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.

Scientists and clinicians are cautioning the public not to mix two widely used over-the-counter medicines, warning that pairing them can put unnecessary strain on the body. Their appeal comes shortly after Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr made headlines with remarks about Tylenol and autism, a claim that experts have repeatedly dismissed.

The current concern is different. Physicians are asking people to avoid taking Tylenol and NyQuil together, even though they are sold for separate purposes. Tylenol is meant for general pain and fever, while NyQuil is marketed to ease cold and flu symptoms at night. Both contain acetaminophen, which means the doses can add up more quickly than people realize.

Tylenol Warning: Why Doctors Are Urging Caution

Dr Brynna Connor told Parade that many adults unintentionally take far more than the recommended daily amount. She explained that four thousand milligrams is the absolute upper limit for healthy adults, but she encourages most patients to stay well below three thousand. Going beyond that threshold, even briefly, can damage the liver. According to her, people often double up on acetaminophen without recognizing how fast it can lead to liver failure.

As per Healthline, the body can process acetaminophen safely, but only within a defined range. Exceeding it places stress on the liver, especially when multiple medications contain the same ingredient.

Dr Parth Bhavsar added that combining NyQuil with Benadryl can also lead to trouble. Both products include diphenhydramine, which may cause heavy drowsiness, slower breathing, confusion, dizziness, or difficulty urinating when taken together. He noted that these combinations can increase the risk of falls or memory lapses.

Tylenol And Autism Claims by President Trump and RFK Jr

The advisories come months after Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr held a joint media briefing in which they suggested that Tylenol use during pregnancy might raise the likelihood of autism in newborns. Their statements drew widespread criticism from experts.

During the briefing, Trump struggled to pronounce “acetaminophen” and claimed the drug posed a “very increased risk of autism,” a statement that has not been supported by scientific research. A new analysis by researchers in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia reviewed nine major summaries of existing studies, including work Trump had referenced. Their conclusion was that there is no clear evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism or ADHD.

The group also pointed out that many reviews had gaps in their methods or did not fully adjust for genetic and environmental factors. When those variables were accounted for, the suggested connection between Tylenol and autism weakened or disappeared.

What Is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen, known in many places as paracetamol and sold under names such as Tylenol and Panadol, is a common non-prescription medicine used to reduce fever and ease mild to moderate pain. It works as an analgesic and a fever reducer. It is different from drugs like ibuprofen because it does not address inflammation. As per the Food and Drug Administration.

What Major Medical Groups Say

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists responded to the findings, saying the results were consistent with what the organization has long maintained. According to a spokesperson, available research does not show a causal link between responsible acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism or other developmental conditions. In other words, the organization does not see enough evidence to support claims made by Trump or Kennedy.

A resident of Washington has been admitted to the hospital after contracting a type of bird flu that has never been seen in humans before, the Washington State Health Department reported.

Since 2024, the United States has recorded 70 human bird flu cases, all caused by the highly contagious H5N1 strain. The current case involves the H5N5 strain, marking the first time this variant has been detected in a person in the U.S.

Experts say the H5N5 strain does not appear to pose a higher risk to humans compared with the more common H5N1.

The patient, an older adult with underlying health issues, had contact with wild birds from a backyard flock, according to CBS News. The individual experienced high fever, confusion, and breathing difficulties, as reported by Scripps News.

What Is The New H5N5 Strain Detected In US?

A resident of Grays Harbor who was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms in early November has tested positive for influenza A H5, a type of bird flu. Further testing identified the virus as H5N5, a strain previously seen in animals but never before in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health currently say the risk to the public from this avian flu is low.

The patient, an older adult with pre-existing health conditions, remains in the hospital. They keep a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry, which had contact with wild birds. These domestic and wild birds are the most likely sources of the infection, though public health officials are continuing their investigation. The Washington State Department of Health is coordinating with the local health department and the Department of Agriculture to complete studies on exposure and animal health.

How Does Bird Flu Spread?

Bird flu usually spreads through direct contact with infected animals, especially poultry and sometimes dairy cattle. People can catch the virus when they come into contact with bodily fluids like saliva, feces, or respiratory droplets from these animals. The virus can enter the body if someone touches these fluids and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. It’s also possible to get infected by breathing in tiny dust particles from areas where infected animals live.

Public Health Guidance For Bird Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health consider the risk of avian influenza to the general public to be low. People who work with or come into recreational contact with infected birds, cattle, or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals face a higher risk and should take precautions. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and fluid-resistant clothing or coveralls.

Backyard poultry owners should avoid touching sick or dead birds and report any illness to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Veterinarians should report any domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza.

People should also avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report such cases to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. Pets should never be allowed near dead birds or wildlife.

Avoid consuming raw or undercooked products like unpasteurized milk or raw cheeses, and do not feed these to pets.

It is particularly important for those exposed to sick birds to get a seasonal flu vaccine. While it does not prevent bird flu, the vaccine reduces the risk of contracting both human and avian influenza at the same time. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.

In another MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) meetings, Vice President JD Vance said that he thinks Ibuprofen, a common pain medication, is 'useless'. While speaking at the MAHA summit in Washington DC on November 12, along side the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, Vance talked about "the one way" he is "more instinctively MAHA".

He was here making a reference to Trump's administration's Make America Healthy Again. This is an initiative led by Kennedy.

This is when Vance said, "If I have like, you know, a back sprain, or I slept weird and I woke up with back pain, I don't want to take Ibuprofen." He said that he does not like taking medications. "I don't like taking anything unless I absolutely have to. And I think that is another MAHA style attitude. It is not anti-medication, it is anti-useless-medication," he said.

His remarks has made with many experts criticizing it. This is not the first time the MAHA flag bearers have faced criticism for their 'MAHA attitudes' and opinions. Earlier the connection between Tylenol, another popular pain medication and autism was also faced with criticism, with expert commenting on why the link is not correct.

In fact, Kennedy, who is leading the MAHA initiative has had a long history of being anti-vaccination and medication, which also includes refusing to promote the measles vaccines amid a measles surge. He also announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would no longer recommend children and pregnant women get COVID vaccines, and the reason he cited was "common sense".

What Does Ibuprofen Do In Your Body?

Many widely used painkillers contain ibuprofen, a medication known for easing pain, reducing inflammation, and lowering fever. It works by blocking certain natural chemicals in the body that trigger swelling and discomfort.

When someone is injured or unwell, the body produces chemicals that heighten nerve sensitivity, making pain feel more intense. Painkillers help slow this process by reducing the production of these chemicals, preventing nerves from sending strong pain signals to the brain, ultimately helping the person feel relief.

Ibuprofen’s main role is to reduce inflammation and soothe pain. By limiting the chemicals that cause discomfort, it also decreases redness and heat in the affected area. This is why it is commonly recommended for muscle spasms and sprains, as noted in a 2015 study in the National Library of Medicine.

The medication also acts on the hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature-regulation center, helping to bring down fever. The same 2015 study suggests that some painkillers may suppress certain immune responses, which can worsen inflammation but make the brain perceive less pain, creating an overall calming effect.