Have you ever imagined welcoming not one, but two little bundles of joy at once? You’re not the only one. For many couples navigating infertility, the idea of having twins through IVF feels like a dream come true—double the love, double the hope.
At Apex Hospital in Sirsa, we often hear eager questions from patients, like:
“Can IVF lead to twins?”
“Is it possible to have identical twins through IVF?”
The short answer: yes. IVF not only makes twin pregnancies possible—it actually raises the odds compared to natural conception.
In this blog, The Fertility Couple from Apex Hospital – home to experienced infertility doctors of India – will discuss:
– How exactly does IVF lead to twins?
– Can you plan for identical twins?
– What types of twins can result from fertility treatments?
– How can doctors at Apex Hospital help you in making this dream come true?
Let’s get started!
Can You Ask for Twins Through IVF?
This is one of the most common—and understandable—questions we receive from hopeful parents consulting doctors at Apex Hospital, Sirsa. The idea of having twins can seem exciting: a double bundle of joy, one IVF cycle, and a completed family. But medically speaking, it’s more complex than just making a request.
Let’s break it down.
Twins Through IVF
Yes, it is possible to have twins through IVF. In fact, IVF increases your chances of having twins compared to natural conception. But how twins form—and whether you can plan for it—depends on several biological and clinical factors.
1. Fraternal Twins (Dizygotic Twins)
Fraternal twins are the result of two separate embryos implanting and developing in the uterus. In IVF, this usually happens when two embryos are transferred during a cycle. These twins may be of different sexes and won’t share identical DNA.
Sometimes, although rare, even after transferring a single embryo, fraternal twins can occur. This would happen if another egg gets fertilized and implanted naturally, in addition to the IVF embryo—a phenomenon known as superfecundation. However, it is extremely rare.
2. Identical Twins (Monozygotic Twins)
Identical twins occur when a single fertilized embryo splits into two separate embryos during the early stages of development. This spontaneous splitting can result in genetically identical babies who often share a placenta but have individual amniotic sacs.
Surprisingly, this can—and does—happen even when only one embryo is transferred during IVF. The estimated chance of this occurring is about 1–2% in single embryo transfers.
Why Does Embryo Splitting Happen?
The exact reason why a single embryo splits remains unclear, but it’s believed to be a natural, spontaneous event rather than something intentionally induced by IVF. Some researchers hypothesize that laboratory handling, culture media, and micromanipulation techniques might slightly increase the chances of splitting, but more data is needed.
IVF and the Risk of Multiple Births
In natural conception, the chance of twins is about 1 in 90 births (1.1%). With IVF, the chance increases significantly, especially when multiple embryos are transferred. That’s why modern fertility practices emphasize Single Embryo Transfer (SET) whenever medically appropriate.
At Apex IVF Centre in Sirsa, we strongly advocate for SET, particularly for women under 35, who have cases with high-quality blastocysts, and particularly those having first-time IVF attempts.
This approach helps reduce the risk of high-order multiples and complications while maintaining strong success rates.
Health Risks of Twin Pregnancies
While having twins may sound ideal, it’s essential to understand that twin pregnancies carry higher risks—for both mother and babies. These risks include:
– Preterm labor and birth
– Low birth weight
– Gestational diabetes
– Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
– Increased chances of cesarean delivery
These potential complications are why fertility specialists around the world—including our team at Apex Hospital —generally recommend a cautious, personalized approach to embryo transfer. Long story short, there’s a better chance of twins through IVF but risks tag along too.
Want to improve your chances of twins naturally? Check out this blog.
Can You Request Twins Through IVF?
You can express your desire of having identical twins through IVF but it’s not a guaranteed outcome, nor is it always recommended. At Apex Hospital, we believe in shared decision-making. If a couple expresses a strong preference for twins, we evaluate them on below parameters before guiding further:
– Maternal age
– Uterine health
– Embryo quality
– Previous IVF history
– Overall health risks
Only after thorough assessment will we consider transferring more than one embryo, and even then, only if it aligns with best medical practices and safety guidelines.
Recommended reading:
Pre- pregnancy tests every couple should consider
Everything about AMH hormone levels
IVF story of Sidhu Moosewala’s mother
Conceiving Twins: Here’s What to Expect
Twin pregnancies require more intensive monitoring and support. At Apex, we offer specialized care that includes:
– Frequent ultrasounds and growth scans
– Custom nutrition plans for twin pregnancies
– Activity modification and bed rest guidance, when needed
– Collaboration with fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists
Our goal is to ensure the health of both mother and babies, from conception to delivery.
Twins Through IVF: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Pros:
– One pregnancy, two babies—efficient family building
– Reduced need for additional IVF cycles
– A profound sense of fulfillment for many couples
Cons:
– Higher medical risks and complications
– More frequent hospital visits and follow-ups
– Greater demands during postpartum recovery
That’s why informed decision-making is vital. Our team educates, advises, and supports couples thinking about having twins through IVF so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Discuss your IVF pregnancy goals
Yes, twins through IVF are very much possible—fraternal or even identical. But every fertility journey is unique, and so is the decision to transfer one or more embryos. Whether you’re hoping for one child or dreaming of twins, Apex Hospital in Sirsa is here to support your journey with empathy, science, and individualized care.
We don’t just aim for pregnancies—we strive for healthy, happy outcomes. Whether you’re early in your fertility journey or considering your next steps, we’re here to help you build the family you’ve been dreaming of.
Contact Apex Hospital today through WhatsApp or call us at 91680 3900 to discuss your pregnancy goals with our team of doctors, which includes gynaecologists, urologists, surgeons, and fertility experts.
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