Vanishing Twin Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Vanishing twin syndrome, also known as disappearing twin syndrome, occurs when one fetus is lost in the womb during a multiple pregnancy, resulting in a type of miscarriage. Typically, the second twin lives through the birth.

The mother typically absorbs the fetal tissue from the disappearing twin along with the surviving baby. Occasionally, the surviving infant can inherit some of the deceased twin's cells and transform into a chimera, possessing two sets of DNA.

Research indicates that vanishing twin syndrome happens in approximately 36% of twin pregnancies, around half of pregnancies with three or more embryos, and in 20% to 30% of pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Signs of vanishing twin syndrome

The majority of cases of vanishing twin syndrome do not display any symptoms. On occasion, other signs of a miscarriage may also be present.

Muscle tightness or spasms

Bleeding is the act of losing blood

Pain in the pelvic area

Causes of vanishing twin syndrome

Possible factors that can raise the chances of vanishing twin syndrome are:

• Older women, who are over 35 years old, have a higher chance of having multiple pregnancies, which could be why advanced maternal age is a factor.
• Abnormalities in the chromosomes of the disappearing sibling.
• Utilization of assisted reproductive technologies.
• Minor issues with the placenta or other abnormal placental conditions

What impact does the surviving twin experience?

Even though vanishing twin syndrome usually doesn't lead to long-term medical issues for the surviving twin, it's crucial for pregnant individuals to get proper medical attention and monitoring for the rest of the pregnancy. In certain situations, the death of one twin can lead to a higher likelihood of issues like premature birth or reduced birth weight for the remaining twin.

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What are some ways to deal with the loss of a twin?

Dealing with the death of a twin may be difficult, yet there are ways for future parents to manage this emotional process.

Recognize Your Emotions -  Give yourself permission to experience and show a variety of feelings, such as sorrow, loss, and gratitude. Feeling a combination of emotions about the loss of a twin is a common experience.

Get help -  Turn to your partner, friends, family, or support groups who can provide empathy and support during this challenging period. Speaking with individuals who have gone through comparable losses can be especially beneficial.

Think about getting counseling -  If dealing with the loss of a twin is challenging for you, think about reaching out to a licensed mental health provider for counseling or therapy. Therapy offers a secure environment to work through emotions and build coping skills.

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