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.
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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced nationwide recalls of two blood pressure medications over concerns about excess drug levels and manufacturing quality failures.
The recalls involve combination medications prescribed to manage hypertension. The FDA cited concerns that one medication may contain more of an active ingredient than specified, while the other failed quality tests that assess how quickly the drug dissolves in the body.
Also read: US FDA Recalls India-Made BP Drug For The Second Time In 3 Months: Here's Why
1. Viatris blood pressure medication: 21,620 bottles recalled
The FDA has announced a Class III recall of Viatris Inc.'s combination telmisartan and amlodipine tablets because they may contain more telmisartan than specified.
The Class III recall means the use of the affected product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
The FDA did not specify how much additional telmisartan the tablets may contain. However, the National Library of Medicine warns that an overdose of this medication could cause low blood pressure, dizziness or a rapid heart rate.
In total, 21,620 bottles of the medication have been recalled.
The recall covers 30-count bottles of telmisartan and amlodipine tablets (40 mg/5 mg) with the following lot codes:
2. Macleods Pharmaceuticals blood pressure medication: 3,744 bottles recalled
The FDA has also recalled 3,744 bottles of another combination blood pressure medication manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals.
The company first initiated the recall on October 7 over "failed dissolution specifications." This means the medication may not release its active ingredients at the required rate after being taken.
If a drug does not dissolve properly, its active ingredients may not be absorbed as intended, potentially affecting its effectiveness. In this case, the medication may not lower blood pressure as expected.
On October 26, the FDA classified the recall as Class II. This means using the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, although serious health problems are unlikely.
The recall covers:
Read More: Mounjaro, Zepbound Ingredient Recalled In US Over Sterility Concerns
The FDA advises patients not to stop taking their medication without consulting their healthcare provider, as abruptly discontinuing blood pressure treatment may pose additional health risks.
If you have any of the affected products, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on whether you should continue taking them or switch to an alternative.
For the Macleods Pharmaceuticals medication, the FDA did not issue a separate news release. Its enforcement report states that letters were sent to notify businesses and individuals who may have the affected products.
Patients should consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their medication routine.
Credit: iStock
A child recently died in Lewis County amid an ongoing measles outbreak, marking New York state's first measles-related death in more than 30 years. The New York State Department of Health and Lewis County Public Health confirmed the death in a joint statement on November 2.
Officials did not release more information about the child or the circumstances surrounding the death to protect the family's privacy.
The death comes as measles cases continue to rise across the United States. New York had recorded 178 cases in 2026 as of October 24, including eight in New York City, according to health officials.
Last month, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency. The order gave registered nurses the authority to order specimen collection and testing for measles cases.
The outbreak in New York is part of a wider resurgence of measles across the country. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 4,852 confirmed cases as of October 29, 2026, the highest annual total since 1991.
In an exclusive interview with HealthandMe, Dr Paul Offit, paediatrician and director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and former member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said that the reported number of measles cases in the US could underestimate the actual scale of transmission. “You can assume that's off by a factor of at least five."
The CDC said 96% of confirmed cases this year were linked to outbreaks. It has also reported that at least 96% of cases have occurred among people who were unvaccinated.
Declining vaccination coverage has contributed to the growing measles transmission. During the 2025-2026 school year, 92.4% of US kindergarteners had received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, below the 95% coverage level generally needed to maintain community protection.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space.
Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots called Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body.
While many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. These complications can lead to hospitalisation and, in some cases, death. Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are vulnerable to the illness.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first is given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second is recommended between four and six years.
One dose is approximately 93% effective against measles infection, while two doses are about 97% effective, according to the CDC.
Infants aged six to 11 months who live in or are travelling to areas with a high risk of measles exposure may be advised to receive an early dose. However, this dose does not replace the two routine doses recommended after the child's first birthday..
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted tentative approval to Dr. Reddy's Laboratories for the first generic version of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention. The development raises hopes of making HIV prevention more affordable in 120 low- and middle-income countries, including India.
The approval is considered “tentative”, the FDA’s standard designation for generics while the originator remains under patent.
The development comes just 16 months after Gilead Sciences received approval for its original product, marking one of the fastest timelines for a major HIV innovation.
Lenacapavir is the first twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention. Dr. Reddy's generic injection is expected to cost US$40 per person annually across the 120 eligible countries, with initial supplies expected by the end of 2026.
Calling it “a moment of immense pride”, Deepak Sapra, Chief Executive Officer, API and Services, at Dr. Reddy's, said the FDA approval validates the company's efforts to expand access to twice-yearly HIV prevention across low- and middle-income countries.
Also read: South Africa Receives 1st Batch Of HIV Prevention Medicine Lenacapavir
In October 2024, Gilead Sciences signed voluntary licensing agreements with six generic manufacturers to produce and supply low-cost versions of lenacapavir in 120 low- and middle-income countries.
The six manufacturers are:
Dr. Reddy's is the first among the six licensees to receive tentative US FDA approval. The other five companies are at various stages of product development, bioequivalence testing and regulatory filing.
At its August 11, 2026, meeting, the Indian drug regulator's Subject Expert Committee recommended waiving local Phase III clinical trials and bioequivalence studies for generic injectable lenacapavir applications submitted by Dr. Reddy's and Emcure Pharmaceuticals for PrEP.
The proposed price of approximately US$40 per person annually could make twice-yearly HIV prevention more accessible.
However, this is an indicative price for generic supplies, not a confirmed retail price in India. The eventual Indian price will depend on regulatory approval, manufacturing costs, supply capacity, competition and distribution.
Generic lenacapavir could offer people at risk of HIV an alternative to daily oral PrEP pills. Its twice-yearly dosing may help those who struggle with daily medication adherence or face stigma and barriers to healthcare access.
“For someone at risk of HIV, taking a pill every day to prevent a disease they do not have is a hard thing to ask. Two injections a year of a product that is almost 100% effective at preventing HIV changes that entirely.”
“Generic lenacapavir has the potential to transform HIV prevention, and this is a significant milestone, but an affordable drug alone is not enough,” said Professor Saiqa Mullick, Director of Implementation Science at Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, which partnered with Dr. Reddy's.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral drug developed by Gilead. For HIV prevention, it is administered as two injections in the abdomen, providing protection for six months.
People must test negative for HIV before receiving it. The drug does not treat existing HIV infections or prevent other sexually transmitted infections.
Two major clinical trials demonstrated its high efficacy. In one study involving adolescent girls and young women in South Africa and Uganda, there were zero new HIV infections among participants who received lenacapavir. A second trial involving gay men and gender-diverse individuals also demonstrated high efficacy with twice-yearly injections.
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