Originally Posted by
DoulaLC
The idea behind the 14th day comes from the notion that a woman ovulates about midway through her cycle. A 28 day cycle is considered the "norm", but many women naturally have shorter or longer cycles. A better gauge might be that ovulation is likely about 12-16days before the next period is due, regardless of the length of the cycle. This, however, is just a starting place. You very well could have gotten pregnant right after your period ended. If you had sex the day after your period ended, conception would most likely have occurred in the next few days afterwards. The majority of the time, ovulation will remain pretty consistent with each cycle, as the luteal phase (time from ovulation to your period) usually stays the same, but ovulation can happen sooner or later now and then...or not at all in an off cycle.
Twins can be more likely from the mothers side of the family as some women will be more prone to releasing more than one egg in some cycles....this can have a genetic factor. Age can play a role as well....older women have an increased chance for twinning.
The role of folic acid is to help with preventing certain birth defects very early in pregnancy....this is why it is wise for any woman who can become pregnant, whether trying to or not, to have at least 400 mcg daily. The birth defects occur before many women even know they are pregnant. Folic acid also helps with various developmental stages along the way....in particular the increased brain function development late in pregnancy.
Good luck.....hope you don't have to try too long to find success!!