Vanishing Twin Syndrome – Explained

Will My Pregnancy Progress Normally After Vanishing Twin?

In most pregnancies, the surviving twin develops normally and the pregnancy progresses, especially if the loss occurs in the first trimester of the pregnancy. The surviving fetus does not show any signs of having a womb mate. Sometimes, the fetus that survives absorbs the DNA of the other fetus. He becomes a person who has two sets of DNA, called as chimera.
If the loss occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, there is a degree of increased risk to the surviving fetus and the further course of pregnancy.

Am I Vulnerable To Vanishing Twin Syndrome?

The incidences of vanishing twin syndrome have increased over the last few decades. The condition can be diagnosed by routine ultrasounds. They are common in about 20% to 30% of twin pregnancies. Women conceiving after 30 years of age are at the risk of this syndrome. Women who conceive with the aid of assisted fertility treatments are second most vulnerable ones.

Diagnosis of Vanishing Twin

In olden times, the diagnosis of a vanishing twin was made after examining the placenta post delivery. Nowadays, the diagnosis of the vanishing twin syndrome is chiefly made by ultrasonography. Since now the ultrasounds are of better resolution, increased cases of vanishing twin syndrome is observed. The ultrasounds facilitate the doctors in detecting vanishing twins also called ‘the shooting stars of the womb’ prior to their disappearance. Since the vanishing twin syndrome mostly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy the expectant female continues her pregnancy with the other twin and not much intervention is needed. But if one of the twin demises during second or third trimester, the other twin can be at a threat of IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) while the woman can experience preterm labor, hemorrhage or infection.
The mother experiences usual symptoms of pregnancy as she is pregnant with one of the twin and the dead fetus is reabsorbed by the mother’s body.

Are There Any Complications With Vanishing Twin Syndrome?

Usually no complications appear except spotting or vaginal bleeding if the fetus dies in the first trimester of pregnancy.
But serious complications are noticed if the fetal demise occurs during second or third trimester of pregnancy such as infection due to dead fetus, premature labor, hemorrhage and even the fetus papyraceus can also block mother’s cervix. In such a situation the viable fetus is delivered by Caesarean section.
Speaking about the viable twin, it is seen that it is not impacted due to embryo’s chromosomal makeup especially if the twins were fraternal or dizygotic twins.

What Is The Impact On The Viable Twin?

In most of the cases the viable twin is unaffected by the miscarriage of the first one. The surviving baby can be of low birth weight and can also suffer health hazards later in life. Remember if you have Rh Negative blood group, have Anti-D injection soon after the birth of the viable fetus This keeps you protected against any fetal abnormality in the future.

Loss and Grief

The condition is full of emotional upheaval and psychological upset for the mother as she experiences an absurd combination of relief due to the survival of one baby and anguish due to loss of her one baby. The agony of accepting the loss of one child and identity one’s identity as ‘could’ be parents of twins is very traumatizing and heart wrenching.