Yes, although rare, a woman can get pregnant with a different man at the same time.
Understanding Heteropaternal Superfecundation
The phenomenon of a woman being pregnant with twins from two different fathers is known as heteropaternal superfecundation. This occurs when two eggs are released during the same ovulation cycle, and each egg is fertilized by sperm from two different men during separate sexual encounters.
How Heteropaternal Superfecundation Happens:
- Multiple Ovulation: A woman releases two or more eggs during the same ovulation cycle.
- Separate Intercourse: The woman has intercourse with two different men within a short period during her fertile window.
- Fertilization: Each egg is independently fertilized by the sperm from each different man.
- Twin Development: The fertilized eggs implant in the uterus, resulting in a twin pregnancy where each twin has a different father.
Confirming Heteropaternal Superfecundation:
Because it is not outwardly obvious, heteropaternal superfecundation is typically discovered when there is a discrepancy in paternity testing.
- DNA Paternity Test: A DNA paternity test after birth can reveal if the twins have different fathers. As the reference states, a DNA paternity test can confirm the genetic parentage after the babies are born.
Key Points
- Rarity: Heteropaternal superfecundation is a rare occurrence.
- Not Identical Twins: The twins in such cases are always fraternal (non-identical) because they come from two separate eggs.
- Fertile Window: It requires the woman to be in her fertile window and have intercourse with multiple partners within a relatively short period.
