Disintegration and assimilation of fetus in the uterus
Fetal resorption (also known as fetus resorption) is the disintegration and assimilation of one or more fetuses in the uterus at any stage after the completion of organogenesis, which, in humans, is after the ninth week of gestation. Before organogenesis, the process is called embryo resorption.[1] Resorption is more likely to happen early on in the gestation than later on; a later death of a fetus is likely to result in a miscarriage.[2]
In rodents
Fetal resorption in rats is common and can be influenced[how?] by antioxidants.[3][4][5][6][7]
In canines
In 1998, an ultrasound study found that the resorption of one or two conceptuses happen in up to 10% of all dog pregnancies,[2] although many cases of assumed complete resorption of an entire litter are likely to have just been the bitch experiencing a pseudopregnancy.[2][8]
^ abcFeldman, Edward C.; Nelson, Richard William (2004). "Spontaneous abortion and resorption of fetuses". Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 811. ISBN978-0-7216-9315-6.
^USA (2018-05-01). "Fetal resorption in rats treated with an antiestrogen in relation to luteal phase nidatory estrogen secretion". Acta Endocrinol. 126 (5): 444–50. doi:10.1530/acta.0.1260444. PMID1621490.
^Telford, Ira R.; Woodruff, Caroline S.; Linford, Ray H. (January 1962). "Fetal resorption in the rat as influenced by certain antioxidants". American Journal of Anatomy. 110 (1): 29–36. doi:10.1002/aja.1001100104. PMID13920140.