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.

Endometriosis, a painful condition that affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK, takes an average of more than nine years to diagnose. That could soon change.

Based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) draft guidance, the NHS will roll out two non-invasive tests — the saliva-based Endotest and the gut sensor-based EndoSure — to help speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis in England and Wales.

NICE's draft early use healthtech guidance recommends the use of EndoSure and Endotest in the NHS during a three-year evidence generation period while additional data is collected on how well they work.

“The tests can be used to diagnose endometriosis in primary care, where current diagnostic accuracy can be limited by the availability of other tests and variation in expertise,” NICE said.

“A diagnosis of endometriosis can for some women take the best part of a decade, with the UK average standing at 9 years and 4 months, and rising to 11 years for those from ethnically diverse communities. That delay means living with chronic pelvic pain that affects daily life, relationships and work," said Dr. Anastasia Chalkidou, HealthTech Programme Director at NICE.

“The new technologies offer a less invasive, faster approach to receiving a diagnosis that does not rely on ultrasound operator expertise, potentially enabling earlier decision-making and reducing the need for unnecessary invasive investigations,” Chalkidou added.

Also read: Emma Barnett: It Took 21 Years To Diagnose My Endometriosis

What Is Endometriosis?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pelvic pain and make it difficult to conceive.

The condition can begin with a person's first menstrual period and last until menopause. It most commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and intestines, with pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities among the most common symptoms.

Diagnosis currently relies on ultrasound scans, MRI or laparoscopy, in which a camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. Yet despite these diagnostic tools, women in England and Wales often wait as long as a decade for a diagnosis.

Those eventually diagnosed with endometriosis have reported that delays contribute to increased suffering, prolonged ill health and disease progression that can become more difficult to treat.

How Do EndoSure And Endotest Work?

READ: This Is Endometriosis, A Short Film On Debilitating Health Condition Wins BAFTA Award 2026, Know More

Endotest analyses a saliva sample to identify tiny biological markers called microRNAs that can indicate whether endometriosis is likely to be present. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results are returned to the treating healthcare professional to help guide diagnosis and care.

EndoSure is a non-invasive test that detects endometriosis by measuring electrical signals in the gut using sensor pads placed on the abdomen. Patients fast for six to eight hours before the test and drink water until full during the 45-minute procedure to help the device accurately record gut activity. Results are available immediately after the test.

“These technologies have the potential to change that by giving primary care professionals better non-invasive tools to identify endometriosis earlier, allowing earlier and better treatment,” Chalkidou said.

“Our draft guidance reflects our commitment to getting promising innovations to patients quickly, while making sure the evidence to support their wider use is built in a rigorous way.”

Who Can Use the Tests?

Both tests are intended to be used alongside standard clinical practice to support diagnosis, referral and management. They are not standalone diagnostic tests.

They should only be used in women in whom endometriosis is still suspected despite a normal clinical examination and either negative or inconclusive imaging results, or where imaging is unsuitable or unacceptable. The tests must be used by a healthcare professional.

Early economic modelling suggests both technologies could be cost-effective. During the evidence generation period, they will be funded through core NHS funding. The companies are responsible for organizing the evidence generation activities, and NICE will review progress annually.

A third test, DotEndo, needed more research before it could get the green light, Nice said.

Experts Welcome The Move

Endometriosis UK welcomed NICE's announcement, calling it "a major step forward in reducing disease impact and supporting those with endometriosis to live well with the disease."

The charity also said the rollout should be accompanied by better education for GPs and Practice Nurses to ensure prompt access to testing, earlier recognition of symptoms, and improved understanding of endometriosis, adenomyosis and other menstrual health conditions.

Dr Gail Busby, consultant gynecologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, called the tests "game-changer because they give us answers much earlier, without the need for invasive surgery, and that means we can start the right treatment sooner".

The FSSAI recently issued notices to three food business operators over what it described as misleading claims and labelling violations. The companies that have received notices are Heritage Foods Ltd for its paneer, Dia Foods for La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, and Cipzer Nutraceuticals for its juice capsules.

FSSAI Flags Down 3 Brands Over Misleading Claims

The food regulatory body directed the companies to provide explanations within seven days why action should not be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The move is part of the regulator's broader ongoing crackdown on deceptive food packaging and marketing claims aimed at protecting consumers.

Also read: FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver Problems

Heritage Foods' Fresh Paneer Under FSSAI Scrutiny

FSSAI issued a notice to Heritage Foods, objecting to the use of the term “Fresh Paneer” on the packaging. It stated that the claim term does not meet the conditions laid down under Schedule V governing the use of the word “fresh”.

According to the regulator, the label “Fresh Paneer” is liable to mislead consumers because it does not satisfy the prescribed criteria for using the term.

La Casa Vegan Chocolate Spread Accused Of Misleading Claims

FSSAI also issued a notice to Dia Foods over its La Casa Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, alleging that several claims displayed on the packaging could mislead consumers. Among the claims questioned are:

• "All Natural"

• "100% Organic"

• "Vegan"

The regulator further pointed out that the product uses the phrase "100% Organic & Vegan”, which could be misleading as it has not obtained approvals like organic and vegan food.

Further, according to FSSAI, the packaging does not display the mandatory organic certification marks, including the Jaivik Bharat logo required under Indian regulations.

It also objected to its use of “100%” as the food regulatory body has stated that it cannot be defined under FSS Act, 2006.

Also read: Popular Biscuit Brand Under FSSAI Scrutiny For Misleading ‘100% Atta’ & ‘No Added Sugar’ Claims

Cipzer Nutraceutical Also Got Served

A third notice was issued to Cipzer Nutraceuticals over its juice capsules. FSSAI said the product carries claims that violate food labelling and advertising regulations.

In its notice, it said that the product carried the claim “FSSAI-approved” which could imply that FSSAI specifically endorsed it.

Other reasons listed in the complaint stated that the product boasted of claims like “Boost your immune system” and “remove toxins from your body”, which had no scientific backing. It also said the product’s packaging depicted pictures of various vegetables that were listed in the ingredient list.

The regulatory body added that the product also claimed the presence of Vitamin C and Vitamin E but failed to substantiate it scientifically.

The makers also claimed that the capsules are “made from organic vegetables”. FSSAI said that it could mislead the consumers as it does not carry the prescribed organic certification, including Jaivik Bharat Logo.

FSSAI’s Recent Crackdowns

The latest notices are part of FSSAI's ongoing crackdowns against misleading food claims. In recent weeks, the regulator has issued notices to several food companies over the use of terms like “100%,” “healthy,” “organic,” “natural,” and “fresh” as they do not comply with food labelling and advertising regulations.

The regulator has maintained that such claims can influence consumer purchasing decisions and must be scientifically substantiated and legally compliant.

Prominent brands that faced FSSAI scrutiny includes Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo – Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products – Campa Energy Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, Coca-Cola-backed Monster, Eat Fit Digestive Biscuits, Emami (Healthy & Tasty), Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B Foods, and Neuherbs.

Violation Of Food Safety In India

Also read: FSSAI Tightens Food Safety Norms, Mandates Food-Grade Knives, Cutting Tools

HealthandMe had reported food contamination from Indore's Bhagirathpura, the same place that was the epicenter of water contamination that claimed many lives. HealthandMe also reported the news of Horlicks adulteration in Odisha.

In another news, bacteria were found in Amul milk packages, along with Mother Dairy and Country Delight. Eggoz, too, landed in a controversy, when a YouTube video went viral claiming that the sample tested positive for Nitrofuran.

MicrobioTx, a Bengaluru-based gut health startup, tested samples from urban populations across 9 Indian states and 14 cities and found that people are significantly exposed to pesticides, insecticides, antibiotics, steroidal growth regulators, and forever chemicals.

The independent study reported the following findings:

• 78% were exposed to pesticide residues, with 36% exposed to three or more pesticides, indicating cumulative exposure that may pose serious health risks.

• 54% showed presence of antibiotics, linked to antimicrobial resistance, harder-to-treat infections, and disruption of the gut microbiome that may contribute to metabolic disorders.

• 39% were exposed to steroids, compounds that may cause endocrine disruption, and increased carcinogenic risk.

• 38% tested positive for forever chemicals, persistent toxins that may cause cancer risk, reduced fertility, thyroid disease, hormone suppression, high cholesterol, liver damage, and ulcerative colitis.

• 17% of the samples had 10 or more toxins in their blood across 3 categories, indicating hidden chronic exposure.

The cyclospora parasite outbreak in the US is continuing to grow, with cases nearing 900, according to local health officials.

While infections have been reported in about 18 states, Michigan and Ohio continue to see the highest number of cases of the intestinal infection.

As of July 6, 678 cases of cyclosporiasis had been confirmed, an official from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) told ABC News. This is an increase from roughly 300 cases reported last week. The state annually records up to 50 cases, but the current outbreak is about 13.5 times higher than average.

According to Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, an infectious disease physician, epidemiologist, and the chief medical executive for the state of Michigan, the figure is a "moving target," meaning cases are likely to continue rising.

"There is a significant lag time between exposure to contaminated produce or contaminated materials and development of symptoms," she told ABC News. "So it can take a week, sometimes even two weeks between exposure and development of symptoms."

In Ohio, there were 177 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 2, Ken Gordon, press secretary for the Ohio Department of Health's communications office, was quoted as saying.

Cases have been confirmed across 43 counties in Ohio so far this year, according to Gordon. Nearly 171 cases have been reported since June 20.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 cases had been detected in 17 states since May 1, excluding Michigan, as of June 16, with at least 20 people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The CDC said cases ranged in age from 5 to 86 years, with a median age of 42. About 61 per cent of patients were female.

So far, no cases have been linked between states, and health officials are still investigating whether there is a common source of the outbreak in Michigan.

Also read: Cyclospora Parasite Spreads to More US States: Foods to Avoid Right Now

How to Prevent Cyclospora Infection

The CDC recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Produce labeled "prewashed" does not need to be washed again.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces and is not spread directly from person to person.

According to Dr. Darien Sutton, an emergency medicine physician, proper handwashing is very important.

"This type of parasite doesn't easily go away with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. So, good old handwashing is really key here," said the ABC News medical correspondent.

What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Read More: Bryan Johnson Blames Sugary Cereals, Soda and Stress for His Autoimmune Disease; Shares Treatment Plan

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a form of food poisoning.

People can become infected through contaminated food or water. The infection causes watery diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms.

A Cyclospora infection can be mild or severe and may last for weeks or even months. It is typically treated with antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are at greater risk of severe disease.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually begin within a week of exposure to contaminated food or water and include:

• Watery or explosive diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting.