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.

Indonesia’s Central Kalimantan and Sumatra are shrouded in thick orange-yellow smog as wildfires rage across the regions. The smoke has spread across Southeast Asia, obscuring Singapore’s skyline, reaching the Philippines and forcing school closures in parts of Malaysia.

Indonesia’s Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) exceeded 1,200 on Wednesday, more than four times the “hazardous” threshold of 300, according to Environment Ministry data.

Fueled by El Niño-related dry conditions, the country is experiencing its most intense wildfire season in 11 years since mid-July. Authorities have recorded more than 280,000 respiratory problems in haze-affected regions since August 18, as fires burned through hundreds of thousands of hectares across Borneo and Sumatra.

Indonesia Plans Dry-Ice Trial To Reduce Haze

Also Read: Landmark Study Links Air Pollution To Higher Hospital Admissions For Cancers & Mental Health Disorders: Lancet

Indonesia plans to deploy 1.5 tons of dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, over South Sumatra using Cessna aircraft to reduce the haze. The trial will focus on the Palembang area, with the approach potentially extended to other regions if successful, BBC reported.

Dry ice can cool the air and encourage cloud formation under suitable atmospheric conditions. However, its effectiveness in reducing wildfire haze will depend on local weather conditions and the method used.

Toxic Haze Spreads Across Southeast Asia

The smoke has reached Singapore, Malaysia, East Timor and the Philippines. Singapore’s National Environment Agency reported its highest air pollution warning level in the western part of the country on Wednesday. Fine particulate pollution also exceeded the World Health Organization’s recommended annual average exposure level, BBC reported.

Singapore has introduced subsidies for haze-related medical treatment and begun distributing N95 masks to eligible residents during periods of very unhealthy air pollution.

How Can Wildfire Smoke Affect Your Health?

Read More: Delhi Air Pollution Is Back: What Days Of Poor AQI Can Do to Your Lungs

A 2025 study published in Epidemiology found that the effects of wildfire smoke exposure on the heart and lungs may persist for up to three months after the smoke clears. Higher smoke pollution levels were also associated with an increased risk of health problems.

Why Is Wildfire Smoke Harmful?

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter called PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs. Some particles can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation.

Smoke may also contain toxic substances released by burning plastics, homes, vehicles, electronics and industrial materials.

Health Risks Of Wildfire Smoke

Prolonged exposure can affect several aspects of health:

• Lung health: Coughing, reduced lung function, worsening asthma and COPD, and other respiratory problems.
• Heart health: Fine particles can contribute to cardiovascular stress and heart-related complications.
• Brain health: Exposure may be associated with headaches and other neurological effects.
• Mental health: Wildfires, displacement and evacuations can contribute to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Cancer risk: Research is investigating possible links with lung, breast, colorectal and bladder cancers, as well as certain blood cancers. Evidence remains limited, and these associations do not establish direct causation.

Children, older adults and people with existing heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable.

How To Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

Even after visible smoke clears, harmful particles may remain in the air. To reduce exposure:

• Check air quality before going outdoors.
• Stay indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activity when pollution is high.
• Use a HEPA air purifier to reduce indoor airborne particles.
• Wear a well-fitted N95 mask if going outdoors is unavoidable.
• Keep windows and doors closed when smoke levels are high.
• Continue prescribed medications for asthma or heart disease.
• Seek medical care for persistent or worsening cough, chest pain or breathlessness.

India's Union Health Ministry has been asked to examine concerns over the safety and quality of coronary stents.

This comes after three models of drug-eluting stents (DES) made by India-based medical device company, Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, were reportedly withdrawn in Sri Lanka over quality issues.

India-Made Coronary Stent Under Scrutiny

Sri Lanka drug regulatory body, National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), reportedly issued the instructions for withdrawal of these stents in June 2026. The Cabinet Secretariat urged the Health Ministry to look into the concerns on October 5, after a representation by Rajya Sabha member Ajeet Madhav Gopchade who is also a medical doctor.

According to Sri Lanka Mirror, the concerns include improper stent positioning, stent dislodgement, acute stent thrombosis, and failure of the devices to expand adequately after implantation.

Stent thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms inside the implanted stent, potentially blocking blood flow to the heart. Acute stent thrombosis is particularly serious because it can lead to a heart attack and requires urgent medical attention.

These complications can affect the success of a procedure and may put patients' lives at risk.

These issues were identified after an investigation was conducted by the Medical Device Evaluation Committee (MDEC) of the NMRA. The regulatory body also said that these defects necessitate the use of supplementary devices, which resulted in wastage of precious time and unnecessary added expenses.

In his representation, Gopchade addresses the media reports about the withdrawal of three stent models in Sri Lanka.

Need For Better Monitoring After Stent Implantation

Also read: Mammogram May Spot Hidden Heart Risk That Doctors Miss In Women

Gopchade urged the government to assess whether India's regulatory system needs further strengthening to address risks that come after coronary stent implantation.

In his letter dated October 5, he said the reported developments required closer scrutiny to protect patients. “These reports highlight that Indian-patient-safety issues that India needs to examine carefully and address proactively,” he said in the representation, according to The Economic Times.

He called for rigorous device testing, clinical decision-making, and monitoring of complications after stent implantation. He said that safety checks should not end once a medical device has received regulatory approval.

Gopchade called for better documentation to ensure that stents are used only when medically indicated, and that alternative treatments are considered first.

He also proposed stronger monitoring of the performance of medical devices after they enter routine clinical use. Such monitoring can help spot complications that may not have been apparent during initial testing.

Gopchade further urged the government to establish a mechanism for reviewing safety alerts, recalls and withdrawals issued by foreign regulators effectively.

This would help authorities assess whether a device flagged overseas is also being marketed or used in India and whether investigation is needed.

What Are Coronary Stents?

Coronary stents are small, mesh-like tubes that are placed inside narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to help restore blood flow to the heart. They are used during angioplasty, a procedure that opens blocked arteries in people with coronary artery disease.

Drug-eluting stents release medication over time to reduce the risk of the artery narrowing again. While these devices can help restore blood flow and improve cardiovascular health, their safety depends on their quality, correct placement, and post-procedure care.

People who have had COVID-19 may be more likely to need allergy medications months after initial infection, according to a large Japanese study.

The study analysed health records of more than 778,000 people, suggesting that the effects of COVID-19 may extend beyond the respiratory illness and could be related to immune function after infection.

The study, published in BMC Public Health, examined whether people diagnosed with COVID-19 were more likely to receive new prescriptions for allergy medications than individuals who had not contracted the infection.

Researchers analysed health insurance records for 778,362 people diagnosed with COVID-19 and compared them to a group of individuals who were not infected.

They tracked new prescriptions for four categories of allergy medications, including antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, eye drops for allergic conditions and nasal sprays used to treat rhinitis.

Over a median follow-up period of seven months, people who had COVID-19 were 21% more likely to receive a new prescription for allergy medication than those in the comparison group.

The association was stronger among older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions. The researchers also found that elevated prescription rates remained detectable beyond one year after infection in a few high-risk groups.

However, the study merely identifies an association between infection and subsequent use of allergy medications and does not establish a causal link.

How Could COVID-19 Affect Allergy Risk?

Also read: XFG Variant In Spain: COVID-19 Cases Rise Amid Respiratory Infection Surge

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, like pollen, dust mites or certain foods. This response can trigger symptoms including sneezing, itching, a runny nose, skin rashes and watery eyes.

Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that is released during these allergic reactions. Leukotriene receptor antagonists target inflammatory elements involved in conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Researchers believe that infections caused by respiratory viruses can sometimes alter immune responses, affecting processes involved in allergic inflammation.

COVID-19 has been known to cause changes in immune system that can last beyond the initial illness. Damage to the lining of the respiratory tract and changes in inflammatory response could influence how the body responds to allergens.

However, these mechanisms were not directly established by the Japanese study. The researchers used prescription records rather than laboratory tests to confirm newly developed allergic diseases.

Who Is At Greater Risk?

Also read: Long COVID: Mouth And Lung Bacteria May Offer Clues

The association between COVID-19 and new allergy medication prescriptions was more pronounced among people aged 65 and older.

In this group, the rate of new prescriptions was 33% higher among those who had contracted COVID-19 than among their matched counterparts. Among people with substantial pre-existing illnesses, the rate was 35% higher.

The researchers also found that it lasted more than one year in these groups, although it gradually weakened over time.

These findings suggest that older adults and people managing multiple health conditions may warrant closer attention to new symptoms following COVID-19.

The study's large sample size provides useful evidence about patterns in allergy medication use after COVID-19. But a prescription does not always mean a new allergy diagnosis. Some medications included in the analysis can be prescribed for conditions other than allergies, and people recovering from COVID-19 may have more opportunities to consult doctors or receive prescriptions.

The findings also come from Japan and may not apply equally to populations with different healthcare systems, demographics or patterns of medication use. Further research is needed to determine whether COVID-19 contributes to the development of new allergic conditions.