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.

From weight loss and diabetes to cancers and much more, GLP-1 drugs have delivered blockbuster results and transformed treatment for millions of people worldwide.

Clinical data have consistently shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists containing semaglutide and tirzepatide—including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro—reduce overall mortality as well as the risk of heart-related deaths.

However, reports from the UK and US have linked these medicines to more than 200 deaths. While a direct causal relationship has not been established and millions of people use these medications safely, high-profile inquests and adverse event databases have highlighted reports of deaths in which these drugs were listed as a suspected contributing factor, including cases associated with severe complications, dosing errors, and the use of counterfeit or compounded products.

UK Reports 82 Deaths Linked to GLP-1 Drugs

Data submitted to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) show a total of 82 deaths associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, the class of drugs used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, up to January 31, 2025.

The data includes 22 deaths associated with GLP-1 agonists used for weight loss, while 60 deaths were linked to their use in treating type 2 diabetes. As per the MHRA data:

• 18 deaths were linked to tirzepatide (Mounjaro), including 10 associated with weight loss and eight with type 2 diabetes treatment.
• 29 deaths werelinked to semaglutide products, including Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. Of these, four were associated with weight loss and 25 with diabetes treatment.
• 35 deaths werelinked to liraglutide products, including Saxenda and Victoza.

"The decision to start, continue, or stop treatments should be made jointly by patients and their doctor, based on full consideration of benefits and risks," said Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer.

Northern Ireland Reported Two Deaths in 2026

In 2026, the deaths of two people in Northern Ireland potentially linked to Wegovy and Mounjaro injections were also reported to the MHRA.

The two cases are among more than 500 suspected adverse drug reaction reports submitted from Northern Ireland over the past two years related to GLP-1 medications.

US Reported 162 Deaths

In the US, Ozempic and Wegovy have been linked to 162 deaths since 2018, according to reports in the FDA's FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System) database.

While none of the deaths have been proven to be directly caused by semaglutide injections, the reports indicate the drugs were listed as a factor in the fatalities.

Growing Use of GLP-1 Drugs

Driven by the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, the use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound has increased dramatically in recent years. The global GLP-1 drug market is estimated to reach $200 billion by 2030.

Although each medication has distinct FDA-approved uses, they share four common mechanisms of action:

• Stimulate insulin release.
• Reduce blood sugar.
• Slow digestion.
• Reduce hunger.

FDA Warning on Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs

In June 2026, the FDA raised concerns about patients and healthcare professionals seeking unapproved versions of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, for weight loss.

The agency warned that unapproved products do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness or quality before being marketed.

The FDA recommends that:

• Compounded drugs should only be used when a patient's medical needs cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug.
• Patients should obtain a prescription from their doctor and fill it at a state-licensed pharmacy.
• Patients should use the FDA's BeSafeRx campaign resources to safely purchase prescription medicines online.
• Patients should consult their doctor if they have questions about their medications.
• Patients should contact the compounder or telehealth platform where they purchased the drug if they have questions about instructions for use or label information.

What Are The Red Flags

The FDA advises consumers to watch for warning signs, including companies that:

• Claim a compounded drug is the same as an FDA-approved product.
• Offer medicines at deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true.
• Send medicines that look different from previous prescriptions, arrive in damaged packaging or lack instructions for use.
• Do not require screening and a prescription from a licensed doctor.
• Do not have a licensed doctor available to answer questions after the medication is received.
• Have spelling errors on labels or provide incorrect pharmacy addresses.
• List a pharmacy name on the label that appears to be fraudulent.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization's (WHO) cancer research agency, has classified three widely used medicines—hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus—as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning they are "carcinogenic to humans."

All three medicines are included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and are prescribed to millions of people worldwide for treating hypertension, serious fungal infections, and preventing organ transplant rejection.

A Group 1 classification means there is sufficient scientific evidence that an agent can cause cancer in humans under certain circumstances. However, it does not indicate how likely a person is to develop cancer while taking the medicine as prescribed. The actual risk depends on factors such as the dose, duration of use, individual health, and other risk factors.

Which Medicines Have Been Classified as Carcinogenic?

Hydrochlorothiazide: It is a thiazide diuretic commonly prescribed to treat essential hypertension. Although newer blood pressure medications are increasingly used, it remains a widely prescribed treatment because of the global burden of hypertension.

Voriconazole: It is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal medicine used to treat invasive aspergillosis and other serious fungal infections, particularly among transplant recipients and other immunocompromised patients.

Tacrolimus: It is an immunosuppressive medicine used to reduce the risk of organ rejection in adult and pediatric transplant recipients and to prevent graft-versus-host disease following stem cell transplantation. Topical tacrolimus is also used as a second-line treatment for atopic dermatitis and vitiligo when topical corticosteroids are unsuitable.

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Why Did IARC Classify Them as Carcinogenic?

"The IARC Monographs Working Group reviewed evidence from epidemiological studies, cancer bioassays in experimental animals, and mechanistic studies to assess the carcinogenic hazard to humans of exposure to these agents and concluded that hydrochlorothiazide, tacrolimus, and voriconazole are all carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)," the IARC said.

• Hydrochlorothiazide has been linked to squamous cell skin cancer and lip cancer because it increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight.
• Voriconazole is associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin through the phototoxic effects of one of its metabolites.
• Tacrolimus has been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, largely due to its immune-suppressing effects.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told HealthandMe that the classification identifies a cancer hazard, not the level of cancer risk associated with normal therapeutic use.

"The IARC underlines that this Group 1 listing identifies a cancer hazard—the potential of an agent to cause malignancy rather than measuring how great the actual risk is when the medicines are taken at normal therapeutic doses. All three remain listed as essential medicines by WHO, reflecting their critical role in treating serious illness," he said.

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Dr. Aggarwal stressed that patients should not stop taking these medicines without consulting their doctor.

"Abruptly stopping any of these agents can result in dangerous rises in blood pressure, uncontrolled infection, or transplant failure. The recommended course is to speak with the treating physician, adopt rigorous sun-protection habits if taking hydrochlorothiazide or voriconazole, and maintain regular surveillance for those receiving tacrolimus after transplantation," he added.

No Need to Panic

Dr. Tushar Tayal, Associate Director – Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe the reclassification should not be a cause for alarm.

According to him, the concern relates to long-term cumulative exposure rather than a single dose. Stopping treatment abruptly could pose a much greater immediate risk, including uncontrolled hypertension, severe infection, or transplant rejection.

What Should Patients Do?

• Do not stop or change your medication on your own.
• Consult your treating physician before making any changes to your treatment.
• Discuss whether regular skin examinations or an alternative treatment plan may be appropriate based on your individual risk.
• Use sun protection if you are taking hydrochlorothiazide or voriconazole, as advised by your doctor.
• Attend regular follow-up appointments, especially if you are taking tacrolimus after an organ transplant.

A UK-based surgeon from Egypt has been permanently barred from practising medicine after a medical tribunal found that he made a catastrophic blunder during an emergency bowel surgery.

Dr Yasser Adly Abdel Rahman, who was working as a locum surgeon at Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester, mistakenly connected the wrong parts of a patient’s digestive system, a procedure experts described as “not known to man.”

Here's What Happened

Dr Rahman carried out the operation on a young man in August 2020. Instead of restoring the patient’s bowel, the surgery created a “closed loop” that caused contents of the bowel to flow back into the stomach.

The error left the patient in unimaginable pain and in a condition deemed “not compatible with life.”

According to findings by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), the patient was left feeling severe pain, vomiting and an inability to pass stool after the surgery.

A second surgeon later performed emergency corrective surgery, creating a stoma and saved the patient’s life.

The tribunal heard that Dr Rahman failed to realise the seriousness of the patient’s deteriorating condition and did not adequately respond to concerns raised by the patient’s family and medical colleagues.

An expert from the General Medical Council (GMC) described the erroneous procedure as “as bad as it gets” and said the surgical connection was “not known to man.”

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The Surgeon Was Struck Off From The UK Medical Register

The tribunal ruled that Dr Rahman’s actions amounted to serious professional misconduct.

It also found that, in 2021, after restrictions were placed on his medical practice, he breached them by taking up a locum job in Affidea Express Care Clinic in Ireland in 2022.

Dr Rahman was absent at the misconduct hearing and instead maintained that he was a victim of a witch hint and had been made a “scapegoat.”

But, the tribunal concluded that his incompetence, failure to accept responsibility and repeated breaches of regulatory conditions meant he posed an ongoing risk to patients. He has now been permanently removed from the UK medical register.

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What Is A “Closed Loop” Bowel Obstruction?

A closed loop bowel obstruction occurs when a section of the intestine is blocked at two points, restricting its contents. This can fatally cut off blood supply to the bowel, causing tissue death, perforation, infection and sepsis if not treated urgently.

In this case, the incorrect surgical connections diverted bowel contents back into the patient’s stomach instead of allowing them to pass normally through the digestive tract, creating a life-threatening emergency that required immediate corrective surgery.

While surgical complications can occur even in experienced hands, medical experts told the tribunal this error was far from acceptable.

The case has also drawn attention because the surgeon allegedly ignored warning signs after the operation. He later breached restrictions placed on his medical licence by taking up a job elsewhere. These factors ultimately contributed to the decision to strike him off from the UK register permanently.

Also read: UK Woman Becomes World-First To Receive Experimental Cell Therapy For Ovarian Cancer

About Dr. Yasser Adly Abdel Rahman

Dr Rahman qualified in 1993 from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. He trained as a general and colorectal surgeon.

He later worked in the UK as a locum consultant, meaning he was employed on temporary contracts rather than in a permanent consultant position.

At the time of the incident in August 2020, he had only been working at Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester for a few days before performing the emergency bowel surgery.