For many people, it's just chance that they have twins, triplets or more. However, there are some factors that could make you more likely to have more than one. 

Photo of smiling baby triplets

You're more likely to have twins, triplets or more if there's a maternal history of multiple pregnancies. The influence of the father’s family history is less clear.

  • If you already have fraternal (non-identical) twins, you're five times more likely to carry multiples in your next pregnancy.
  • Multiple pregnancies are more common in older women.
  • Heritage/race can be a factor in whether you have more than one as some countries have higher rates than others.
  • The more pregnancies you have, the higher the chances of having twins or more.

ONS latest figures show that in 2020 there were 8,726 UK multiples births, that’s 8,614 sets of twins and 112 sets of triplets!

Find out more about multiple pregnancies in our Healthy Multiple Pregnancy Guide.

Multiple Pregnancy Guide