April 12, 2014

What is Superfetation and Superfecundation

Superfetation - 
Superfetation is the fertilization of two ova released in different menstrual cycles. Ovulation is usually suspended during pregnancy time to prevent chance of fertilization of other ova. If an ovum is released after the female was already pregnated, there is a chance of second pregnancy. This is called superfetation. The nidation and development of one fetus over another fetus is theoretically possible until the decidual space is obliterated by 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Superfecundation -
Superfecundation is the fertilization of two different ova released in the same cycle, by separate acts of coitus within a short period of time. It commonly happens within hours or days of the first instance of fertilization with ova released during the same cycle. There is a small time window when ova are able to be fertilized.

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