There are only two ways to reduce the risk of getting pregnant to zero: abstinence and already being pregnant… or maybe not. Did you know you can get pregnant while pregnant? Superfetation a rare but real condition.
The news of a multiple pregnancy surprises any future mother or partner. But when they tell you that the gestation weeks are different, much more, how is this possible?
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Can you get pregnant while pregnant?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant while pregnant, because sometimes a second egg is fertilized and is implanted days or weeks after the first, receiving the name of superfetation.. Babies are often considered twins and are born the same day.
Although it is common in humans in some animal species, it is considered very rare, but not impossible, and is often associated with fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization.
What is superfetation?
The development of an embryo is called superfetation, being in a previously pregnant state, so it ends up being a pregnancy of twins with different gestational ages.
Unlike superfertilization, fertilization does not occur at the same time, but days or weeks later.
According to the medical journal Assisted reproduction, superfetation is related to a failure in the reproductive blockage system, which occurs due to high levels of progesterone, which prevent the maturation of new follicles. Therefore, a new ovulation occurs during pregnancy that can be fertilized.
However, the reason why it is so rare is because there are other factors that must be met, since Not only is ovulation and unprotected sexual intercourse required, but the sperm must pass through the cervical mucus of the cervix, which is thicker and has an antibacterial action.
Likewise, it is necessary that the endometrium is receptive for a new implantation without affecting the already implanted embryo.
Although it is not impossible for it to occur “naturally”, superfetation is more associated with assisted reproduction treatments due to high doses of hormones for ovarian stimulation.
In general, the gestational difference between embryos is usually 2 to 4 weeks.
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What is the difference between superfeta and multiple pregnancy?
The most obvious difference between superfetation and a multiple pregnancy is that in the first case both fetuses have different gestational ages. The reason is that the eggs belong to a different menstrual cycle, in a multiple pregnancy, they are from the same menstrual cycle.
This is not only associated with a fetal size, but with the stage of development, which varies. Likewise, specialists point out that a superfetation can be identified due to asynchrony in the appearance of the yolk vesicle, the sac where the embryo feeds while the placenta develops; the heartbeat and other fetal structures.
Can you be pregnant with different partners?
Yes, there is both the possibility of a superfetation, as well as a superfertilization by different pairs. In the first case, it has to do with the gestational difference that may exist between one embryo and another, so if a few weeks after getting pregnant you have unprotected sex with a different partner, it could happen.
Superfertilization occurs when two eggs from the same menstrual cycle are fertilized with two different sperm.
The heteroparental type occurs when they are the product of two different men … In these cases, a difference of around 72 hours is required between both unprotected sex, in addition to occurring on your fertile days.
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What are the risks of superfetation?
If a superfetation is achieved, where the second embryo implants correctly and develops, the main risk that can be faced is the difference in gestational age. Therefore, when one baby is ready to be born, the other is not quite, so it could be born prematurely.
Mayo Clinic specialists, explain that a premature birth is the one that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy and, those who are born earlier, usually have complications, although they vary depending on when they are born.
Although each delivery is different, complications that can be faced in a short-term preterm delivery include:: respiratory, heart, brain (such as bleeding), gastrointestinal, temperature control, metabolism, and immune system problems.
In some cases, there is also a risk of long-term complications, such as learning disabilities, vision or hearing problems, cerebral palsy, among others. However, the gynecologist will find a way to schedule a due date that will affect both babies as little as possible.
Finally, it is important to take into account that, being a pregnancy with more than one fetus, there is a greater risk that the mother will present some complications, such as gestational hypertension, anemia, gestational diabetes or the need for a cesarean section. Medical follow-up is key to control.
If you’ve ever wondered if it was possible to get pregnant while pregnant, now you know it is. Although it is a very rare condition, the only way to completely reduce the risk is to have safe sex, whether it is a female or male condom, remember that these also protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
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