By Harold Rogers


When expectant with twins, a miscarriage of one multiple could happen. In this case, the fetal tissue will vanish into the uterus. It literally disappears into the mother, the placenta and the healthy twin. In short, the deceased multiple will have vanished. It is imperative for you to understand some vital facts about 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.

Using ultrasound, you can find out whether you are pregnant with twins as early as 6-7 weeks following conception. In case you go for a subsequent clinical check up and it is noticed that there is one heartbeat instead of two, it will be apparent that you miscarried one of the twins. This means that your uterus only has one surviving baby.

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.

If the miscarriage takes place before 12 weeks of pregnancy, neither the mother nor the surviving child will suffer from any signs or symptoms. In fact, the health of the surviving twin is seen to be excellent, depending on the problems that caused the death its multiple. If a miscarriage takes place after 13 or 29 weeks of pregnancy, the surviving twin may be at risk of cerebral palsy.

If the embryonic period of gestation has elapsed by the time a multiple dies, the water within the tissue of the child, the placenta tissue and the amniotic fluid may be reabsorbed. The pressure created by the surviving child makes the body of the dead one to get flattened. During delivery, the dead fetus could be seen to be fetus compressus or as fetus papyraceous.

Mothers who are over 30 years of age and are expectant with multiples are at higher risk of suffering from this syndrome. In some cases, the miscarriage of a twin during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can cause bleeding, uterine cramps and pelvic pain. You will not require any special care if no other complications arise.

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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