A OB/GYN explains superfetationor getting “double pregnant.”
Getting pregnant while you’realreadypregnant.
It’s a phenomenon calledsuperfetation1, and while extremely rarea 2008 study recorded only10 cases worldwide2it is totally real.
Curious as to how this happens?
Read on to learn how double pregnancies occur and how to potentially prevent them.
In fact, the hormonal changes your body goes through during pregnancy almost ensures this scenario doesn’t happen.
board-certified OB/GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and director of education at theFertility Centers of Illinois.
These changes including the following:
When superfetation occurs, a new pregnancy circumvents these natural safeguards.
But medical experts are still not exactly sure why or how this ends up happening.
How common is it to get pregnant while pregnant?
It is exceedingly rare, Dr. Rodgers says.
Some even question if it is a real phenomenon in humans, Dr. Rodgers says.
A more likely scenario is that superfetation gets confused with another reproductive issue.
But in reality, they both implanted at the same timeones just growing at a different pace.
Put simply, your odds are practically zero.
(But it’s still fascinating to learn about!)
Are certain people more likely to experience it?
That said, medical researchers cannot completely confirm the link between superfetation and fertility treatments.
Even with ART, your chances of superfetation are extremely low, per Dr. Rodgers.
However, more medical research is needed to confirm this connection.
But again, this isextremelyrare and the exact biological processes behind it are largely unknown.
They can help offer guidance and support.
Does it mean youre having twins?
Technically, no, superfetation does not mean you’re having twins.
Are there any potential risks or complications?
According to Dr. Rodgers, there are a few potential complications and risks with superfetation.
For one, “when the uterus is in labor,” both fetuses would be delivered.
This is not a typical thing, Dr. Rodgers says.
Its not in books, and we dont learn about it in medical school, she adds.
(You already have enough going on when you’re expecting and prepping to be a new parent!)
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