Inte womb, a hidden tale: The vanished twin siblings
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Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) is a relatively common condition that occurs during multiple pregnancies, where one or more embryos fail to develop fully and are reabsorbed by the mother's body. This article aims to provide insight into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of VTS.
Causes of Vanishing Twin Syndrome
The most common cause of VTS is genetic abnormalities, with embryos having chromosomal anomalies failing to develop properly and being reabsorbed [1]. Other contributing factors include implantation issues, placental insufficiency, and maternal health factors. In some cases, VTS may be linked to fertility treatments like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) [4].
Risk Factors for VTS
Mothers over the age of 30 and those who conceive through IVF or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are at a higher risk of experiencing VTS. This is partly because such pregnancies often involve early ultrasound scans that detect multiple embryos, making the loss of one twin more noticeable [4].
Symptoms of VTS
VTS often occurs in the first trimester and may have mild or no symptoms. However, sometimes light vaginal bleeding or mild cramping can occur [1][4]. Later losses can increase pregnancy risk, potentially leading to complications like preterm birth or restricted growth of the surviving twin [4].
Diagnosis of VTS
Early ultrasound is crucial for the diagnosis of VTS. It may show one embryo initially, which later disappears [4]. Genetic testing, such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), can help identify cases of VTS by picking up genetic material from the vanished twin in the mother's bloodstream [2].
Management of VTS
There is no direct prevention or treatment for VTS. Management includes monitoring pregnancy progression and providing emotional support for affected parents [4]. Coping with VTS requires emotional support and understanding, and may benefit from counseling and support groups.
Long-term Impacts of VTS
Research is shedding light on the long-term health and psychological impacts of VTS, both for parents and surviving twins. The surviving twin may carry a subconscious sense of loss or connection to the vanished sibling, according to the concept of "womb memory" [6]. In rare cases, complications such as infection or inflammation may occur if tissue from the vanished twin is not fully reabsorbed [3].
In conclusion, VTS is primarily caused by early embryonic problems such as chromosomal defects or poor implantation, with higher risk in older mothers and IVF pregnancies where multiple embryos are more often present and detected [1][4][5]. Understanding VTS and its impacts can help provide better support and care for affected families.
References
- American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Vanishing Twin Syndrome. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/vanishing-twin-syndrome/
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Vanishing twin syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/noninvasive-prenatal-testing/about/pac-20394729
- National Health Service. (2019). Vanishing twin syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vanishing-twin-syndrome/
- Office on Women's Health. (2018). Vanishing twin syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vanishing-twin-syndrome
- University of California, San Francisco. (2019). Vanishing twin syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/vanishing-twin-syndrome
- Weiss, L. (2016). The Womb's Last Secret: The Hidden Connection Between Mothers and Babies. New York, NY: Atria Books.
1.Advancements in science and technology have revealed a concept called "womb memory," suggesting that surviving twins may carry a subconscious sense of loss or connection to the vanished sibling.2.The health and wellness of parents and surviving twins can be affected by Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS), with mental-health implications for the parents as they cope with the loss.3.In the realm of lifestyle choices, parents may find support and understanding through counseling and support groups designed for families affected by VTS.4.As technology progresses, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can help diagnose VTS by identifying genetic material from the vanished twin in the mother's bloodstream, offering a glimpse into the future of health-and-wellness care for multiple pregnancies.
