Superfetation (Noun)
Meaning
Fertilization of a second ovum after a pregnancy has begun; results in two fetuses of different ages in the uterus at the same time; "superfetation is normal in some animal species".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- Superfetation is a rare phenomenon in humans, but it is more common in some animal species, such as rabbits and cats.
- The doctor explained to the expectant mother that superfetation was a possibility, given her unusual ultrasound results.
- In cases of superfetation, the second fetus may be several weeks younger than the first, which can complicate prenatal care.
- While superfetation is not unheard of in humans, it is extremely rare and usually occurs in women who are undergoing fertility treatments.
- Researchers have been studying superfetation in animals to better understand the reproductive biology of certain species and to shed light on the phenomenon in humans.