New figures have shown that the number of twins being born in Norway has increased substantially in recent years. According to a report by west Norway’s Bergensavisen newspaper, there were 1,015 pairs of twins born in 2010, marking a 69 percent increase in the four decades since 1970, when only 600 pairs were born.
The question as to why there has been such a substantial increase remains unanswered, although many suggest that it may be a result of increased use of IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment.
However, some experts now say this may not be the primary reason, as officials from Haukeland University Hospital report that only nine of the 110 pairs of twins born at the hospital in 2012 were conceived via IVF techniques.
Meanwhile, Dr Anne Tandberg, who works for Haukeland University Hospital’s Women’s Clinic, believes the rise could be the result of the increased popularity of waiting to have children until later in life, when ovulation is less predictable. In addition, she says that some fertilisation drugs may also be having an effect.
She told the media, “We see a large increase in the consumption of these drugs. Two or more eggs can release simultaneously by using this treatment,” TheForeigner.com reports.