While they may look alike, identical twins are unique individuals with their own personalities and interests.
Fraternal twins, also known asdizygotictwins, come from two separate eggs fertilized at the same time.
They could be the same sex or different.
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Twins and multiple pregnancy babies are at increased risk of being born prematurely and with low birth weight.
This article will discuss common misconceptions about identical twins.
It will also describe their similarities and differences, as well as tips for parenting twins.
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Types of Twins
The two types of twins are identical and fraternal.
They differ in the way they are conceived and their genetic makeup.
Fraternal vs.
Identical
Identical twins share 100% of their genes.
They are always born of the same sex.It can be challenging to tell identical twins apart.
Whereas fraternal twins often look more like siblings than twins.
They share 50% of their genes and could be of the same or different sexes at birth.
Conception
The differences between identical and fraternal twins are due to how they are conceived.
When identical twins are conceived, the fertilized egg splits into two, causing two separate embryos to grow.
When fraternal twins are conceived, two eggs are fertilized at the same time.
How is this possible?
Role of Twin Genes in Family History
You may have heard that twins run in families.
However, experts believe that conceiving twins is affected by genetic and environmental factors.
Identical twins make up about 3% to 4% of live births in the United States.
The cause of having identical twins is usually unknown.
Fraternal twins, on the other hand, may run in families.
This is often referred to as nature or nurture.
In 2019, about 120,291 sets of twins were born.
Twin pregnancies require more frequent prenatal health visits and tests.
The first prenatal test to consider is diagnosing a twin pregnancy.
Twin pregnancies are also more likely to end in preterm delivery.Preterm delivery occurs before 37 weeks gestation.
Full gestation is 40 weeks.
Because twins are more likely to be born early, they are also more likely to be considered low-birth-weight.
Labor and delivery are different and more complicated for twin pregnancies as well.
This is because twin pregnancies are more likely to requirecesarean section(C-section) surgery.
Parenting Identical Twins
Parenting identical twins comes with its own special challenges and rewards.
It is helpful to prepare for twins unique parenting needs before they arrive and as they grow.
To tell newborn twins apart, try color-coding their clothing or using name bracelets.
As they age, their unique personalities will tell them apart.
Summary
Identical twins have fascinated researchers and parents for decades.
When they are conceived, a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos.
While identical twins look alike, their personalities, interests, and needs can be very different.
Its also helpful to name the unique challenges so that you might seek out the support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identical twins have unique ways of communicating with one another.
This gives them unique insight into each other.
Identical twins make up about 3% of live births in the United States.
Fraternal twins tend to run in families.
Identical twins can be especially difficult to tell apart as newborns, even for their parents.
As they age, their unique personalities will help to distinguish them from one another.
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