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.

The United States is in the middle of one of its worst flu seasons, according to the data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These cases are surging, along with an increase in hospitalization, driven by a mutated influenza A variant, H3N2, 'subclade K'. Experts have warned that flu activity could further increase in the weeks to come. Unlike past years, parents may have to jump through extra hoops to get their children a flu shot.

On January 5, the CDC dropped a long-held universal flu vaccine recommendation for kids 6 months and older. The recommendations stated that the shots should only be given after a discussion with a health care provider. This shift is feared by most experts as it could lead to a further decline in the number of people getting vaccinated. The shift has also come at the time when flu is hitting children hard, and at least 17 children have died from the flu season so far. The pediatric flu hospitalization rate is also the second highest for this point in the season in 15 years, reported NBC News.

Flu metrics have surpassed last season, as one of the deadliest for children in more than 20 years.

Pediatric Flu Deaths In 2024-25 Season

The 2024-25 flu season led to 280 flu-related pediatric deaths. This has been the highest number since the CDC started reporting these in 2004. Nearly all the children were unvaccinated.

Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, a pediatric infectious disease epidemiologist and professor at Stanford University, told TODAY.com, “It’s more than unfortunate; it's tragic," for the CDC to change its flu shot guidance for kids. “(Flu shots) probably are the most effective intervention in the last 100 years to reduce child deaths in this country.”

The change in the flu shot recommendation also drew criticism from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Infectious Disease Society of America.

Experts have warned that the new guidance creates confusion, which could lead to fewer children getting vaccinated. However, doctors time and again have said that the best line of defense remains to be the flu shots. Dr Pedro Piedra, professor of molecular virology and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine told Today.com, "There is plenty of data showing the effectiveness... of the influenza vaccine in children." The CDC website also states that the "flu vaccine can prevent severe, life-threatening complications in children."

How Effective Is The Flu Vaccine?

The flu shot helps the immune system learn how to fight the virus by exposing it to harmless pieces of killed or weakened flu germs, allowing the body to build antibodies that can quickly recognize and stop the infection if exposed later.

While the flu shot may not always stop you from catching the virus, its biggest strength lies in making the illness far less dangerous. Vaccinated people are significantly less likely to be hospitalized, need intensive care, or die from flu-related complications.

Overall flu shot effectiveness usually falls between 40 to 60 percent, depending on the season, but studies show the protection is often stronger in children. A 2022 study cited by the CDC found that flu vaccination reduced the risk of severe illness in children by 75 percent. Another CDC-listed study from 2020 showed the vaccine lowered flu-related hospitalizations by 41 percent and emergency room visits by 50 percent during the severe 2017–2018 flu season. Earlier research from 2017 also found that flu vaccination cut a child’s risk of dying from the flu by up to 65 percent, even among otherwise healthy children.

Measles case, the first of 2026 is confirmed in Kentucky state, as the health officials announced the state's first positive measles case of the year on Thursday. The Kentucky Department for Public Health reports that an unvaccinated Jessamine County resident tested positive for measles. Officials have confirmed that the person was exposed to measles when an out-of0state travel who was infectious visited Fayette County between December 31, 2025 to January 2, 2026.

Previously, it was also reported by the health officials that the infectious person stayed at the Hyatt Place in Hamburg from December 31 and January 3. The person ate at Panera in Hamburg on January 1. This information will help in contract tracing.

Why Is Measles Making A Comeback In The US?

The measles outbreak in South Carolina started in October and from thereon, it showed no signs of slowing. In fact, Dr Linda Bell, South Carolina's state epidemiologist said at a news conference on Wednesday, this has happened because country's "lower-than-hoped-for vaccination coverage".

Read: Measles Warning: 'Be Careful, Holidays Worry Us', Says Doctor

Vaccination Rates Have Gone Down

In the 2024–25 school year, roughly 90 percent of students in Spartanburg County received all their required childhood vaccines, including the measles, mumps and rubella shot. While that number may sound high, it still falls short of the national average and the 95 percent coverage that experts say is needed to stop measles from spreading in a community.

Several of the schools where students are now in quarantine have vaccination rates that drop well below 90 percent, based on state data.

Health officials pointed out that measles can disrupt lives even for those who never get sick. In South Carolina, a few unvaccinated students were exposed to the virus twice, which meant they had to quarantine twice for 21 days each time. That is more than a month of missed school.

“That’s a significant amount of time,” Dr. Bell said. “Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent the disruption that measles is causing to people’s education and to employment.”

State officials have increased their outreach around the MMR vaccine, although it is still unclear if these efforts are making a real difference. Uptake has been limited, according to Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services. He said vaccination remains “the best way to protect against measles” and encouraged people to speak with a doctor about what makes the most sense for them.

This is not just the case of South Carolina, but every where else the vaccination rates have fallen down, noted Harvard Health. In fact, same is the case with flu vaccines as rates have gone down, exposing more vulnerable population to such diseases.

Also Read: How Did This Once Eliminated Disease Come Back?

What Is Measles?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral illness that typically causes fever, cough, a runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a distinctive red, blotchy rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation. Despite its severity, measles is preventable through a safe and effective vaccine, as per the Mayo Clinic.

How Contagious Is Measles?

Measles is among the most contagious diseases in the world. The virus spreads through airborne droplets that can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours. Up to 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. A single infected person can pass the virus to an estimated 12 to 18 others through close contact or shared spaces. People can transmit the virus days before symptoms become obvious and continue spreading it after the rash appears, according to the World Health Organization.

How Long Is Someone Contagious With Measles?

Someone infected with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash develops to four days after it appears. The virus spreads so efficiently that about 90% of people who are unvaccinated or have never had measles will become infected after being exposed.

In November, Canada lost its measles elimination status following a significant outbreak, according to the Pan American Health Organization, which works closely with the World Health Organization.

“It’s important to say that all the other 34 countries in the region, they keep their certification as measles-free,” said PAHO/WHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa at the time, as per NPR News.

U.S. health officials have also warned that genetic links between outbreaks in different states suggest continued spread.

“The trajectory that we’re looking at now is that we do anticipate more cases well into January,” Bell said. “What that means for us nationally in terms of how they are defining our designation in this country as having eliminated measles is unclear.”

President Trump on Thursday launched The Great Healthcare Plan, a health care proposal that outlined a set of cost-cutting ideas. The White House website reads: "President Donald J. Trump is calling on Congress to enact the Great Healthcare Plan, a comprehensive plan to lower drug prices, lower insurance premiums, hold big insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency."

What Does This Great Healthcare Plan Offer?

In terms of lowering the price, prescribed drugs make it to the list, along with insurance premiums. Furthermore, the plan also states "holding big insurance companies accountable" and "maximize price transparency" as the features it will be introducing soon.

Also Read: Father Donates Liver To Save His One-Year-Old Son From A Rare Liver Disorder

Great Healthcare Plan By Trump: Lower Drug Prices

This allows lower prescription prices for all Americans by "codifying the Trump Administration's Most-Favored-Nation deals" to get Americans the same low prices for prescription drugs that people in other countries pay. This had already been introduced before on President's personal website, TrumpRx. On its launch, Trump signed deals with popular weight loss companies to lower their weight loss drug prices.

This initiative will further allow more over the counter medicines to be available at a cheaper rate. The website mentions that this will lower healthcare cost and increase "consumer choice by strengthening price transparency, increasing competition, and reducing the need for costly and time consuming doctor’s visits".

Great Healthcare Plan By Trump: Lower Insurance Premium

This feature includes three things:

• Send the Money Directly To The American People
• Fund cost-sharing Reduction Program
• Cut Kickback Costs

So, what do these mean? The first feature means that the plan aims to stop sending big insurance companies billions in extra taxpayer-funded subsidy payments. Instead, money will be sent directly to eligible Americans to allow them to buy the health insurance of their choice.

The second feature includes a cost-sharing reduction program for healthcare plans which would save taxpayers at least $36 billion and reduce the most common Obamacare plan premiums by over 10%.

Lastly, the plan aims to end kickbacks from pharmacy benefit managers to the large brokerage middlemen that deceptively raise the cost of health insurance.

Great Healthcare Plan By Trump: Hold Big Insurance Companies Accountable

The first feature 'Create the “Plain-English Insurance” Standard' means that it will require health insurance companies to publish rate and coverage comparison upfront on their websites in "plain English - not industry jargon". This will be done so that consumers can make better insurance purchasing decisions.

The plan will also require health insurance companies to publish the percentage of their revenues that are paid out to claims versus overhead costs and profits on their websites.

Lastly, it will require health insurers to publish the percentage of insurance claims they reject and average wait times for routine care on their websites.

Great Healthcare Plan By Trump: Maximize Price Transparency

The plan would require any healthcare provider or insurer who accepts either Medicare or Medicaid to

publicly and prominently post their pricing and fees to avoid surprise medical bills.

Why Is Trump's Great Healthcare Plan Is Being Introduced?

Earlier, polls have found that many voters were unhappy with the rising health care premiums and lawmakers' inability to reach a deal on ACA subsidies. This lapse led to a spike in health-insurance cost of millions of marketplace enrollees.

“There’ll be ongoing conversations, and we hope to be able to support with specific language for the legislation,” Mehmet Oz, one of Trump’s top health care deputies, told reporters Thursday on a conference call.