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.
If left untreated, TTTS can have devastating consequences. Medical research indicates that:
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.
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.
Twin pregnancies, even without the presence of TTTS, entail a variety of health risks to the mother as well as infants:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Credits: Canva
Those taking omeprazole have been warned that certain other substances entering their system could undermine the effectiveness of the medication. Widely prescribed across the UK, this proton pump inhibitor (PPI) helps treat conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It works by lowering stomach acid levels and is available in multiple forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquids. Health guidance usually recommends that over-the-counter use should not exceed two weeks due to the risk of side effects.
However, depending on the severity of a person’s condition, a GP may advise continuing omeprazole for a longer period through prescription. NHS guidance highlights that if someone is taking multiple medications, certain drugs may interfere with omeprazole’s action.
Omeprazole, sold under brand names such as Prilosec and Losec, is a commonly used medication that lowers the amount of acid the stomach produces. It belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and is used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid, including heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers, as per NHS.
The NHS UK website states: "There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with omeprazole."
Drug interactions can influence how well omeprazole works. Conversely, omeprazole itself may cause other medications to lose their effectiveness or behave differently than intended.
The NHS warns that people on omeprazole should be cautious with certain drugs, including:
This list does not cover every medicine that may interact with omeprazole. If you are taking omeprazole, the NHS recommends checking with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies.
The leaflet included with your omeprazole pack provides further details about possible interactions. If you are unsure about the safety of combining omeprazole with other substances, it is best to seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.
Dr Punam Krishan from BBC Morning Live cautioned that while proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are generally safe when used as directed, they are not meant for indefinite use. “These medications shouldn’t be taken unnecessarily or for extended periods without a doctor’s oversight,” she said.
Prolonged use may slightly increase the risk of low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels and can make gut infections, particularly Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), more likely.
C. diff is a bacterium normally present in the gut, but it can multiply excessively when the gut balance is disrupted, sometimes leading to persistent diarrhoea. “That’s a warning sign,” Dr Krishan noted. “If you experience diarrhoea or notice changes in your bowel habits, consult your doctor right away. Regular check-ups are essential for anyone taking PPIs long-term.”
Credits: Canva
Medical Products Laboratories, a Philadelphia company that manufactures medical supplies, has pulled more than 41,000 bottles of Walgreens-branded nasal spray from the market after concerns that some units may contain bacteria that could pose problems for people with fragile immune systems or existing breathing issues.
The product involved is Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with xylitol, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says may be contaminated. In total, 41,328 bottles were shipped across the country and could contain pseudomonas lactis, a bacterium that naturally occurs in places such as soil and water, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Pseudomonas lactis can cause illness in people with suppressed immunity or respiratory troubles, according to local officials in southeastern Massachusetts who reported the recall, along with television station KARE 11. WTVT also noted that the bacteria may pose added concerns for pregnant people. A 2022 study on antibiotic resistance found the same bacterium in chicken waste.
The recall affects more than 41,000 bottles of Walgreens saline nasal spray with xylitol because of possible contamination with pseudomonas lactis, which may be risky for people who have compromised immune systems or lung conditions.
The lots included in the recall are Lot #71409, which expires on Feb. 28, 2027, and Lot #71861, which expires on Aug. 31, 2027. Walgreens told USA Today that anyone who bought these products should stop using them at once and bring them back to any Walgreens store for a complete refund.
Based on the details available, this situation falls under a Class II recall, which the FDA uses when a product may lead to temporary or reversible health problems, and the chance of more serious harm is considered low. Similar recalls, such as the recent action involving NuNaturals sweeteners, have received the same level of risk designation from the agency.
A Class II recall signals that there is a meaningful health concern, though it is not expected to result in severe injury or death. This matches the structure of the D-0179-2026 classification and reflects how the FDA organizes consumer product recalls. A Walgreens spokesperson told FOX Business that the company’s supplier began the voluntary recall “out of an abundance of caution” and added that customer safety remains a priority.
Anyone who has one of the affected bottles should stop using it right away. Walgreens has not posted specific instructions on its website, but the general guidance is to discard the product or return it to the store where it was purchased.
Credits: Istock
Ozempic 2.0: The arrival of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs has already reshaped medicine and consumer behaviour in ways few anticipated. Millions of people have achieved weight loss at levels previously unseen, grocery companies are redesigning products with these users in mind, and insurers are studying how these drugs could influence long-term health and chronic disease. But as significant as this shift has been, the next wave of treatments may transform the field even further, according to the Washington Post.
A new generation of GLP-1 therapies is expected in the coming months, including daily pills, more potent injectables, and combination drugs that target multiple hormonal pathways. These options promise easier use, wider metabolic benefits, and in some cases results beyond what current medications offer. Experts caution that these drugs are still under review by regulators, yet anticipation is already high.
The first daily weight-loss pills may be approved as early as 2026. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have developed oral versions of their popular drugs, providing an option for those who hesitate to self-inject or cannot afford refrigerated pens. Pills are also easier to distribute and could come with lower costs, potentially broadening access in regions where injectable GLP-1s remain expensive.
As per The Washington Post, early clinical trials show oral pills generally result in slightly less weight loss than injections. Participants typically shed around 11–14 percent of body weight over a year, compared with 15–20 percent for the most powerful injectables. Yet researchers believe that convenience, affordability, and broader insurance coverage could make daily pills a turning point for patients and the market alike.
Pharma companies are also working on injectables that stimulate multiple appetite-related hormones. Current GLP-1 drugs usually target one or two pathways, while Eli Lilly is testing a compound that acts on three. In mid-stage trials, participants on the highest dose lost more than 24 percent of their body weight in under a year—a result experts say comes close to the effectiveness of bariatric surgery.
As per The Washington Post, researchers note that outcomes may vary when larger and longer trials are completed. Regulators will need to assess safety carefully, especially regarding rapid weight loss or changes in muscle mass. Even so, specialists expect that patients with severe obesity may rely on these stronger options when they become available.
Nausea, digestive discomfort, and lean muscle loss remain common reasons patients stop current GLP-1 drugs. In response, companies are testing combinations aimed at delivering similar weight loss with fewer side effects. One promising approach pairs semaglutide—the compound behind Ozempic and Wegovy—with amylin. Early data suggests this combination can achieve roughly 20 percent weight loss with potentially less digestive strain.
Other research focuses on adjusting hormonal signals to preserve muscle. Trials combining multiple appetite-regulating pathways show encouraging reductions in fat while maintaining more lean tissue, which experts view as vital for long-term metabolic health.
Beyond pills and more potent weekly injectables, some companies are developing drugs that require only a single injection each month. If successful, these treatments could remove one of the biggest barriers for patients struggling with weekly dosing schedules.
Even as new treatments emerge, today’s GLP-1 drugs are unlikely to vanish. Years of safety data, approvals for reducing cardiovascular risk, and expanded use for conditions like sleep apnea give existing medications an edge that newcomers must match. Competition and shifting pricing structures are already pushing costs down, potentially making current options more attractive unless new alternatives clearly outperform them.
Still, the change underway is unmistakable. With multiple drug classes, delivery methods, and hormonal targets in development, the next five years could redefine medical weight loss, and who has access to it.
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