How likely is it to be twins?

[Bottleoffish]

I just found out I am pregnant. There a no twins in my family except that my paternal Grandmother has twin siblings and I understand twins can't be hereditary on the male side of a family. However, I've been pregnant with twins twice, once sadly ended in early miscarriage, the second twin pregnancy my twin girls were born at 24 weeks and we sadly lost them both.

Is since been discovered that I have a blood disorder which probably caused the losses I have had and that is being treated. I have three living sons and a living daughter, who was my most recent pregnancy.

So, this will be my 7th child, 9th pregnancy and I am 37, which seem to increase the likelihood of me having twins. I don't deny I would be thrilled as this will be my last child and although I like another, DH will never agree to more after this. I would also be worried though, obviously, due to the increased risks in a twin pregnancy.

So what are the odds to have twins if you've already had them?

[whatyoulookinat]

I have twins & was told by midwives that once you have one set you are more likely to have another. Certainly not planning on finding out if its true though!

[harrygracejessica]

As you have already been pregnant twice with twins I would say your odds are pretty high!! I have 2 sets and the consultant said if I have more its about a 99% chance again.

[harrygracejessica]

90% not 99 !!

[talicat]

Hi Bottleoffish- I have twins ( now 14 ... 15 next week!!) .. as whatyoulookinat said- I was also told that it was likely that I would have another multiple pregnancy if I fell pregnant again...and that it would be even more likely (I was nearly 30 when I had them) as I got older.
With the male side thing this has always confused me - my consultant at the time told me that this meant the twins won't come from the father of the actual children not that it can't be passed through the male line..
My dad is a twin and I was told I could inherit the tendency to have twins from his mother- just as I could inherit eye colour/looks etc from her..So he told me I had probably 'inherited' the twin thing from my paternal grandmother. When I found out I was pregnant I applied to Boots for twin insurance ( at my mum's suggestion) and was told I was not eligible as my dad was a non identical twin so they clearly thought I was too much of a risk too!
Hope all is going well - fingers crossed for you xx