During a routine ultrasound, Julia Grovenburg’s doctor noticed something unusual. Where there previously had been only one baby, a second one had mysteriously appeared next to it, and smaller than the first one. After further research, it was confirmed that there were now indeed two separately developing babies in Julia’s womb, the second one conceived a full two and a half weeks later than the first.
This rare medical occurrence is termed “superfetation”, and the official literature contains only 10 other cases. Doctors say that if superfetation happens as late as 24 days after the first baby, the second child is at risk for lung development problems, but in this case the Grovenburg’s children should both be fine.
It isn’t known why this happens, nor does there appear to be a way to predict its occurrence. As it is, the only consideration now is whether or not the children will be born together, with the second child being premature, or if they’ll be born on their respective due dates — the older of the two at the end of 2009, and the younger at the beginning of 2010.
When a planned family turns out to be larger than anticipated, certain adjustments need to be made, most notably those of costs, space, and scheduling, but the one constant is the love the children will receive. Parents of twins (even if these don’t turn out to be twins) often say that the siblings grow up happier than single kids, and bond more strongly. Whatever the future of the Grovenburgs, we wish them continued good health and hope for an uneventful delivery … or deliveries.
Comments
Erin
September 25th, 2009 - 7:07:35 AM
Crazy! I am no nurse, but this almost seems impossible, first to even be happening, but then also for the survival of the babies and the health of the mother.
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