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 US is seeing a significant rise in measles cases, with three deaths reported among unvaccinated people in Pennsylvania. The surge has also raised concerns about the country’s measles elimination status and whether people who have already been vaccinated can still catch the highly infectious virus.

While two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent measles by up to 97%, breakthrough infections can still occur. Pennsylvania has reported four measles cases among people who were fully vaccinated this year.

What Happened In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is among the worst-hit states, with the measles virus having sickened 676 people, with the state adding 108 cases in the last seven days.

Although the US CDC is yet to update its website, Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed three deaths — two babies and one adult.

But more concerning is the fact that four residents who were fully vaccinated against measles have fallen ill with the virus this year.

According to health officials, of the four individuals, three are adults and one is a child. None of them were hospitalized.

While measles infection among vaccinated individuals is unusual, cases can occur as community transmission rises and overall case numbers increase, they said.

“As community transmission rises and our overall case numbers increase, we see a handful of people who were vaccinated will get measles,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said, LancasterOnline reported.

However, measles is not expected to be as severe in people who are vaccinated.

“Their illness will be much more mild and less likely to cause serious illness than if they had not received two vaccines,” Dr. Pia Fenimore, chief and vice chair of pediatrics at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, was quoted as saying to LancasterOnline.

How Effective Is The MMR Vaccine?

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants. The first dose is given at age 12-15 months, followed by a second dose between ages 4-6 years.

The measles vaccine is 97% effective when a person receives two doses. However, three out of 100 people who have received both doses of the MMR vaccine will get measles if exposed, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Among people who have received one dose of the vaccine, seven out of 100 will get measles following an exposure.

Can Measles Vaccine Effectiveness Wane?

The measles vaccine is safe, and most people can receive it. Exceptions include people who have had allergic reactions or those with a weakened immune system.

“Adults and children who are immunocompromised due to cancer or other illnesses should be very careful since these treatments and conditions can weaken the efficacy of their vaccines,” Dr. Fenimore said.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), most vaccinated adults are immune to measles and do not need further vaccines.

People born before 1957 likely had measles disease and developed lifelong immunity, and do not need MMR vaccines.

Those vaccinated between 1963 and 1968 may have received a measles vaccine that was found to have lower effectiveness. Those who have received two doses of the measles vaccine are not considered to be at risk.

How Big Is The Measles Outbreak In The US?

As per the CDC, there have been 3,294 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States so far in 2026.

There have been 38 new outbreaks reported this year, with 95% of confirmed cases associated with outbreaks — 1,748 from outbreaks that started in 2026 and 1,375 from outbreaks that started in 2025.

For comparison, a total of 2,289 confirmed measles cases were reported in the US during the full year of 2025.

Being infected with SARS-CoV-2 two or more times may be associated with a higher likelihood of developing new health conditions. According to a study published in Canada Communicable Disease Report, repeated COVID-19 infections were associated with higher odds of new diagnoses, including respiratory, back and mental health problems.

It is well known that pre-existing health conditions can increase the risk of severe COVID-19. But the new research suggests that the relationship between COVID-19 and chronic health conditions may run in both directions.

The findings reinforce “the continued importance of public health efforts to prevent infection,” the researchers said.

What Are The Newer Health Risks?

For the study, researchers from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada analysed data collected between April 2022 and June 2023 from nearly 9,000 respondents to the Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey and Follow-up Questionnaire.

Also read: COVID-19 Rising In 35 US States: Sore Throat, Diarrhea Among Key Symptoms

Nearly 50% of participants reported having one COVID-19 infection, while about 20% reported two or more infections.

The researchers found that people who reported two or more infections had 76% higher odds of receiving a new diagnosis than those who reported no infections.

The new health conditions included:

• Respiratory conditions
• Cardiovascular conditions
• High blood pressure
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Arthritis
• Back problems
• Sleep apnea
• Mental health conditions

Respiratory Diagnoses Had The Strongest Association

People with repeat infections had five times the odds of receiving a respiratory diagnosis and nearly four times the odds of developing back problems.

Participants who experienced acute symptoms that interfered with daily activities during their first infection were also 63% more likely to receive a new diagnosis.

Those who experienced symptoms three or more months after an infection had more than three times the odds of receiving a new diagnosis.

The researchers cautioned that the health information was self-reported, which means participants may not have accurately remembered the severity of their symptoms.

In addition, some people who reported having no infections may have had asymptomatic or undiagnosed COVID-19.

“Continued investigation into the long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections, particularly reinfections, and the biological, behavioral and systemic factors that may mediate the effects of these infections is needed,” said the researchers in the paper.

“Such investigations could assist healthcare practitioners in tailoring COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and post-COVID-19 monitoring for new health conditions and guide public health practice and messaging when promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake and personal protective measures (e.g., masking) to prevent and minimize the severity of infections, as well as the potential development of new health conditions,” they added.

COVID Status Worldwide

Global COVID-19 transmission has experienced a distinct late-summer wave through August and September 2026. Several countries, including Canada, the US, South Korea and Japan, have reported increased COVID-19 activity.

The current circulation includes variants such as XFG (Stratus), BA.3.2 (Cicada), LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus). The continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of repeat infections make research into the longer-term health effects of reinfection particularly relevant.

Nearly 3 in 4 US adults felt very tired or exhausted on at least some days, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey.

The report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) analyzed data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey, which included approximately 27,000 adults aged 18 and older.

Fatigue is generally defined as physical or mental tiredness or exhaustion that does not improve with additional sleep or rest.

However, it should be distinguished from sleepiness, which is the experience of feeling drowsy or having difficulty staying awake, the report stated.

How Common Is Fatigue Among US Adults?

• 28.5% never felt very tired or exhausted.
• 54.9% felt very tired or exhausted on “some days.”
• 10.7% felt this way on “most days.”
• 5.9% felt very tired or exhausted “every day.”

About 1 in 6 adults experienced frequent fatigue, defined as feeling very tired or exhausted on “most days” or “every day.”

Also read: That 3 PM Energy Crash May Be More Than Work Stress: Are You Missing Key Nutrients?

Who Is Most Affected?

• Women were more likely than men to report frequent fatigue (20% vs. 13%).
• American Indian and Alaska Native adults had the highest rate of frequent fatigue (25.5%), followed by White adults (18%), Black adults (17.3%) and Hispanic adults (12.9%). Asian adults had the lowest rate (9.1%).
• Frequent fatigue was highest among adults aged 18–34 years (19.5%) and lowest among those aged 65 and older (12.9%).

What Other Difficulties Are Linked To Frequent Fatigue?

The report showed that among adults with frequent fatigue, 69.6% reported symptoms of anxiety, 46.1% reported cognition difficulty and 45% reported symptoms of depression.

Compared with adults without frequent fatigue, those with frequent fatigue were more than three times as likely to have symptoms of depression, more than twice as likely to have cognition difficulty and twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety.

How Does Fatigue Affect Daily Life?

Read More: AI Analysed 400,000 Reddit Posts About Ozempic And Mounjaro And Found 2 Unusual Side-Effects Worth Noting

Fatigue also affected work and social activities, with 36% of adults with frequent fatigue reporting work limitations, compared with 15.3% of those without frequent fatigue.

Meanwhile, 16.2% of adults with frequent fatigue reported some difficulty with social activities, compared with 5.3% of those without frequent fatigue.

Another 12.8% reported a lot of difficulty with social activities or said they could not engage in them at all, compared with 2.6% of adults without frequent fatigue.

What Experts Say About Fatigue

“Fatigue is one of the most frequently reported health concerns in primary care,” Natalie A.E. Young, the report’s author, said.

She added that people who report regular fatigue “are at higher risk of activity limitations and disability, including permanent work disability,” while pointing out that there had not been much attention to the frequency of general fatigue symptoms in the US adult population.

While fatigue symptoms can be associated with various conditions, Young noted that some may not be linked to a specific medical condition.

“Stress can cause surges in hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can wear a body down. That increasing stress contributes to an uptick in fatigue,” Jennifer Caspari, a clinical psychologist licensed in Denver and Vancouver, British Columbia, was quoted as saying to NBC News.