Having twins is a unique and joyful experience for parents. If you’re expecting twins, you might be wondering how this phenomenon occurs, whether they are identical or fraternal, and how you can know for sure. While some of the answers to these questions are below, many others require DNA lab testing for certainty.

Why Do Parents of Twins Use DNA Lab Testing?

How Do Twins Occur? 

According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 33 out of every 1,000 births in the US result in twins. There are two reasons you might have twins. The less common of the two is when the zygote splits in the very early stages of development, resulting in identical twins with the same DNA. When two separate egg cells are fertilized at the same time, the result is fraternal twins who share approximately 50% of their DNA, each with their own unique combination.

Do Identical Twins Look Alike?

While many identical twins bear an uncanny resemblance to one another, not all of them do, especially as they age. This is because environmental factors have a role in how genes are expressed, a process that begins in the womb. In extreme cases, one twin may have allergies that the other doesn’t have, or one may develop an illness while the other stays completely healthy.

Are Your Twins Identical or Fraternal?

Appearances can be deceptive, so parents shouldn’t rely on similarity to determine whether their twins are identical or fraternal. The only way to know for sure is professional DNA lab testing, which examines your children’s genetic makeup. Many professionals can make this determination before the children are even born with a noninvasive procedure that poses no risks to the babies. Because an infant’s DNA floats in the mother’s bloodstream, sending a sample to the DNA testing lab will provide the definitive answers you need.

The professionals at US Compliance Consortium in Phoenix, AZ, have the expertise and resources to provide fast, reliable answers to all your genetic questions. Their lab returns most results within three business days with an accuracy above 99%. To learn more about their DNA lab testing services, visit their website or call (602) 765-2200 today.