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.

A federally commissioned study that concluded even low levels of alcohol consumption may increase the risk of disease and premature death has now been published in a scientific journal after its findings were set aside by the Trump administration.

The study, known as the Alcohol Intake and Health Study, was commissioned as part of an effort to update the United States Dietary Guidelines. Researchers concluded that consuming as little as one alcoholic drink per day could raise the risk of serious illness and mortality.

However, the report was never officially released by the administration and later became the subject of political and industry scrutiny.

Why Was the Study Not Released?

Launched in 2023, the Alcohol Intake and Health Study was overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The review aimed to inform recommendations on alcohol consumption in the next edition of the federal dietary guidelines. But soon the study garnered controversy with some members of Congress and alcohol lobby groups arguing that scientists involved in the review held anti-alcohol views, according to Stat News.

As per a House Oversight Committee report, released in January, the study was "irretrievably flawed". It recommended that federal officials disregard its findings when drafting dietary guidance.

However, researchers involved in the project argued that the findings were sidelined because they conflicted with the interests of the alcohol industry.

What Did The Study Find?

Also read: Is There A Safe Limit For Alcohol Consumption? Major Review Challenges Long-Held Beliefs

After the federal review was shelved, researchers submitted their work independently to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, where it was published following peer review.

The published analysis concluded that even modest alcohol consumption — roughly one drink per day — is associated with increased risks of disease and death.

“These findings are not radical. They are rigorous — and commercially threatening,” wrote Robert Vincent, a former SAMHSA associate administrator for alcohol prevention and treatment policy, in an accompanying editorial.

Vincent, who helped oversee the project, lost his position during broader cuts across federal health agencies last year, the report said.

Notable, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stated that the now published article was not the same report reviewed by the government and emphasized that it was not commissioned, approved, or cleared by SAMHSA.

Alcohol Guidance Changed

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Federal officials said they reviewed a broad range of scientific evidence when updating the nation's dietary recommendations.

New dietary guidelines released in January marked a significant shift in alcohol messaging. Rather than recommending specific daily limits, the guidance now advises Americans to “consume less alcohol for better overall health.”

According to HHS, the recommendation was based on a separate scientific review rather than the SAMHSA-led report.

For the first time in 20 years, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added bemotrizinol to the list of permitted sunscreen active ingredients.

Bemotrizinol is the first new active ingredient added to the over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen monograph since the late 1990s and has been used for years in Europe and Asia.

“As promised in the Trump Administration’s MAHA Strategy Report, HHS is advancing innovation by bringing a new sunscreen ingredient to the US market for the first time in 20 years,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Bemotrizinol has been used safely in Europe for decades, and FDA’s action will increase competition and consumer confidence in sunscreen products.”

On December 11, 2025, the FDA proposed allowing the use of bemotrizinol in sunscreens. The agency finalized the action within seven months of issuing the proposed order.

Bemotrizinol is known to provide stable, long-lasting protection against both types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the skin. According to the FDA, it is also gentle enough to be used safely by young children.

What Is Bemotrizinol?

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Bemotrizinol, also known as BEMT, is a chemical sunscreen filter that absorbs both UVB and UVA rays. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, which sunscreen products are designed to block.

UVA and UVB rays affect the skin differently. UVA rays are primarily associated with tanning and skin ageing, while UVB rays are more closely linked to sunburn. UVB rays can also be partially blocked by barriers such as windows and clouds.

According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, about 95 per cent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface is UVA, while UVB accounts for the remaining 5 per cent.

Sunscreens protect the skin either by creating a physical barrier using mineral ingredients or by using chemical filters that absorb UV radiation before it reaches the skin. Bemotrizinol belongs to the latter category.

The addition of BEMT is being welcomed by many experts because options that are both highly effective and considered safe remain limited in the US sunscreen market, according to an annual report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit health and environmental advocacy organization.

Why Is Bemotrizinol Considered Beneficial?

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Bemotrizinol offers several characteristics that make it an effective sunscreen ingredient. It provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation and can achieve higher SPF protection at lower concentrations than some other commonly used sunscreen chemicals, according to Certified Laboratories and the FDA.

The ingredient is also photostable, meaning it breaks down more slowly when exposed to sunlight, helping maintain protection for longer periods. Because it is oil-soluble, it can be easily incorporated into creams and lotions.

In addition, bemotrizinol is minimally absorbed through the skin and rarely causes irritation, which is one reason the FDA considers it safe for use in children as young as six months old.

Bemotrizinol Added to OTC

Meanwhile, DSM Nutritional Products, a manufacturer submitted an OTC monograph order request seeking to add bemotrizinol, marketed as Parsol Shield, at concentrations of up to 6 per cent as a new active ingredient in the OTC sunscreen monograph.

“The FDA reviewed the request and proposed to amend the OTC monograph to add bemotrizinol as a sunscreen active ingredient,” the agency said in its announcement.

In December 2025, DSM had announced that, once approved, Parsol Shield would be available for use in sunscreen products in accordance with the monograph requirements.

According to the FDA, OTC monograph drugs such as sunscreens can enter the market without an approved drug application if they meet specific requirements, including permitted active ingredients, uses and dosage limits established under the monograph.

The FDA can modify an OTC monograph through an administrative order, and manufacturers can initiate the process by submitting an OTC monograph order request.

Remember Raghu Ram from the MTV reality show 'Roadies'? The actor and television host recently celebrated 10 years of a smoke-free life and took to Instagram to share his progress with fans. Smoking is injurious to health, and that is a known fact. It is associated with heart disease, cancer, hypertension, and even respiratory difficulties in the future. This habit can turn fatal too if one becomes addicted to nicotine. But for Raghu Ram, this journey ended 10 years ago, and he has never looked back since.

From chain smoker to now

"Iss mahine cigarette chhodkar mujhe pure 10 saal ho gaye hain. Or main aisa waise smoker nhi tha. Main peeta tha din mein 1-2 packets daily. Yani 20-40 cigarettes roz. Par maine bahut koshish ki chhodne ki, lekin addiction hoti hai, chor nhin pate hain log. Main bhi nhin chor paya tha," Raghu said in an Instagram video.

"Aisa chora ki wapas ek bhi kash nahin mara. 10 saal ho gaye hain mereko," he added.

How did Raghu Ram quit smoking?

On his podcast Mencyclopedia in 2023, Raghu Ram revealed that he once smoked 20–40 cigarettes a day for 15 years and then suddenly stopped.

"I smoked 20–40 cigarettes every day for 15 years, and then I just stopped. Cold turkey. And I had not taken a puff of a cigarette in 7 years," he said in his podcast titled How I Won the Longest Battle with My Addiction.

After trying several times to quit, Raghu Ram finally gave up smoking after marrying his wife, Natalie Di Luccio, a Canadian singer, in 2018.

Raghu Ram's 7-step guide to quitting smoking

Here is a simple seven-step guide from the former 'Roadies' host and judge:

1. Decide on a date when you want to quit smoking and announce it to everyone.
2. Overdo it a day or two before that so that you are fully disgusted by the act.
3. List all your smoking triggers in order of severity.
4. Avoid situations that can trigger you during the initial phase when you are struggling with withdrawal symptoms.
5. Once you are through the first two weeks, you can gradually put yourself in trigger situations—from least to most severe—and still manage to resist the urge to smoke.
Exercise regularly, as it makes a significant difference to your cravings.

For every person who has ever quit smoking or wanted to do it

For everyone who has ever quit smoking, the reasons may look different, but they all have two things in common: first, an addiction they are battling; and second, withdrawal symptoms to overcome. You may not be able to follow Raghu Ram's seven-step guide exactly, but his story is inspiring enough to encourage people to try quitting smoking.