’s still debated.
11. You can’t exclusively breastfeed twins.
- **MYTH:** Many mothers successfully do this with the right support.
12. Identical twins can be boy and girl. (I got asked a hundred times if my B/G twins were identical, lol)
- **MYTH:** Identical twins are always the same gender.
13. Morning sickness is extreme in twin pregnancies.
- **FACT:** It can be worse due to higher hormone levels.
14. Older women are more likely to have twins. (I was 36)
- **FACT:** Age can increase the chance of twin pregnancies.
15. Twins mean the same. (Mine are mirror twins, opposite in every way!)
- **MYTH:** They are unique individuals despite similarities.
16. Twin pregnancy will make you gain a lot of weight.
- **MYTH:** Weight gain varies and is part of a healthy pregnancy.
17. Twin pregnancy can come with lots of complications. (I did not have a single complication and I went full term)
- **FACT:** There can be more risks associated with carrying twins.
18. You can tell identical twins apart by their belly buttons.
- **FACTish:** There may be differences due to how the umbilical cord heals.
19. You can’t sleep train twins in the same room. (I couldn't)
- **MYTH:** It’s definitely possible to sleep train them together.
20. Twin telepathy is real.
- **FACTish:** Many anecdotal reports exist, but scientific proof is limited.
21. All twins have the same developmental milestones.
- **MYTH:** They can progress at different rates.
22. Identical twins share 100% of their DNA.
- **FACT:** They have identical genetic material.
23. Twins can feel each other’s physical sensations.
- **MYTH:** No scientific evidence supports this claim.
24. Twins live longer. (Good to know)
- **FACT:** Studies suggest they may have increased longevity.
25. Twins have the same DNA.
- **MYTH:** Fraternal twins have different DNA; identical twins may have slight differences.
26. Twins have identical fingerprints.
- **MYTH:** Fingerprints can differ due to environmental factors.
27. Twin birth rates are rising due to IVF.
- **FACT:** Use of fertility treatments has contributed to this increase.
28. Twins have the same blood type. (My twins do, but xmy husband and his twin, do not. One has AB+ the other AB-)
- **MYTH:** They do not always share the same blood type.
29. Twin pregnancies have a longer labor duration. (I never went into labor, had a C-section at 39 weeks)
- **FACT:** Often, labor is more prolonged with twin pregnancies.
30. Pregnant with twins means more ultrasounds. (3D ultrasounds are awesome. I have some of the cutest pictures of them in my belly! So worth it!)
- **FACT:** More frequent ultrasounds are needed for monitoring.
