Superfeta, new pregnancy while pregnant

Superfetation is defined as multiple gestation of two or more fetuses asynchronously, that is, of different gestation time. It would be something like getting pregnant while already pregnant.

Should distinguish itself from superfertilization, which is the fertilization of two or more eggs released at the same time, that is to say in a synchronous way, resulting in a pregnancy of bicorial and biotic twins or triplets (each one with its placenta and its bag of waters).

How does superfetation occur?

Superfetation occurs when there is a failure in the mechanism that inhibits theovarian function During pregnancy.

• The pituitary is a gland located near the brain and that regulates several organs or endocrinological glands, including the ovaries.
• In a normal cycle during the first half the hormones produced in the pituitary gland stimulate the ovariesso that several of the small bags that contain the ovules grow (follicles). Finally one of them grows more, the dominant follicle and expels the egg at ovulation.
• If it occurs on the part of aspermatozoon it begins to producechorionic gonadotropin which is the pregnancy hormone. Also, the production of progesterone which increases the thickness of the cervical mucus to prevent the passage of infections and more sperm as well as producing hormonal changes.

The increase in progesterone will inhibit the action of the pituitary gland and therefore the stimulation of the ovaries and the production of follicles with ovules. If thisregulation system fails a new ovulation may occur and, therefore, if the woman has sexual intercourse and the sperm manage to pass the cervix and reach the ovum, it can be produceda new fertilization a few days after the first.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis of superfetation is made during the. Are displayedtwo embryos with positive heartbeat and correct appearance, but of different size and, therefore, of different gestation weeks. Teladoc Health Collaborating Physician