What ethnicity has the highest rate of twins?

The ethnicity with the highest twin rates globally and in the U.S. are people of African descent, particularly the Yoruba people in West Africa, possibly linked to diet (yams) and genetics, while rates are lowest in Asian populations; in the U.S., Black mothers consistently have the highest rates, followed by White, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander mothers.

What race are twins most common in?

The percent of people who are twins differs by race and ethnicity. In the U.S., twins are most common in African-Americans (36.8 per 1000) and least common in Hispanic/Latino Americans (21.8 per 1000). Over 20% of births to moms over the age of 45 were twins, but only 2% of births to moms under age 24 were twins.

Is it more common for white people to have twins?

Race: Twin births are more common among white and Black women and less common among Hispanic and Asian women. Body type: Taller and larger-bodied women may release more eggs. StudiesOpens a new window suggest this could be linked to higher levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF).

Where are most twins born?

The most twins are born in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Benin, and Ivory Coast, with the Yoruba ethnic group in Southwest Nigeria having the world's highest rates (around 45-50 per 1000 births), notably in towns like Igbo-Ora, often linked to genetics and possibly a cassava-rich diet, though Central Africa also shows high rates, while Asia and Latin America have lower natural rates. 

Which culture has the most twins?

The highest twinning rate in the world is in Igbo-Ora, Nigeria, often called the "Twin Capital of the World," with a rate of approximately 45 to 50 sets of twins per 1,000 live births.

NJ Has Highest Rate of Twin Births

Which parent carries the twin gene?

For fraternal (dizygotic) twins, the genetic tendency for hyperovulation (releasing more than one egg) is often passed through the mother's side, meaning the pregnant parent's genes are key, but the father can carry and pass this trait to his daughters, increasing their future chances. For identical (monozygotic) twins, genetics play a minor role, as they usually occur randomly when one fertilized egg splits, though some rare genetic factors might influence the split.
 

How rare are biracial twins?

Experts including Dr. Sarah Jarvis from Britain's RCGP confirm that while fraternal twins from mixed-race parents aren't uncommon, having two sets both with such contrasting complexions is “one in millions”.

Who carries the DNA for twins?

The genetic predisposition for twins only affects the mother (or pregnant partner). The other parent can pass down these genetic traits to their children. Still, they won't be more likely to have twins themselves unless the pregnant parent or surrogate also has a family history of twins.

What's the best age to conceive twins?

Age: If you're over the age of 35, you're more likely to release multiple eggs during ovulation. Family history: If your mother's side has a history of fraternal twins, there is a chance you could conceive twins naturally.

What are early signs of a twin pregnancy?

Early signs of a twin pregnancy often involve amplified singleton symptoms, like more intense fatigue, severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), rapid weight gain, and increased breast tenderness, due to higher hormone levels (hCG). You might also notice a bigger baby bump sooner, feel fetal movements earlier, and experience more frequent urination and breathlessness. However, the only definitive way to confirm twins is through an early ultrasound. 

What causes an egg to split into twins?

An egg splits into identical twins when a single fertilized egg (zygote) spontaneously divides into two embryos early in development, creating genetically identical babies, though the exact trigger for this split remains a mystery, with theories involving cell repulsion, calcium levels, or epigenetic "signatures". This is different from fraternal twins, which happen when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm.
 

Does the father's side affect twin births?

Fraternal twin pregnancies result from hyperovulation of the mother. The father's sperm does not decrease or increase the chance of having twins. Skipping a generation can happen in some cases, depending on whether the twins are boys or girls.

Why do I only share 47% DNA with my dad?

It is not uncommon for Ancestry Composition Inheritance to report that a son or daughter inherited slightly more or less than 50% from each parent. This is because Ancestry Composition relies on the autosomes (chromosomes 1–22) and the X chromosome(s) to calculate Inheritance.

What is the main cause of twins?

People have twins through two main ways: identical (monozygotic) twins from one egg splitting, which is random, and fraternal (dizygotic) twins from two eggs fertilized by two sperm, often influenced by genetics, maternal age (over 30s), and fertility treatments. Factors like family history, previous pregnancies, and certain genes (FSHB, SMAD3) increase chances for fraternal twins, while identical twins result from an unpredictable early embryo split.
 

Do you test positive earlier with twins?

Yes, you might test positive earlier or get a darker line on a home pregnancy test with twins because twin pregnancies often produce higher levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG, but it's not a guarantee, as hCG levels vary, and the only definitive way to know is with an ultrasound. A positive test days before a missed period or a very dark line can be a clue, but it can also just mean a single pregnancy, or in rare cases, even a false negative due to extremely high hCG (the "hook effect").
 

What to avoid when 5 weeks pregnant?

At 5 weeks pregnant, avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs completely; steer clear of high-mercury fish, raw/undercooked meats/eggs, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats (unless steaming hot), and excessive caffeine (over 200mg/day); also, skip hot tubs/saunas and litter box cleaning to prevent illness or overheating. Focus on a healthy diet with leafy greens and whole foods, managing stress and ensuring proper nutrition.
 

Is giving birth to twins more painful?

Giving birth to twins can be more challenging and potentially more painful due to increased pressure, higher risk of complications, and more interventions, often leading to a strong recommendation for epidurals; however, the second twin often delivers quickly and easily after the first, and while pregnancy discomforts are often worse, actual labor pain intensity isn't necessarily double, but recovery is usually tougher.
 

In which month are most twins born?

Most twins are born in the summer months, particularly July, according to U.S. statistics, with some sources also pointing to higher rates in December, potentially due to seasonal ovulation patterns, but July consistently shows a high frequency of twin births. While twins can arrive any month, higher rates tend to cluster in summer due to various factors influencing ovulation. 

Who is the oldest twin alive?

Congratulations to Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama. They have been certified as the world's oldest living identical twins by Guinness World Records. Born in Japan on November 5, 1913, they are the third- and fourth-born of 11 siblings - breaking records at 107 years young. Omedetou gozaimasu.

Why can't twins go past 37 weeks?

This study found a mean gestation at birth for twins of 37 weeks, with the risk of stillbirth and early neonatal death increasing after 38 weeks gestation. The lowest risk of perinatal death in twin pregnancies at 38 weeks gestation corresponded to that observed in singleton pregnancies at 43 weeks gestation [7].

What gender of twins is most common?

The most common twin gender combination is boy-girl (mixed-gender) for fraternal twins, making up about half of those births, while overall, female twins are slightly more common than male twins due to higher male fetal loss in the womb; identical twins are always the same sex.
 

Why can't you say siamese twins?

You can still say "Siamese twins," but it's outdated and often replaced by the more accurate and sensitive term, "conjoined twins," because the original term links to historical "freak shows," isn't geographically accurate for most cases (as it comes from Chang and Eng Bunker of Siam, now Thailand), and can feel dehumanizing, similar to outdated terms for other conditions. "Conjoined twins" is the preferred medical and respectful term for twins physically joined in utero.