What is the principle behind twin formation?
Disease description:
My best friend is pregnant with twins. Could you please explain the mechanism behind twin formation?
Twins can form under two distinct circumstances. In the first scenario, a single fertilized egg (zygote) splits during the blastocyst stage, resulting in monozygotic (identical) twins. These twins share nearly identical genetic material and typically resemble each other closely. In the second scenario, a woman releases two eggs during ovulation, and each egg is separately fertilized by a different sperm, leading to dizygotic (fraternal) twins. These twins have different genetic compositions and generally differ from one another in various physical and biological traits. After becoming pregnant, it is essential to attend regular prenatal check-ups at a healthcare facility and closely monitor one’s own health status.