The recent story of an Arkansas woman who became pregnant two weeks after already becoming pregnant is shaking things up for pregnant women. Though controversial among medical professionals, superfetation seems to be possible in humans, although rare. Rodents, horses, sheep, monkeys and kangaroos commonly experience superfetation but records of superfetation occurring in humans are extremely limited. Those who are thrilled about having unprotected sex during pregnancy (in a monogamous relationship that is) probably are shaking in their boots right now, as they imagine becoming pregnant amidst their already aching back and nausea. It isn’t much consolation but the only way that superfetation can occur is if the menstrual cycle continues through a pregnancy (which apparently is possible as well- who knew?). Still worried? Scientists have attempted to induce superfetation through implanting eggs and embryos in cattle and have only been successful during the first few weeks after the initial implantation. They surmised that the conditions were only ideal during those first few weeks because in all species who experience superfetation, subsequent pregnancy rates declined progressively as the embryo’s developed. Many false claims of superfetation have been discredited over the years. It is only this most recent case in addition to a case revealed last year that appear to be on record. A woman named Charlotte Mullineux was pregnant with twins but miscarried one of the twins and as a remarkable twist of fate, she became pregnant with a second baby after the loss of one of her twins. The second baby was 3 weeks younger than the first. Charlotte continued to ovulate every month of her pregnancy, making it possible for her to become pregnant repeatedly in theory. The idea of a menstrual cycle during pregnancy certainly throws a wrench in things and clear answers are not easily found. Many pregnancy websites claim it is impossible to have a menstrual cycle during pregnancy, that it is impossible to have a period or even to ovulate. Apparently, it is just extremely rare. Hopefully the recent cases of Julia Grovenburg in Arkansas and Charlotte Mullineux will shine enough light on this fascinating topic for more research to be done

Original Source of Superfetation? You mean, I can get pregnant when I’m already pregnant?!?!