Superfetation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Superfetation (also spelt superfoetation, based on a hypercorrection — see fetus) is the formation of a fetus while another egg is already present in the uterus. When there are two separate instances of fertilisation during the same cycle, rather than different cycles, it is known as superfecundation.
Superfetation is claimed to be common in some species of animals, but is extremely rare in humans. It can occur only where there are two uteri, or where the menstrual cycle continues through pregnancy.
In animals
Animals which have been claimed to be subject to superfetation include rodents (mice and rats), farm animals (horses and sheep), marsupials (kangaroos), and primates (humans). Superfetation has also been clearly demonstrated in poeciliid fish [1]
In humans
Reports of superfetation occurring long after the first impregnation have often been treated with suspicion and some have been clearly discredited. Other explanations have been given (and demonstrated) for different levels of development between twins. Artificially induced superfetation has, however, been demonstrated although only up to a short period after insemination.
In 2007, Ame and Lia Herrity, conceived 3 weeks apart, were born in the United Kingdom to Amelia Spence and George Herrity. [2] In May 2007, Harriet and Thomas Mullineux, also conceived 3 weeks apart, were born in Benfleet, Essex UK to Charlotte and Matt Mullineux, [3]
In 2009, Todd and Julia Grovenburg of Fort Smith, Arkansas received national media attention for Mrs. Grovenburg's conception of an additional child while already pregnant with a child conceived two and a half weeks earlier. If it were possible to carry both children to term, the birth of the first child would be expected in December 2009, whereas the second child would be due in January 2010. [4][5]
Hoaxes
Flavia d'Angelo, an Italian woman claiming to have become pregnant with triplets three months after initially getting pregnant, caused global media interest in 2001. [6] However, it was later revealed to be a hoax. [7]
Religion
Superfetation is cited in the Talmud in the tractate Niddah, saying that a woman may use contraception during pregnancy to avoid the compression and destruction of her fetus by a possible second one.
