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What's the Difference?
Fraternal vs. Identical Twins
By Lisamarie Sanders
Why is it important to know which type of twins you have? Segal says there are many reasons. First of all, it will give parents a much better understanding of their children's physical and behavioral development. Fraternal twins generally develop at different speeds. One may talk sooner while the other walks earlier, and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, identical twins have very similar developmental patterns. They usually accomplish milestones within days of each other. If there is a delay in one child, it may signal a problem.
Another important reason is for health issues. If you have identical twins and one develops a disease, you can take preventive measures to help the other one. You will also know that there is a perfect match if one child ever needs an organ or marrow transplant. You will be better prepared for what lies ahead if you are aware of the type of twins you have.
It is also helpful in social aspects. Identical twins like to do many of the same things. "They may be good at the same things, and they're going to enjoy doing what they're good at," Segal explains. They may also choose many of the same friends, because they will probably like the same kinds of people. Fraternals, however, are often no more alike than ordinary siblings. "They may be closer in the sense that they're the same age so they're going through developmental events at the same time," Segal says, but other than that, they are often very different.
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