This is something you don’t hear about every day. Jessica Allen, a surrogate mother from California, expected to give birth to twins, but she was stunned to discover that one of the children was biologically her own.
This rare genetic mishap wasn’t noticed straight away, which resulted in both children being given away to parents. However, once Allen found out, she fought to get her child back.
It’s safe to assume that this was a shock for everyone involved, but how did it happen? Well, it’s all down to a process known as “superfetation.”
There are two types of surrogacy. During “traditional surrogacy,” the woman acting as the surrogate is artificially inseminated with the father’s sperm. The woman then carries the baby and gives birth to it. She’s technically the biological mother, but she gives the baby away to the couple to raise as their own.
However, in this case, it seems that Allen was a “gestational surrogate.” This involves using IVF techniques to take the eggs from the mother, fertilize them with sperm from the father, and then implanting them into the uterus of another woman, who carries the baby until it’s born.
In this scenario, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child, as her egg wasn’t used. She may be the “birth mother,” but she’s not the biological mother.
As reported by the BBC World Service program Newsday, Allen seems to have ovulated while pregnant, an incredibly rare occurrence. One fertilized egg was from the intended mother, while the other was Allen’s, which was also fertilized shortly after the surrogacy began.
When this was noted, doctors originally assumed that it was one embryo that had split into two, and the mistake went unnoticed until the pregnancy was long over. This additional ovulation is what is known as superfetation. It involves the formation of a new embryo from a separate pregnancy cycle while another from the original pregnancy cycle is already present and developing.
There is a risk of the second embryo being born prematurely, but fortunately, Allen avoided this fate. When both herself and the intended mother had doubts about the identity of one of the babies, a DNA test was ordered, and the results revealed that Allen was the genetic mother. However, legally, she wasn’t one of the parents, and it took her 10 months to get her son back.
Source: iflscience
Images: depositphotos
Lift Your Spirits With These Animal Rescue Stories!
Forget about the damsel in distress. This time, nature calls, and we must answer!
Thought Nature is Wild? See It Under a Microscope
You won't believe the things you could discover by looking at everyday items under a microscope.
8 Mysterious Objects Found By Deep Sea Divers
The oceans are vast and mysterious, and they hide many strange and curious lost objects. Here are 8 such items, unearthed by deep-sea divers.
The Tunnel People of Underground New York City
Would you call him homeless? This man lives a peculiar life in an expected location.
The Meticulous Path of a Grain of Rice to Your Plate
How is rice harvested, processed, and packed? The entire operation is fascinating, to say the least. Here's how it's done.
These Insane Diseases Have Baffled Scientists for Years
Medical science has come a long way, but there are still a number of diseases that science cannot explain. Here are some of them:
You'd Never See THIS in a Modern Home
In this video, we'll visit some old homes and learn about their obsolete features.
A Nostalgic Look Back at Prices in the Past (14 Pics)
Travel back to the time when things cost just a few cents.
I Can’t Get Over These Astonishing Magic Tricks!
Enjoy this magical compilation of astonishing performances by illusionist Darcy Oake.
These Theories On Reality Will Blow Your Mind
There are many crazy theories about the nature of reality, but some of them definitely outdo the others. Here are 10 mind-blowing theories about reality.
Watch This Card Magician Make Penn and Teller’s Jaws Drop
Everybody knows colored light can make things appear different, but can it actually permanently paint them? This magician believes it can.
The Many Ways Companies Try to Avoid Age Discrimination Claims
Companies who are looking to ditch their older employees can be creative in the ways they do so in order to avoid discrimination claims. Here's how...
After Reading This, You'll Want to Move to Finland!
This article takes a look at how the Finnish government makes ordinary life extremely comfortable for its citizens.
This Project Gets Thousands of Disabled Children Mobile Again
This project may give thousands of physically impaired children the ability to move around again.
History: The Full Story of Napoleon's Epic Defeat
The full story of the battles Napoleon fought that eventually lead to his ultimate defeat.
'What a Wonderful World' Like You've Never Heard Before!
Listen to this hauntingly beautiful cover of the classic song “What a Wonderful World”.
Beautiful! All Dog Lovers Can Relate to This Touching Poem
Any dog lover can relate to this touching poem by Jimmy Stewart about his beloved dog Beau. Send this poem to those you know who love dogs too.
A Few Things We Bet You Never Knew About the USA!
The USA is an enormous and diverse place, but when you look at it from a numerical point of view, things get even more curious. Take a look.
Ancient Technologies That Remain a Complete Mystery
Scientists may have solved the mystery of Egyptian pyramids, but there are still so many findings that are left completely unexplained
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
A Few Beautiful and Flowery Thoughts on Positivity...
In life, you have to give yourself the space to allow your beautiful, positive thoughts to bloom like a beautiful flower. Watch this video to understand more.
25 Incredible Facts About the Famous Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan struck fear into the hearts of his subjects during his reign, but there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. Here are 25 intriguing facts.
Wrapping Up the Major Events of 2022 in a 7-Minute Video
Another year has come to an end. Vox has edited 2022 in its entirety into a 7-minute video. Let's take a look.
Learn All About Herodotus, the Father of History
Learn all about Herodotus, and how he came to be known as the 'Father of History' in this informative video.
History: When Napoleon Was Defeated By an Army of Bunnies
The greatest defeat of Napoleon wasn't Waterloo... It was against a bunch of bunnies.
15 Lovely Christmas Quotes That Will Fill Your Heart with Joy
These beautiful Christmas are sayings everyone can be thankful for!
Mark Twain's Tips For a Better Kind of Life...
Mark Twain was not only a talented writer but a man of wise, witty words. Here are 12 of his best quotes.
This Swiss Brown Ox is a Guinness Record Holder
Meet Tommy, a gigantic Swiss Brown Ox who has registered his name in the Guinness World Records.
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
A Beautiful Story About True Love and Devotion
This beautiful story gives true credence to the words: "True Love"
The 10 Most Successful Battle Tactics of the Ancient World
In this video, you'll learn about the 10 most powerful tactics used in ancient battle, a battle with no artillery or guns.
How Many of These Extraordinary History Facts Do You Know?
We bet that you didn't learn these history facts at school.
10 Mysteries that have Shocked Human History
10 incredible mysteries we know very little about.
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
Why You Might Want to Consider Switching to a Futon Bed
In this article, we will learn what a real futon bed is and if it is better for spine health than a western bed.
Nostalgia - '70s Teenagers Recalling the Good Times
These groovy 70's teenagers, now proud parents and grandparents, sit for a chat with their younger relatives to compare adolescence now and then.
13 Fascinating Facts About International Intercourse!
These facts will shed a fascinating light on intercourse in the world.
17 Extremely Dangerous Foods That Could Kill You!
From toxic fish, to monkey brains, you'll be surprised at what some people would risk just for a taste of these dangerous "delicacies".
These Are the Most Famous Swords Ever Forged!
Check out 8 of the most legendary swords to have ever graced the field of battle!
The Best Shows and Movies on Apple TV+ Right Now
Apple TV+ is full of wonderful movies and shows. Here’s a complete guide.
This is What Happened to the Man Who Didn't Salute Hitler!
Nearly eight decades have passed since a camera captured the moment a man refused to give Hitler a Nazi salute. Here's what happened to him.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
16 Really Weird Facts About Famous World Events
Some really weird things happened at the most famous events in world history. Here are 16 really weird facts about famous world events.
7 Ancient Buildings That Have Survived the Test of Time
Here is a look at some wonderful ancient structures that have survived the test of time.
14 Creepy Facts That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
These 14 surprising facts about the world may definitely send shivers down your spine, but they are still important to know and recognize!