Everything You Need To Know About The Vanishing Twin Syndrome

By Harold Rogers


A mother expecting twins can have a miscarriage of one fetus. When this happens, the fetal tissue is absorbed into the uterus. Usually, it disappears into the healthy twin, the placenta and the mother and it literally seems as if the dead multiple vanished. There are crucial facts you need to understand regarding 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 example, an ultrasound taken 6-7 weeks after conception would generate images that confirm you are expectant with twins. During a clinical checkup, your doctor may find out that there is one heartbeat and not two. This would show that you miscarried one of your twins and you only have one living baby in your 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.

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.

If the miscarriage takes place following the embryonic period of gestation, water from the tissue of the deceased fetus, its amniotic fluid and placenta tissue could be reabsorbed. The live fetus will, however, exert pressure onto the body of the deceased one and flatten it. When delivering the child, the fetus that did not survive may come out as either fetus papyraceous or fetus compressus.

Research further indicates that expectant women above the age of 30 are at greater risk of this syndrome. A miscarriage of one multiple during the first trimester may sometimes cause pelvic pain, uterine cramps and bleeding. In case there are no complications, no special care will be required.

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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