Everything You Need To Know About The Vanishing Twin Syndrome

By Harold Rogers


When a woman is expectant with twins and a miscarriage of one multiple happens, the fetal tissue disappears into the uterus. It is absorbed by the remaining twin, the mother and the placenta. In short, it appears as though the multiple just vanished. There are important facts you should know about the vanishing twin syndrome.

In the past, it was only possible to find out about the concern after delivery. Practitioners would discover that a twin vanished after examining the state of the placenta. A lot of advancements have taken place within the world of medicines and ultrasounds make it possible to detect multiple fetuses during the first trimester. In case an ultrasound scheduled later during the pregnancy only shows one fetus, then the other one disappeared.

For instance, you may schedule for an ultrasound at 6-7 weeks of pregnancy. At this point, the images generated and even the doctor will confirm that you are carrying two fetuses. After returning for another clinical checkup, the doctor may again confirm that there is only one heartbeat. This would indicate a miscarriage of one of your twins, meaning that you only have one baby in the uterus.

Research has revealed that this issue affects over 30% of multifetal pregnancies. The root cause of this problem is unknown, though it is clear that the multiple dies because of issues affecting early development and not other sudden concerns. Studies of placenta and fetal tissue after delivery will in most cases show either chromosomal abnormalities affected the vanishing fetus or improper cord implantation. These concerns are often not seen in the remaining child.

If the miscarriage takes place before 12 weeks of pregnancy, neither the mother nor the surviving child will suffer from any signs or symptoms. In fact, the health of the surviving twin is seen to be excellent, depending on the problems that caused the death its multiple. If a miscarriage takes place after 13 or 29 weeks of pregnancy, the surviving twin may be at risk of cerebral palsy.

If the embryonic period of gestation has elapsed by the time a multiple dies, the water within the tissue of the child, the placenta tissue and the amniotic fluid may be reabsorbed. The pressure created by the surviving child makes the body of the dead one to get flattened. During delivery, the dead fetus could be seen to be fetus compressus or as fetus papyraceous.

Research has revealed that this syndrome is more prevalent among women who are over 30 years of age. Among the symptoms they may experience during the first trimester include uterine cramps, pelvic pain and bleeding. There is no special care that is necessary if no complications arise following a miscarriage during the first trimester.

Visiting an OBGYN right after discovering that you are pregnant should not be underestimated. This will allow the practitioner to review your health and that of your growing baby until you deliver. If you are expectant with multiples and one of them dies during the third or second trimester, special care will be needed and this will be considered a high-risk pregnancy.




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