Identical twins are a living example of how heredity influences our appearance and personality. Now, scientists have discovered that they have a unique chemical signature on their DNA, one that develops early in development and remains with them into maturity. 

When an egg separates shortly after fertilization, producing two embryos with the same DNA, identical twins result. Fraternal twins, which are produced when two eggs are fertilized, are thought to occur in the following ways: 

Age and genetics may influence ovulating women to produce two or more eggs all at once. Nevertheless, the causes of identical twins, which account for around four out of every 1000 births, are still poorly understood by scientists. 

Annmarie Deas (mother) 

Quote: “I am successful because I have had twins and dealt with them for 17 years. I think twins can compete while still adjusting to one another. However, twins can learn to encourage each other and be by each other’s sides. 

In addition to your age—mothers over 30 have a larger risk of releasing more than one egg at ovulation—genetics also play a part in determining your odds of having twins. A mother who is a fraternal twin herself has a four times higher chance of doing so. Additionally, height matters. 

Additionally, mothers who are breastfeeding at the time of conception are nine times more likely to produce twins (even if you weaned but continued to breastfeed for more than 20 months). Then there is diet. Up to five times as likely as vegan women to conceive twins are those who consume dairy. 

Are There Other Types of Twins? 

Semi- Identical Twins. A third type, known as sesquizygotic twins or “semi-identical,” is incredibly uncommon. According to experts, this is what happens when a single egg is fertilized by two sperm. This results in the placenta of two babies being shared. Anywhere from 50% to 100% of the DNA may be shared. 

Additionally, even if they develop in the same amniotic sac, gender is not a requirement for semi-identical twins. Meaning that when a single fertilized egg divides into two, it is possible to have both a male and a girl if you have semi-identical twins. When you have identical twins, it is impossible to do this.  

Semi-identical twins are so uncommon as to be unattainable. Three chromosomal sets are produced when one egg is fertilized by two separate sperms. Chromosomes are DNA-making thread-like structures. According to research, these embryos typically do not survive. 

The Chances of Having Twins 

Age, family history, and the number of prior pregnancies is a few factors that raise your chance of having twins. Race might also be a factor. According to research, Asians had the lowest chances of having twins, while Black people had the highest chances. 

The likelihood of conceiving identical twins is approximately 1 in 250 for all women. According to research, there are currently no genetic variables known to increase the likelihood of having identical twins.