In 2023, a pregnant woman presented herself at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital. Her case quickly surprised doctors since she had two pregnancies a few weeks apart. We’ll explain it to you.
An exceptional case! In 2023, a woman was pregnant with two embryos less than 3 weeks apart. How is it possible ? For this woman, whose case more than surprised doctors, her first two pregnancies had taken place completely normally. But her third pregnancy was anything but usual. First of all the woman was pregnant with 2 different embryos, including one that was developing outside the uterus.
“It’s about a heterotopic pregnancy, that is to say that the two embryos are not in the same place”, explains Sandrine Campagne-Loiseau, gynecologist in the gynecology department at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital. The risk of heterotopic pregnancy is more present in cases of PMA but here, it was a spontaneous pregnancy.
The rest after this ad
An extremely rare case of pregnancy
The gynecologist then explains to France Info that one of the pregnancies is located in Douglas’ cul de sac. “This is the peritoneal cavity which is behind the uterus, in the pelvis,” explains the doctor. A fact that is already very rare since ectopic pregnancies are usually found in the tubes.
“From time to time, there are much more atypical locations, whether in the ovary or in the peritoneum. At the Douglas cul de sac, it’s extremely rare.” specifies the gynecologist. But the most amazing thing is yet to come! Indeed, after analysis, the doctors found that the 2 pregnancies were not of the same age. 2.5 weeks separated them.
The rest after this ad
How could she have gotten pregnant twice, 2 weeks apart?
“In theory, when you are pregnant, hormonally, the body stops ovulation. This is one of the things that is quite extraordinary about this patient, is that despite everything there was a second ovulation”, explains Doctor Campagne-Loiseau. A quirk of nature which can, however, be explained.
“It is called a superfecation. It’s extremely rare. In the case of this young woman, it is possible that the first pregnancy, the oldest, the one located in the Douglas, was less ‘expressed’, which would explain that a second ovulation took place and that she was fertilized”, explains the gynecologist. To protect the life of the pregnant woman, the ectopic pregnancy was terminated. However, the other pregnancy was indeed carried to term. The pregnant woman gave birth last December of a little girl!
Passionate about women’s news, Agathe has been deciphering the latest trends for aufeminin since 2022. Her favorite areas? Psychology, nutrition and well-being advice, without forgetting the tips…