Redefine Weird

There has been an increasing number of twin births in this country. In the year 2000, 119,000 twins were born—that comes to nearly 3% of all births (NAESP Website)! Obviously, there is a huge fascination with twins. With this in mind, the following article will explore the facts regarding the uniqueness of twins. As a means of this exploration, the answers to commonly asked questions about twins will be discussed.

Q: What does ‘twin’ mean?

A: The two most common types of twins are fraternal and identical. Since fraternal twins account for about 2/3 of all twin pregnancies, it is important to know what constitutes a fraternal twin. First of all, fraternal twins occur when two separate eggs are given off during ovulation. This results in two distinct pregnancies. There can be 3 different combinations of fraternal twins: male/male; female/female; or male/female.

Identical twins are the result of the egg splitting in two. Thus the two share the same genetic make-up. There are only 2 combinations of identical twins: male/male; and female/female. Typically DNA tests are the best way to determine whether twins are identical or fraternal (“Expecting Twins”: Keeping Kids Healthy).

In other words, twins are two persons born at the same time, by the same mother. How special! Multiple births or not, both pregnancies are a blessing from God.

Q: Are you two alike?

A: Much like regular siblings, twins have similarities-sometimes more so than others. Fraternal twins share approximately 50% of the same genes while identical twins share nearly 100%. It is evident to see that Fraternal twins are as much alike with each other as siblings are with other siblings. In numerous studies, the differences between two fraternal twins are much different from two identical twins. The average weight difference between two fraternal twins is 10 pounds with 36 being the average high. Identical twins average a 4 pound difference with 18 pounds being its highest average weight. Fraternal twins have an average height difference of 4.4 cm, while the average between identical twins is 1.4 cm (Twins magazine.com).

Whether identical or fraternal, each twin is their own separate individual with unique abilities and interests that defines who they are as a person. Both persons are “fearfully and wonderfully made” in the image of God. Also, God gives us special skills, abilities, and interests all of which should be used for His glory!

Q: Do twins run in the family?

A: Yes, especially fraternal twins. A typical person with no history of having twins in the family has a 1/150 chance of conceiving twins. If one’s mother is a fraternal twin but her child is not, that child has a 1/90 chance of having twins. However, fraternal twins themselves have a 1/40 chance of also reproducing twins. Therefore, the idea that “having twins skips a generation” is a simple misconception but still possible (“Expecting Twins”).

One cannot control whether or not there will be a multiple birth. God is the creator of all life and is therefore in control. Multiple birth or not, the persons out of these pregnancies should strive everyday to please their Maker.

In closing, the most common question that is probably asked to twins is:

Q: Do you like / Is it fun being a twin?

A: Sure!
After all, Studies have shown that both fraternal and identical twins have a special bond. It starts at infancy—similar eating, sleeping, and behavioral habits (gestures) are noticeable. As twins get older, they sometimes finish each other’s sentences or invent their own language. Twins (identical) have often been known to share the same diseases such as measles, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. One definite fun fact is that there are a greater number of twins who are left-handed (18-22%) as compared to non-twins (10%) (Twins Magazine.com).

However, to really answer the question, I will talk on a personal level. In real life, I am a fraternal twin. This question (and the previous questions above) is asked to me and/ or my twin a lot. My answer: I didn’t have a choice in life to be a twin. As a result, I have no choice but to enjoy the way God made me. There are times that can be frustrating for me as twin. Mostly the frustrating times are when others mistake me for my twin. It is very easy to distinguish between the two of us because we look like sisters and not twins. As fraternal twins, we never had the chance of “switching places” at school—something a lot of identical twins like to do on occasion. We will never have the exact same features. We will never have that unique bond that only identical twins have. But, we do have a special bond—one of growing up with a best friend who will experience the same things at exactly the same time in life. We always received similar gifts for birthdays and Christmas. If not the same gift, our presents would be of same price value. All this is done to ‘be fair.’ We will forever be known as twins and nothing in the world can be done to change this fact. Most importantly, I pray that we will forever be known as twins who loved their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Weird, huh?

Bibliography
“Trouble with Twins.” 24 Jan. 2004. NAESP Web Site. 16 Feb. 2006. Vol. 27 #5. p. 1,7.
http://www.naesp.org/contentload.do?contentId=1144.

“Twins Magazine Homepage.” Twins Magazine Web Site. 16 Feb. 2006.
http://www.twinsmagazine.com.

“Expecting Twins.” Keep Kids Healthy 1. EbscoHost Search Engine. Liberty U Lib. 20
Feb. 2006. http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/twins/expecting_twins.html.