Triplets with two different dads are called bipaternal or heteropaternal superfecundation. This phenomenon occurs when a woman releases multiple eggs during her ovulation cycle, and each egg is fertilized by sperm from different fathers. It is a rare occurrence, but it has been documented in humans and animals.
How Does Bipaternal Superfecundation Happen?
During a woman's ovulation cycle, she releases one or more eggs from her ovaries. These eggs travel through the fallopian tubes, where they can be fertilized by sperm. If a woman has sex with two different men during her ovulation period, it is possible for each egg to be fertilized by sperm from different fathers.
Once the eggs are fertilized, they will implant in the uterus and start to develop into embryos. If the embryos are from different fathers, they will have different genetic material and may look and behave differently.
How Rare Is Bipaternal Superfecundation?
Bipaternal superfecundation is a rare occurrence, but it is difficult to determine exactly how rare because it is not always detected. It is estimated to occur in about 1 in every 13,000 cases of fraternal twins. However, in some cases, one twin may be from one father and the other twin from a different father, which is called biparental superfecundation.
How Is Bipaternal Superfecundation Detected?
Bipaternal superfecundation can be detected through DNA testing. This testing can determine if the babies have different fathers by analyzing their genetic material. DNA testing is usually done after the babies are born and involves collecting a sample of their blood or saliva.
What Are The Risks Associated With Bipaternal Superfecundation?
There are no known risks associated with bipaternal superfecundation, but there are some potential risks associated with multiple pregnancies. Women who are pregnant with multiples may be at a higher risk of complications such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery.
Can Bipaternal Superfecundation Happen With IVF?
Bipaternal superfecundation can happen with IVF, but it is less likely because the eggs are fertilized outside of the body and are usually implanted at the same time. However, if a woman has multiple embryos implanted and has sex with two different men during her ovulation period, it is possible for each embryo to be fertilized by sperm from different fathers.
Conclusion
Bipaternal superfecundation is a rare occurrence that happens when a woman releases multiple eggs during her ovulation cycle and each egg is fertilized by sperm from different fathers. It can be detected through DNA testing and does not have any known risks associated with it. Women who are pregnant with multiples may be at a higher risk of complications, but this is not directly related to bipaternal superfecundation.