Jesy Nelson, the 34-year-old former Little Mix star, has revealed that she urgently needs a medical procedure to save her unborn twins after a serious health diagnosis.
The singer, who announced earlier this week that she had been diagnosed with pre-twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), shared a tearful update on Instagram with her partner Zion Foster.
The condition, which affects identical twins sharing a placenta, can put one or both babies at risk of death, and Jesy is now facing an emergency procedure as her symptoms worsen.
In the emotional video, Jesy explained, “Unfortunately, the symptoms have got worse so they now have to perform the procedure, which is obviously not what we wanted to happen, but it’s necessary because it’s going to give our babies the best chance of surviving.”
With a shaky voice, she added, “We’re just waiting to go in, hoping and praying for the best.
I feel absolutely gutted because I was really hoping we wouldn’t be in this position.”
The Severity of TTTS and What it Means for Jesy and Her Babies
TTTS is a rare yet life-threatening condition that affects about 10-15% of identical twins who share a placenta.
If untreated, the condition can result in the loss of one or both babies in up to 80% of cases.
Jesy has been undergoing constant monitoring, with twice-weekly scans to keep an eye on her babies’ condition.
In some cases, the recommended treatment for TTTS is laser surgery, which uses a thin camera to seal abnormal blood vessels in the placenta.
However, as Professor Asma Khalil from St George’s Hospital in London explains, the laser surgery, though effective in most cases, is not risk-free.
It can lead to premature birth or miscarriage, so close monitoring is essential after the procedure. The emotional toll on parents is considerable, as the uncertainty surrounding TTTS can be overwhelming.
Jesy’s Ongoing Struggles During Pregnancy
Jesy has been very open about the difficulties she has faced during her pregnancy, particularly as she navigates the complications associated with carrying identical twins.
She has explained that her twins are mono/di twins, meaning they share a placenta, which brings several risks, including the potential for one twin to consume all the nutrients, endangering both babies.
“I’m currently pre-stage TTTS, which is twin-to-twin transfusion, and I am being monitored very closely,” Jesy shared.
The star admitted that she had been struggling emotionally, especially as her health complications continue to worsen. “It’s just really sad that it does come with these complications.
We had no clue that this kind of thing happens when you have twins,” she confessed, clearly overwhelmed by the situation.
Despite these challenges, Jesy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to become a mother and emphasized how important it is to raise awareness about TTTS.
She also mentioned that she and Zion were doing everything they could, hoping for a positive outcome.
The Risks of TTTS and What It Means for Jesy’s Babies
TTTS occurs when abnormal blood vessel connections in the placenta disrupt the flow of blood between the twins.
One twin becomes dehydrated, affecting its growth, while the other twin suffers from high blood pressure, leading to excessive amniotic fluid and putting strain on the heart.
If left untreated, the condition can be fatal for both babies.
Jesy’s pregnancy has been closely monitored, and while there is a 50/50 chance of both twins surviving, the condition’s unpredictable nature means that each day is filled with uncertainty.
If left untreated, TTTS can be devastating, but with laser surgery, the chances of at least one baby surviving improve dramatically.
Jesy’s Candid Updates and the Journey Ahead
Despite the difficulties, Jesy and Zion have continued to share updates with their followers, letting them in on their journey as they navigate these tough health challenges.
“We wanted to let you in on our journey of what we’ve been going through,” Jesy said, addressing her fans.
She had no idea that pregnancy complications like TTTS existed when she first found out she was expecting twins, and she has since become an advocate for others facing similar challenges.
Jesy, who has been dealing with other symptoms like constant vomiting due to the strain of carrying twins, has been honest about her emotional struggles.
Yet, through all the ups and downs, she remains hopeful and dedicated to her babies’ survival.
She recently reflected on the shock of discovering she was having twins, saying, “I was very, very shocked… it wasn’t planned, but I instantly felt happy as soon as I saw that I was.”
What Is TTTS and How It Can Affect Identical Twins
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition that can occur when identical twins share a placenta.
It affects the blood flow between the twins, with one twin becoming deprived of essential nutrients while the other suffers from high blood pressure.
This imbalance can lead to complications like heart failure in the affected twin, which makes early intervention crucial.
Laser surgery, while effective in many cases, is not without risks.
However, it offers the best chance for both babies to survive, especially when performed early enough.
Even after surgery, the babies will need to be carefully monitored, as TTTS often leads to premature birth.
Raising Awareness and Finding Support for TTTS Families
Jesy and Zion have been working to raise awareness about TTTS, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks associated with identical pregnancies.
As Professor Khalil recommended, families facing TTTS should reach out to resources like the Twins Trust for support.
The charity provides guidance for those dealing with similar situations, offering both emotional and practical assistance as parents navigate the complexities of this rare condition.
Jesy’s story has touched many, as she continues to fight for the health and survival of her unborn twins.
Her openness and courage in the face of such a challenging time have made her an advocate for those in similar situations, giving hope and strength to families dealing with the same diagnosis.