Vanishing twin syndrome is a sort of miscarriage that can happen when there is more than one baby in the womb (births involving twins or triplets). It happens when an embryo that was discovered during an ultrasound cannot be located on a subsequent scan. The gestational parent, or mother, and the remaining embryo(s) absorb the embryo’s tissue, which causes it to stop developing. A pregnancy that was originally expected to result in twins or triplets ends up with one less kid due to vanishing twin syndrome. It was first recognized in 1945.
How was Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS) Identified?
Prior to the invention of ultrasound, the diagnosis of a twin or multiple death was determined by inspecting the placenta after delivery. With the advent of early ultrasounds, it is now possible to identify twins or multiple fetuses as early as the first trimester. A subsequent ultrasound can show that a twin has “disappeared.”
An ultrasound, for instance, might be performed on a woman during 6 or 7 weeks’ gestation. The woman is informed that she is expecting twins after the doctor spots two fetuses. When the woman comes back for her subsequent visit, a Doppler can only detect one heartbeat. Only one fetus is seen during a subsequent ultrasound. A single baby is seen in the uterus by an ultrasound, yet some women may still exhibit symptoms that point to a miscarriage.
Since the early use of ultrasound during pregnancy, disappearing twin syndrome has been diagnosed increasingly frequently. According to estimates, 21–30% of multifetal pregnancies experience vanishing twin syndrome.
Why does Vanishing Twin Syndrome Occur?
The etiology of vanishing twin syndrome is typically unknown. Abnormalities that result in the vanishing twin appear to be present from early in development rather than from a sudden occurrence. While the surviving twin is often healthy, examination of the placenta and/or fetal tissue frequently reveals genetic abnormalities in the missing twin. Incorrect cord implantation could potentially be the reason.
What Tests will be done to Diagnose Vanishing Twin Syndrome?
Your healthcare professional may check your hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone levels. During pregnancy, hCG is produced by your body. Your body’s hCG levels provide information about the status of your pregnancy. A plateaued hCG level that was previously high enough to support multiples may indicate vanishing twin syndrome. (Does DNA contain the Answer to the Potential of having a Vanishing Twin?)
Is it possible to Misdiagnose a Vanishing Twin?
The disappearing twin syndrome can be accurately diagnosed with ultrasound technology. During a VTS diagnosis, human error is always conceivable but unlikely.
What Impact does this have on the Mother and the Living Twin?
Both the mother and the remaining fetus typically do not exhibit any clinical signs or symptoms if the loss happens during the first trimester. The outlook for the surviving twin is typically very good, but it also relies on what caused the death of the other twin.
There are greater dangers for the surviving fetus, including a higher rate of cerebral palsy, if the twin passes away in the second or third trimester. The water present in the tissues of a twin who passes away after the embryonic stage of gestation, as well as amniotic fluid and placental tissue, may be reabsorbed. As a result, the pressure from the living twin flattens the deceased twin.
At delivery, the deceased fetus may be identified as fetus compressus (compressed enough to be noticed) or as fetus papyraceous (flattened remarkably through the loss of fluid and most of the soft tissue).
What are the Signs of a possible Vanishing Twin Syndrome?
According to research, women over 30years seem to experience more cases. Symptoms, which include bleeding, uterine cramps, and pelvic pain, typically start early in the first trimester.
What Medical Treatment is Suggested?
When a twin disappears in the first trimester without any complications, no extra medical attention is required. Neither the mother nor the twin who survived would need medical attention. The pregnancy might be handled as high-risk if the fetal mortality occurs in the second or third trimester.
If a pregnant woman is bleeding, cramping, or having pelvic pain, she should contact a doctor. Before evaluating whether a D&C would be necessary, ultrasound should be utilized to be sure that no viable fetus is still inside. The woman can choose to wait for a natural miscarriage in many cases.
How can I look after myself?
It is important to give yourself the time and attention necessary to comprehend a VTS diagnosis. Taking care of yourself can be particularly difficult after discovering a vanishing twin. Given that you are still pregnant while having a miscarriage, your grief could feel complex. Contact your network of supporters to get their assistance in processing your emotions. Speaking to your partner or friends can be beneficial. For professional help, it is a good idea to get in touch with a therapist or grief counselor.
Inquire with your doctor about what to anticipate as your pregnancy develops. It might be helpful to concentrate on both your physical health and your mental wellbeing if you have clarity about what to anticipate for your care during the coming months.