Everything You Need To Know About The Vanishing Twin Syndrome

By Harold Rogers


When expectant with twins, a miscarriage of one multiple could happen. In this case, the fetal tissue will vanish into the uterus. It literally disappears into the mother, the placenta and the healthy twin. In short, the deceased multiple will have vanished. It is imperative for you to understand some vital facts about the vanishing twin syndrome.

Traditionally, a concern could only be identified after delivery. In this case, the practitioners would be able to tell that one twin vanished by merely examining the placenta. Currently, early ultrasounds are available and they can help in detecting multiple fetuses or twins during the first trimester. Another ultrasound later in the pregnancy may reveal that one multiple 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.

Studies show that this problem affects around over 30% of pregnancies with multiples. What causes the concern is yet to be established, although studies show that the multiple does not die of sudden concerns and the death is often allied with improper early development. For instance, it could be that the cord implantation did not take place correctly or the fetus had chromosomal abnormalities. These issues are not seen to affect the surviving child.

There are no signs or symptoms allied with a miscarriage if it happens within the first trimester. Both the mother and the surviving twin will remain excellent in health and in fact the prognosis of the remaining multiple is often excellent, depending on what caused the other twins death. Unfortunately, the survival of the other twin may be in jeopardy if a miscarriage happens during the second or third trimester. This can increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

When miscarriage happens after the embryonic period of gestation, the placenta tissue, amniotic fluid and water in the tissues of the dead fetus may be reabsorbed. The surviving fetus will put pressure on the body of the dead one and flatten it. During childbirth, the dead fetus may come out as a fetus papyraceous or fetus compressus.

Mothers who are over 30 years of age and are expectant with multiples are at higher risk of suffering from this syndrome. In some cases, the miscarriage of a twin during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can cause bleeding, uterine cramps and pelvic pain. You will not require any special care if no other complications arise.

It remains crucial to work with a skilled OBGYN from the instance you discover you are expectant. This way, your health and that of your unborn baby can be closely monitored until delivery. In case the fetal death happens during the second or third trimester, your practitioner would consider this as a high-risk pregnancy meaning that special medical care will be necessary.




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