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.

An experimental male contraceptive pill could soon enable men to prevent pregnancy on demand as researchers are aiming for it to work within 30 minutes of being ingested and provide protection for at least six to eight hours.

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine in the United States have received a grant of $8.2 million from the National Institutes of Health to test the drug in a human trial for the first time. The investigational pill is designed to temporarily stop the sperm in its tracks, rather than suppressing hormone production or formation of sperm.

The drug’s effectiveness, safety and ability to maintain fertility health after each dose remain to be investigated.

More About The Experimental Male Contraceptive Pill

Researchers Dr Jochen Buck and Dr Lonny Levin, professors of pharmacology at Weill Cornell, are developing a compound that blocks an enzyme called soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC).

This enzyme plays a crucial role in sperm motility, the ability of sperm to move. By inhibiting sAC, the drug is intended to temporarily immobilise sperm, preventing them from swimming enough to fertilise an egg.

In 2023, the researchers reported in Nature Communications that blocking sAC rendered sperm immobile and prevented pregnancies in preclinical models. This drug differs from experimental hormonal male contraceptives, which generally aim to reduce sperm production and may require weeks to become effective.

“We’ve developed an on-demand contraceptive pill that men would take 30 minutes before having sex,” Buck said in a statement from Weill Cornell Medicine. “The pill provides a six-to-eight-hour window of protection from pregnancy, and afterwards, fertility returns to normal.”

These timings reflect the researchers’ intended profile for the drug. They have not yet been confirmed in people yet.

Also read: 'Contraceptive Coil Saved My Life': UK Woman's Persistent Abdominal Pain Led Her To Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Humans Trials Planned

The four-year grant will fund the toxicology and safety studies that are needed before human testing. The grant will also cover the development of an oral formulation as well as the drug’s manufacturing processes.

The next step is a Phase 1, placebo-controlled trial in which healthy men will participate. Researchers will monitor participants for side effects and examine sperm samples to measure changes in motility. They will also investigate whether the effect is temporary and sperm movement returns to normal after the drug’s effect wears off.

“Contraception is unusual in that you’re giving a medicine to healthy people, often in their prime, so the requirements for efficacy and safety are particularly stringent,” said Dr Peter Meinke, an assistant professor of pharmacology at Weill Cornell who has contributed to the drug's development.

“You need a molecule that is fast-acting, potent, safe and which is active for hours in the male but also continues to prevent sperm from swimming inside the drug-free female,” he added.

Also read: What Does A Morning-After Pill Do To Your Body?

Could It Be A Breakthrough In Male Contraception?

Male contraceptive options that are currently available include just condoms and vasectomy. Other experimental methods include hormonal pills, gels and long-acting treatments. Many require regular use and can take weeks to affect fertility.

An on-demand pill could offer an instant method for preventing unwanted pregnancy by allowing men to use the drug around the time they have sex, provided the future trials prove it is safe and effective.

“I hope someday family planning becomes a shared responsibility where men or couples can go to the local pharmacy to get male contraceptives,” Levin said. “This gives couples another option to discuss what is best for them.”

US President Donald Trump’s former daughter-in-law Vanessa Trump recently revealed that she is now cancer-free.

The former wife of Donald Trump Jr also shared the early signs of the disease she experienced before getting diagnosed. The 48-year-old is now undergoing surgery and radiation.

Vanessa Trump Reveals Early Signs Before Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In an interview with her daughter, Kai Trump and radiologist Dr Nicole Saphier for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vanessa said that she was unusually exhausted for months before getting diagnosed in April 2026. She said that even normal activities in her routine would leave her spent.

“I would love to go and get my Starbucks, and then two hours later, I would feel exhausted,” she said.

Vanessa also said she experienced constant arm pain for several months before noticing something in her left breast

She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a common form of breast cancer in which cancer cells surface in the milk ducts and spread into breast tissue.

Vanessa underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumour, followed by three courses of radiation treatment. In an update shared in October, she said a recent breast MRI came back clear. “I'm finally cancer-free,” she said.

Vanessa shared that she will need regular scans in the coming years to monitor her health.

Also read: Jessie J 'Healing' After 2nd Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Why Some Patients Need Multiple Procedures

Is Extreme Fatigue An Early Sign Of Breast Cancer?

Fatigue is a symptom of various health conditions, but it can also occur in people with cancer. Fatigue related to cancer may feel more intense than normal tiredness and may not improve with adequate sleep or rest.

However, just fatigue is not a reliable sign of breast cancer. It can be due to various other causes like anaemia, thyroid disorders, sleep problems, infections, stress and other medical conditions.

Vanessa's diagnosis puts focus on the importance of paying attention to unusual changes in the body, especially when they occur alongside other symptoms.

Also read: Breast Cancer Awareness Day: Experts Explain Most Overlooked Breast Changes That Can Delay Diagnosis In Men

Breast Cancer Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Breast cancer does not present in the same way in everyone. Some people may notice a lump, while others experience changes in the breast or surrounding areas like armpits or arms. Warning signs of breast cancer include:

• New lump or thickening sensation: A lump in the breast or underarm that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
• Changes in breast size or shape: Newfound edema or a change in appearance of the breast is also a sign.
• Changes in skin: Dimpling, puckering, redness or skin that resembles the texture of an orange peel.
• Nipple changes: A newly inverted nipple, unusual discharge, or changes in the skin around the nipple.
• Stubborn pain: Ongoing pain in the breast or underarm that is unusual for the individual.
• Arm pain: Arm pain is not a typical breast cancer symptom. But unexplained pain, especially accompanied with changes in breast, warrants medical assessment.

Dr Saphier emphasised that breast cancer can present differently from one person to another. “When it comes to breast cancer, it's not one size fits all. It feels different for everyone,” she said.

A person should not wait for a lump to become large or painful. Anyone who notices a new breast lump, nipple change, or changes in skin should consult a healthcare professional.

Screening mammograms can help detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, but the appropriate screening schedule depends on age, risk and local guidelines. prioritise their health and seek timely checks.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet sex-specific cardiovascular risks often go unrecognized.

Four medical societies — the American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine — have issued new guidance to help clinicians identify these risks early and improve heart health in women and girls.

The guidance highlights heavy periods, irregular menstrual cycles and pregnancy complications as potential indicators of cardiovascular risk. It also introduces a “Female Life Stages” framework to guide prevention from puberty through menopause and beyond.

“Women experience their health care across clinical specialties, but it often is fragmented or disconnected,” said Sadiya S. Khan, chair of the collaborative writing group and professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

What Does The New Guidance Include?

Also read: This Common Heart Attack Risk Starts Silently In Healthy People In Their 20s

Progress in preventing cardiovascular deaths among women has stalled over the past two decades. The new framework identifies four life stages as opportunities for early risk detection and prevention.

• Perimenarche (ages 8–15): The transition around the first menstrual period.
• Ovarian cycling (ages 15–44): The stage when regular ovulatory and hormonal cycles are established.
• Perimenopause (ages 45–51): The transition marked by irregular cycles and hormonal changes.
• Postmenopause (age 51 onward): The years after menopause, defined as 12 months after the final menstrual period.

Pregnancy, at any stage, is also described as a biological “stress test” that can reveal previously unrecognized cardiovascular risks.

Women's Heart Risks: Heavy Periods And Irregular Cycles

The guidance recognizes menstrual patterns as a female-specific vital sign. Heavy or irregular bleeding may indicate cardiovascular risk, including risks associated with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Women's Heart Risks: Perimenopause And Postmenopause

Read More: 100% Blockage At 18, 25% Patients Under 40: On World Heart Day, Cardiologists Reveal An Alarming Heart Attack Pattern

Changes in cholesterol and metabolic health during perimenopause may signal rising cardiovascular risk. Early identification and preventive action may help reduce future risk.

The years after menopause can also account for up to 40% of a woman’s lifetime. Most heart attacks, strokes and heart failure events occur during this stage, according to the guidance. More than 80% of these events are considered preventable through early action.

Women's Heart Risks: Pregnancy Complications And Mental Health

Anxiety, depression and eating disorders can contribute to poorer cardiovascular health. The framework urges clinicians to consider psychosocial factors alongside hormonal and cardiovascular health.

High blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age infants and stillbirth are recognized as female-specific cardiovascular risk enhancers.

The 2026 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology cholesterol guideline also includes pregnancy-related factors in cardiovascular risk assessment.

Only about 60% of U.S. women with high blood pressure-related pregnancy complications receive follow-up care for their blood pressure within six months of delivery. The collaborating societies are calling for action to close this gap and ensure cardiovascular risks identified during pregnancy receive continued attention.

Need For Dedicated Women's Heart Care Centers

The societies propose a national network of Comprehensive Centers of Excellence for Women’s Cardiovascular Care, focused on clinical care, professional education, research and community engagement.

They also call for greater inclusion of women in research, increased funding for women’s health and better translation of evidence into clinical practice.