What Is Heteropaternal Superfecundation? Rare Condition Featured in Vicky Kaushal & Triptii Dimri's Bad Newz

Imagine a woman giving birth to twins, only to discover they have different fathers. This rare phenomenon, known as heteropaternal superfecundation, is the central theme of Vicky Kaushal's upcoming comedy 'Bad Newz'. To understand this better, we spoke to Dr N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

What Is Heteropaternal Superfecundation?

"Heteropaternal superfecundation is a rare phenomenon where a woman releases two eggs in the same cycle, each fertilised by sperm from different partners," explains Dr Lulla. This results in twins who are genetically half-siblings, sharing the same mother but different fathers.

Heteropaternal Superfecundation Causes

Describing the cause of this unusual occurrence, Dr Lulla elaborates, "Normally, ovulation releases one egg per cycle. But here, two eggs get released close together. Then, within a very short window, think hours or a couple of days each egg gets fertilised by sperm from different partners."

To illustrate this complex process, Dr Lulla offers a creative analogy. "Imagine you have two balloons ready for a party. One partner blows up one balloon with their air (sperm), and the other partner inflates a separate balloon (the other egg) with theirs. Both balloons are ready to celebrate – er, I mean, become embryos!"

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Heteropaternal Superfecundation Risks

While the condition itself isn't a direct medical risk, pregnancies resulting from heteropaternal superfecundation may face challenges typical of twin pregnancies. These include higher risks of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Close monitoring and medical intervention are crucial for managing these risks.

"While heteropaternal superfecundation itself isn't a medical risk factor, carrying twins brings its own set of challenges," she notes. "Just like any twin pregnancy, the mother's body is essentially working overtime to nurture two developing babies."

Dr Lulla outlined several potential complications associated with twin pregnancies. "This can increase the chances of complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight," she warns.

"The extra strain on the circulatory system can lead to gestational hypertension, which can be concerning. The body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, which can affect both the mother and babies. Pre-eclampsia is a combination of high blood pressure and other complications, requiring close monitoring. The increased pressure in the uterus can lead to early delivery, which means the babies may need additional care. With two babies sharing resources, each may be smaller than a single baby at term."

Heteropaternal Superfecundation Real-life cases

In 2022, a 19-year-old woman in Brazil made headlines when she gave birth to twins with different fathers. After taking a paternity test, she discovered that only one child matched the DNA of her partner.

Another case occurred in New Jersey in 2015. A court ruled that a father only had to pay child support for one twin after DNA evidence showed he was the biological father of only one of the children.

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Vicky Kaushal Movie 'Bad Newz' Concept

Vicky Kaushal's 'Bad Newz', also starring Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk, isn't just aiming for laughs. By bringing this rare condition into the limelight, it's sparking conversations about reproductive biology and the unexpected twists nature can throw our way.

While heteropaternal superfecundation might be a rarity in human reproduction, its inclusion in popular media serves as a reminder of the fascinating complexities of biology.

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