Jesy Nelson is bravely sharing her journey with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion syndrome.
In January, the former Little Mix singer announced that she and Zion Foster were expecting twins. Earlier this month, she shared that she was sadly facing complications linked to Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).
Jesy Nelson has bravely spoken out about her experiences of TTTS
Over the weekend, Jesy shared a video from hospital, sharing that she was undergoing emergency surgery: "Hey guys, so we are just giving you an update on our situation. So I've been feeling a bit poorly like the past few days. Been having a few of the symptoms that I need to watch out for — which is like my belly tightening, struggle breathing," she explained.
"So today we came into the hospital to just have a check-up basically, just in case. Unfortunately the symptoms have got worse so we now have to have [...] they have to perform the procedure, which is obviously not what we wanted to happen."
Previously, she had spoken about TTTS in an effort to raise awareness. "Unfortunately, there are complications which come with having identical twins. The type of twins we are having are called mono/di [monochorionic diamniotic] twins," Jesy shared.
"Normally most twins will have two placentas they feed off of but when you have mono/di twins that means your twins live off one placenta which can lead to lots of complications.
"I'm pre-TTTS which is, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion [Syndrome] and I'm being monitored very closely, I have to go to scans twice a week. [...] We really want to raise awareness about this and we feel it's really important for us to share our journey with you guys."
What is Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome?
As per the NHS, TTTS is most likely to impact identical twins (and triplets) who share a placenta.
There are two types of twins who share a placenta, also known as monochorionic twins: monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins who share a placenta but have separate sacs, and monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twins who share both a placenta and a sac.
TTTS affects 10 to 15% of monochorionic twins, with MCDA twins most at risk.
TTTS results in an imbalanced flow of blood from one twin (the donor) to the other (the recipient), leaving one baby with a greater volume of blood.
The recipient baby may suffer anaemia and become smaller while the donor baby may be put under strain.
If TTTS is diagnosed, expectant parents will receive frequent monitoring and be made aware of potential treatment options. In some cases, you may be offered laser ablation therapy.
Our thoughts are with Jesy, Zion and their loved ones during this difficult time.
For further information on TTTS, including first-person testimonials, please consult Twin Trust.
The organisation also offers a helpline for parents of twins, triplets or more seeking help, support or advice. To get in touch, call 0800 138 0509 (Mon-Fri 10am-1pm and 7pm-10pm) or complete the Ask Twinline form online
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
