Commonly Asked Questions About Fraternal and Identical Twins

Are having twins hereditary? Is it possible to use modern medical intervention to induce twin pregnancy? What is the difference between fraternal and identical twins? Fairly common questions asked by those who are new to the idea of having twins. These questions are often asked over and over again, but the shroud of mystery has not been completely pulled off.

To get more answers to any questions you might be having, you can get the answers below.

Does the concept of Nature/Nurture impact growth of twins?

To some extent, yes. However, the personality traits and physical features of twins (whether fraternal or identical) are determined by nature, or their genetic makeup. The splitting of the egg during ovulation and the DNA composition are what determines whether a twin is considered identical or fraternal.

However, nature plays an important role in enabling each twin to establish their individuality. This will expose them to various circumstances and environment as they grow up to nurture different personality and identify their career paths in the future. Both nature and nurture in the concept therefore play an important role, with the difference in that nature is predetermined and nurture is altered.

Aren't fraternal twins identical, too?

Fraternal twins are completely different from identical twins. The latter come from the same egg and have the same DNA. Hence, it is not appropriate to refer to fraternal twins as identical twins since they are conceived differently and have unique set of features.

How common are fraternal twins?

As compared to identical twins, fraternal twins are far more common. According to statistics gathered by researchers and twin experts, they make up about 2/3 of the entire twin population. Fraternal twins can be of different sex unlike identical twins. In addition, heredity could play a crucial role in impacting your chances of having fraternal twins, especially on the mother side of the family.

Is it safe to use medical intervention to induce twin pregnancy?

Researchers have done extensive research on the phenomenon involving twins in an effort to explain how it happens and how twins are conceived. Their research efforts have provided them with a good amount of knowledge on what methods to use to induce pregnancy, which they use to develop technology for mothers aspiring to have twins.

How difficult is it to raise twins?

It is admittedly not easy. There are certain challenges to raising twins that is completely different from raising a single child. Many would refer to twins as miracles and a blessing, such that they need special attention and care. It is indeed not the same as caring for two different children, unlike most would assume. But all the hardships are worth it knowing how you can foster such a mystery.

Even after answering all of the above questions about fraternal and identical twins, it is still not enough to fully understand the miracle of having twins. This is a phenomenon that is understood and experienced only those who have twins themselves, or families whose children are twins, irregardless of whether they are fraternal or identical.