Doctors Speak About The Twin Trend: Are You Likely To Be Pregnant With Twins?

There are two types of twins -- identical and fraternal. Identical twins are a result of fertilized egg splitting in two, while fraternal twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized. More and more twins are being born today, but how, specifically do these multiple births happen, and are you likely to get pregnant with twins?

Check out your family tree because your family history is the biggest indicator in the possibility of multiple child births. However, that is not all because maternal age and fertility treatments are also some things to consider the likelihood of having twins. Doctors share their two cents on the phenomenon.

Family History: It is the woman's family history that is important when looking into the possibility of multiple births. "It's all about the woman because you're the one producing the eggs," says Mother and Baby consultant obstetrician David Davies. "So if you or your mum are twins, or perhaps your sister has multiple babies, then you'll be more likely to conceive more than one."

Still, this doesn't mean that identical twins are influenced by genetics. Identical twins are "a fluke of nature," said Davies. "But with non-identical twins or triplets, which come from different eggs, there are several shared influences."

Maternal age: "Once you are 25 or into your 30s and 40s, ovulatory cycles are not regular anymore," Hackensack University Medical Center director and chief of maternal and fetal medicine and surgery Abdulla Al-Khan shared with Web MD. "If you are not regular and do ovulate, you could be ovulating two follicles at the same time."

Fertility treatments: You and Your Family has mentioned that there's been a dramatic increase in multiple pregnancies since treatment for infertility became possible. The rate of twin pregnancies have increased threefold compared to a time before assisted reproductive techniques became a reality.

If you find that one of these factors is applicable to you -- there are twins in your family, you're in your thirties, or seeking fertility treatment -- there is a big possibility that you may be able to give birth to twins. Who knows, you just might have the next Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen buns in your oven.