10 Foods To Increase Fertility For Conceiving Twins

A baby brings immense happiness; twin babies are twice the fun and make you feel on top of the world. But not all parents are of the same view. Many dread the thought of having twins or more babies at the same time, while others may desperately want to have twins. Are you and your partner in the second category? Then, this article is just for you! Not only your genes may do the trick, but also your eating habits. The following article lists various foods that could increase your fertility so you have a higher chance of having twins.

Foods To Eat To Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant With Twins

The natural way is the best, and if you plan to have twins, you must make a few changes to your diet. Eating the following food increases fertility for twins. Here’s the list of foods to increase fertility for conceiving twins:

1. Yam

One of the studies observed that people of the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria have a high rate of twin births. It was established because of the significant amount of yams in their diet. Yams are a rich source of progesterone and phytoestrogens, which may lead to hyper-ovulation. Therefore, the high amount of yams in their diet was reported as a probable cause of twin or multiple births.

2. Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the main requirements of your growing baby, and your doctor may recommend folic acid supplements and other vitamins during your pregnancy. Avocado, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus are good sources of folic acid too. Apart from this, it is suggested that women trying to get pregnant should consume folic acid regularly to increase their chances of conception. Researchers have also established that taking more folic acid may increase a woman’s chance of having twin babies. You may take twice the recommended dosage to heighten your fertility if you are trying to conceive twins. However, make sure to consult your doctor before doing so.

3. Dairy

A study established that women who consume more dairy and dairy derivatives are five times more likely to have twin babies than women who consume lesser milk or dairy products. It was seen that the consumption of milk and other dairy products increases a specific kind of protein in the body, which is called the ‘insulin-like growth factor.’ This protein is present in cow’s milk and can be obtained from other animal products. When you consume more milk, your ovaries have a higher chance of releasing more eggs, increasing the possibility of conceiving twins.

4. Maca Root

Consumption of maca root is very beneficial for men and women who are facing fertility issues. Additionally, consuming maca root is suggested to women who wish to have twin babies, as it can boost their fertility. Though there is not much evidence available that supports this claim, it is worth giving a shot. This root can be consumed in raw, dried or powdered form.

5. Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are a good option if you want to plan for twin babies. Carbohydrates are great for your body, and it is a good idea to include complex carbohydrates, rather than including just simple carbohydrates in your diet. Food items such as beans, grains, and vegetables, are a great source of complex carbohydrates. You are not only more likely to have twins due to increased fertility with this kind of diet, but a diet rich in complex carbohydrates may even help in preventing neural birth defects in babies.

Adding the above-mentioned foods to your diet may help you conceive twin babies. However, it is considered that you get in touch with your doctor before making any major dietary changes while trying to get pregnant. Along with these dietary changes, it is also recommended to make some lifestyle changes.

If you are underweight, it is suggested that you gain some weight because studies have shown that overweight women have more chances of getting pregnant with twin babies. It is also observed that taller women are more likely to give birth to twins than women who are shorter or have an average height. If you are breastfeeding and planning on having twins, then it is a good idea to keep practising breastfeeding. This is because breastfeeding increases your chances of having twins, by 9 times.

Having twins may also depend on your ethnicity. For instance, African women have a higher chance of giving birth to twins than Caucasian women, whereas Hispanic or Asian women are less likely to have twin babies.

6. Foods Rich in Zinc

Both male and female fertility is enhanced by zinc. It makes twin conception simpler by increasing sperm motility and sperm count. Natural sources of zinc include whole grains, beans, shellfish, oysters, crabs, and other crustaceans. Moreover, zinc supplements are sold in shops, which should only be taken after a doctor’s consultation.

7. Pineapple Core

Healthy fruits like pineapples promote fertility and pregnancy. Bromelain, an enzyme that lessens inflammation and encourages blood flow to the uterus, is abundant in the core of the pineapple. A diet high in pineapple may increase your likelihood of having twins.

8. Fruits and Vegetables

Nutrient-rich foods that encourage twin conception include bananas, watermelon, kiwis, mangoes, cruciferous vegetables, and leafy greens. Also, consuming many fruits and vegetables keeps your unborn child healthy.

9. Okra Leaves

Okra leaves are a great source of protein, calcium, iron, fibre, and vitamin C. A soup made with them is served with amala (yam and cassava meal). The Igbo-Ora natives fervently believe that this combination successfully conceives twins naturally.

10. Cassava

Cassava, often known as tapioca, is grown for its nutritious root tubers. Vitamin C and folic acid are present in negligible concentrations. The entire, unpeeled tuber is gathered, dried, and combined with white yams in Igbo-Ora to provide a special regional meal.

The cassava root peels are believed to contain compounds that cause hyperovulation or when women release more than one egg during ovulation, even though there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Other Ways to Increase Your Chances of Having Twins

There are certain medical methods to heighten your chances of conceiving twins. However, make sure to consult your doctor when considering these methods:

1. IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)

During IVF, eggs from the woman are retrieved and fertilised by her partner’s sperm in the lab. Once the embryos are formed, one or more are transferred to the woman’s uterus, hopefully resulting in a positive pregnancy. However, it is seen that transferring multiple embryos may result in multiple pregnancies (or twins). Hence, you could opt for IVF treatment to increase your likelihood of having twin babies.

2. Fertility Medication

Fertility drugs increase the number of eggs the ovaries release to increase the chances of conception. However, this also increases the likelihood of multiple eggs being fertilised, resulting in fraternal twins. As fertility medication can only be taken in a certain amount, depending on your medical and physical health, a doctor must be consulted before trying this method to conceive twins.

Undoubtedly, many factors may affect your chances of giving birth to twin babies. But you can try for twin babies by following the abovementioned suggestions. Contact your doctor if you want to know more about conceiving twin babies.

FAQs

1. Which Herbs Increase the Chances of Conceiving Twins?

Evening primrose oil, liquorice, linseed oil, Thai cassava, and maca root are some of the herbs that can assist in improving fertility and the likelihood of having twins.

2. What Vitamins Help You to Have Twins?

Pregnant women who supplement with folic acid are more likely to conceive twins. Based on some research, ingesting such supplements and enriched cereal grains fortified with folic acid boosted the rate of twin pregnancies by up to 40%.

Also Read: How to Get Pregnant with Triplets