Mitmikulised

Mitmikulised refers to the phenomenon of multiple births in humans and other mammals. It is the result of a single pregnancy producing more than one offspring. The most common types of multiple births are twins, triplets, quadruplets, and so on, with higher-order multiples being progressively rarer.

Twins can be either identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic). Identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two or more embryos. They share the same genetic material and are therefore always of the same sex and look very similar. Fraternal twins develop from two or more separate eggs fertilized by different sperm. They are genetically similar to ordinary siblings and can be of the same or different sexes, with varying degrees of physical resemblance.

The incidence of multiple births varies among different species and populations. Factors influencing the likelihood of multiple births include maternal age, genetics, fertility treatments, and diet. In humans, the rate of dizygotic twinning tends to increase with maternal age and is more common in certain ethnic groups. Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), have significantly increased the rates of multiple pregnancies.

Multiple births often present unique challenges and considerations. Pregnancies with multiple fetuses are generally considered higher risk, with increased chances of premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications for both the mother and the infants. Care during pregnancy and delivery often requires specialized medical attention.