Singer Jesy Nelson recently shared an emotional update regarding the complications she is experiencing in her pregnancy with twin babies. Former Little Mix singer Jesy, who is having twins with partner Zion Foster, announced that she has been diagnosed with pre-twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (pre-TTTS). The condition, which is present in pregnancies involving twins with a shared placenta, has serious risks involved and needs intense medical supervision. As Nelson embarks on this difficult journey, her story enlightens us about a rare but dangerous condition many expectant parents may not know much about.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare but dangerous condition that arises in monochorionic twin pregnancies, in which identical twins share a single placenta. The placenta supplies the developing babies with oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow, but in TTTS, there is an imbalance of blood vessels that interconnect the twins, and thus the vital resources are not evenly distributed. One twin, or the donor twin, shares excess blood with the other, referred to as the recipient twin. This leads to one baby becoming malnourished and possibly anemic, and the other in danger of heart problems due to too much blood.

Nelson described her diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram video, explaining that she is currently in the pre-stage of TTTS and undergoing frequent monitoring. "I am being scanned twice a week, and each time, things have gotten a little worse," she shared, expressing her fears and hopes for the health of her babies.

Potential Risks of TTTS

If left untreated, TTTS can have devastating consequences. Medical research indicates that:

• 90% of the cases of untreated TTTS lead to loss of one or both twins.
• Despite treatment, only a 70% survival rate for both twins is assured.
• Severe forms can result in preterm labor, cardiac failure in the recipient twin, and organ failure in the donor twin.
• Complications in long-term survivors include neurological damage and developmental delay in surviving infants.

TTTS usually advances in stages, beginning with minimal changes in fluid levels and worsening as one twin continues to get an unequal share of blood. In extreme cases, fetal laser surgery, referred to as the Solomon technique, can be employed to divide the blood vessels and balance the twins.

Why Identical Twin Pregnancies Are More Complicated

Identical twins may develop differently, and their own unique form of placental sharing can have a dramatic effect on pregnancy risk. Jesy Nelson's twins are considered monochorionic diamniotic (mono/di), which means they share a placenta but have two amniotic sacs. This is the type of pregnancy in about 70% of identical twin pregnancies and carries an increased risk of complications like TTTS, umbilical cord entanglement, and growth restriction.

Conversely, dichorionic diamniotic (di/di) twins both have a separate placenta and amniotic sac, which greatly diminishes the threat of TTTS. Twin pregnancy type is normally identified by early ultrasound, with physicians being able to track future complications from inception.

Other Twin Pregnancy Health Risks

Twin pregnancies, even without the presence of TTTS, entail a variety of health risks to the mother as well as infants:

1. Premature Birth

Over 60% of twin pregnancies end in premature delivery, with birth usually taking place before 37 weeks. Premature infants can have immature organs and need neonatal intensive care (NICU) assistance to assist with breathing, feeding, and infection fighting.

2. Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Pregnant women with multiples are at increased risk of having high blood pressure during pregnancy. This, if left untreated, can result in preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can result in damage to organs, preterm labor, and in some cases, maternal or fetal death.

3. Anemia

Pregnant women carrying multiples are twice as likely to experience anemia, a condition where the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and complications during delivery.

4. Birth Defects

According to John Hopkins Medicine, multiple birth babies are twice as likely to have congenital abnormalities compared to single births. These can include heart defects, neural tube defects, and gastrointestinal issues.

5. Amniotic Fluid Imbalances

When twins have to share a placenta, they are more likely to have polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) or oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid). Both result in distress to the babies during fetal development and can result in premature labor.

6. Postpartum Hemorrhage

Twins are at increased risk of excessive postpartum hemorrhage because their uterus is larger and there are greater blood supply needs.

Jesy Nelson's openness about her challenging experience is raising awareness for TTTS, a condition that few individuals—let alone expectant mothers and fathers—might be aware of. Through her tearful video, Nelson stressed the significance of knowing about twin pregnancies aside from the thrill of having multiples. "We had no idea that this type of thing occurs when you're having twins. We just desperately want to make people aware of this because there are so many people who aren't aware."

Her case reminds us of the intricacies involved in twin pregnancy and the significance of early identification and medical management. For mothers carrying twins, frequent ultrasounds and vigilance can become a life-and-death issue for early detection and better outcomes of both babies.

Through constant medical attention and care, she and her partner Zion Foster remain positive and get ready for their babies to be born. In other parents whose situations are no different, the story of Nelson highlights awareness, medical progress, and emotional encouragement in handling complicated pregnancies.

The expecting parents of twin siblings are advised to discuss TTTS screening and possible interventions with their physicians to give their babies the best chance.

Health authorities in Kerala have sounded an alarm following five suspected cases of West Nile fever (WNF) in Ernakulam.

The cases were reported from Elanji, Eroor in Thripunithura, Pallikkara in Kizhakkambalam, Ponekkara in Edappally, and Palluruthy, The Hindu reported.

While the cases are yet to be ascertained, the southern state of India has a prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases during the summer months.

“We haven’t received any confirmation of WNF cases. These are suspected cases and can be confirmed only after tests are carried out," Dr. R. Shahirsha, District Medical Officer (DMO), Ernakulam, was quoted as saying.

Notably, the authorities have sent the samples for testing, and results will be available in 14 days.

"While no cluster has been observed, precautionary measures to prevent mosquito breeding need to be implemented,” Dr Shahirsha said. Keeping canals clean and preventing mosquito breeding inside homes and in surrounding areas are critical steps, the authorities said.

What is West Nile Fever

The disease is spread through mosquito bites, and most who get infected do not have any symptoms. However, one in every five infected people has a fever, headache, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms.

The West Nile virus also infects the nervous system and is capable of causing serious brain or spinal cord inflammation.

According to the WHO, West Nile Virus is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae.

The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds that carry the virus in their blood, and then bite humans and infect them.

It is found in different parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, Central Asia, Australia, and Asia. Cases in 49 states in the US have been reported, and the total number of symptomatic cases in the US is 51,000 since the first cases were detected in the country in 1999.

What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, rash around the chest and back, swollen lymph nodes, sore throats, and pain behind the eyes.

In severe cases, individuals may have an intense headache, high fever, stiff neck, making you unable to move your chin towards your chest, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of control over your muscle movements, seizures, paralysis, and coma.

How Can It Spread?

While the mosquitoes that feed on infected birds are the carriers, there is still a lack of evidence to determine whether it comes directly from the birds. The incubation period for symptoms to show up is two to six days, but it can extend to 14 days, too.

It can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their fetus, through human milk, blood transfusion, and organ transplant. People who are over the age of 60, have cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure are more prone to the virus.

Why Is It called West Nile Fever?

It gets its name from the West Nile district, where it was first discovered in 1937 in Uganda.

Treatment

There are no treatments or antiviral medications available for it. However, you can treat the mild symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications that you take for a cold or the flu. The best way to prevent is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

In a landmark deal, India and New Zealand today signed the India- New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (IN- NZ FTA).

The Agreement was signed by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The FTA will not only strengthen India’s global economic partnerships but also boost strategic opportunities for the medical devices sector, as well as the country's traditional medicine sector.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the agreement’s "role in promoting traditional knowledge systems, including AYUSH, yoga and organic products, positioning them for greater global relevance".

"The FTA broadens its scope to agriculture productivity, organics, services, mobility, Ayush, and pharma access, making the opportunities all-inclusive and future-oriented," added Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

What The FTA Brings To India

For the first time, New Zealand has facilitated trade in Ayurveda, yoga, and other traditional medicine services with India. This landmark provision promotes the global recognition of India’s AYUSH systems, supports medical value travel, and encourages collaboration in wellness services, according to an official statement.

It also reinforces India’s position as a global hub for health, wellness, and traditional medicine services. It gives centre stage to India’s AYUSH disciplines (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Sowa-Rigpa, Siddha, and Homeopathy) alongside Maori Health practices.

In a major breakthrough, the FTA streamlines access for pharmaceuticals and medical devices by enabling acceptance of GMP and GCP inspection reports from comparable regulators, including approvals by the US FDA, EMA, UK MHRA, Health Canada, and other comparable regulators.

"These will reduce duplicative inspections, lower compliance costs, and expedite product approvals, thereby facilitating smoother market access and supporting growth of India’s pharmaceutical and medical devices exports to New Zealand," it added.

What Are The Industry Leaders Saying?

The experts hailed the India–New Zealand FTA, calling it a strategic opportunity for the medical devices sector.

"For the healthcare and MedTech sector, the agreement is particularly consequential. A dedicated annex on pharmaceuticals and medical devices creates expedited regulatory pathways, with New Zealand agreeing to recognize GMP and GCP inspection reports from the US FDA, the EU’s EMA, and the UK’s MHRA—reducing duplicative compliance burdens and accelerating product approvals for Indian manufacturers," said Pavan Choudary, Chairman, Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), in a statement.

"A separate annex on health services and traditional medicine opens structured avenues for medical value travel, digital health, and evidence-based AYUSH, positioning India not merely as a goods exporter, but as a global wellness and healthcare services hub," he added.

Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Devices Industry (AiMeD), also welcomed the India-New Zealand FTA and said that the reduced tariffs and streamlined regulatory cooperation will boost exports.

It will also "enable technology partnerships, and support affordable access to quality devices. The pact enhances competitiveness for Indian manufacturers while ensuring resilient supply chains and mutual recognition standards, strengthening India’s position as a global MedTech hub," Nath added.

However, Choudary cited that there is a significant gap. He cited that the FTA’s regulatory recognition framework does not yet include India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

"As India’s pharmaceutical and MedTech industry grows in scale, quality, and global reach, the CDSCO is rapidly maturing into a credible, reference-class regulator. Its inclusion in such bilateral recognition frameworks is not a diplomatic nicety; it is a commercial and strategic imperative. Future trade agreements, and indeed revisions to this one, must correct this omission," the expert said.

A new analysis by researchers at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) points to a mixed picture when it comes to cancer trends in India. While cases of breast cancer and oral cancer in men have been steadily rising over the years, cervical cancer has seen a sharp decline—one of the few clear positives in the data.

Cancer pattern in India

The study, published in the Journal of Public Health, looked at patterns across G20 countries over roughly two decades. Researchers used a method that helps separate the effects of ageing from broader social and behavioural changes. In simple terms, it allowed them to see whether cancer risk itself is increasing, or if higher numbers are just a result of people living longer.

For India, the rise in certain cancers is difficult to ignore. Breast cancer cases have been increasing by around 1.8 per cent each year, while oral cancer in men has gone up by about 1.2 per cent annually. These trends stand in contrast to several high-income countries, where rates have either slowed or, in some cases, begun to fall.

Why are breast cancer cases on the rise?

The reason why breast cancer cases are surging in India is not surprising - with the shift in lifestyle choices, it is almost a no-brainer. Rising obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol use are some of the key contributors. Reproductive patterns, too, have changed - women are planning pregnancies later, breastfeeding for short duration and also experiencing early onset of periods. While these factors may appear insignificant individually, they collectively play a huge role in the long run.

Oral cancer in India

Oral cancer tells a different story—one that is closely tied to India’s long-standing tobacco habits. The use of smokeless tobacco and betel quid continues to be widespread, particularly among men. Alcohol adds to the risk. What makes the situation worse is that many cases are picked up late, often when the disease is already advanced. The data also shows a clear age pattern: men and women have similar rates until about 40, after which the numbers for men rise sharply.

If there is one area where India has made real progress, it is cervical cancer. The study found that incidence has been dropping by over 4 per cent each year, one of the steepest declines among the countries analysed. Experts attribute this to better awareness, improved hygiene, and gradual improvements in reproductive health services over time.

This decline offers a useful lesson. It shows that sustained public health efforts can make a difference. The recent rollout of HPV vaccination for adolescent girls could push these numbers down even further in the coming years.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment pattern in India

The ICMR report also highlights a big concern - in developed countries, cancer risk decreases with the new generation because of improved diagnosis and treatment infrastructure. However, in India, the pattern is not evident enough - risk appears high across age groups, but the diagnosis and treatment bit is not well taken care of. Lack of mortality data in India is a key concern, which makes it hard to assess how the rising numbers translate to heightened death risk. The trend is still strong enough to require immediate intervention.

Can India's rising cancer burden be curbed?

Researchers say the response cannot be one-dimensional. Expanding access to screening, especially for breast cancer, is crucial. Tobacco and alcohol control policies need to be enforced more effectively to tackle oral cancer. At the same time, the gains seen in cervical cancer underline the importance of vaccination and organised screening programmes.