From Pamela Prindle Fierro,
Your Guide to Twins & Multiples.
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Jan 25 2008

What are the chances? Odds are, if you're already a parent of multiples, you may find yourself marveling at your unusual family dynamics and think "Why did this happen to me? How did I get so lucky?" (or unlucky, depending on the moment!)

If you're not yet a parent of multiples, you may be wondering what it takes to become one. Are you a candidate for twins, triplets or more?

"I was just wondering what the chances are for twins; my dad is an identical twin, and twins are all over both my mother's and father's side of the family, plus there are twins on the future daddy's side as well." -- INDYMAGGIE

The odds of having multiples are influenced by many factors, and twinning rates have changed throughout the years due to some of those factors. It's interesting to analyze the statistics and to contemplate your own personal odds for winning the multiples lottery.

General Statistics About Multiples

Among general populations, the chances of having twins in the 21st century are about 3 in 100, or about 3%. Your chances are better than ever; researchers have recorded an increase of nearly 60% since the early 1980s. The most recent statistics, part of a 2004 study by the National Center for Health Statistics show that twins represented 32.21 of every 1,000 births.

Find out how to increase or decrease your chances of having multiples. Read on...