Eight-month-old twins from Hayward Heath, West Sussex, recently met the surgeon who saved their lives even before they were born. The BBC reports how their mother, Katerina Ahouansou, at six months pregnant, during a routine scan, uncovered a serious issue with their development and blood supply.

Doctors diagnosed the twins with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome or TTTS. It is a condition where one twin received more blood and nourishment than the other due to uneven blood vessel distribution in the placenta. In case there is no medical intervention, it could be fatal for both the twins.

A Specialist Steps In

This is when Ahouansou was referred to Professor Kypros Nicolaides at King’s College Hospital in London. Professor Nicolaides is a pioneer in fetal medicine and he specializes in a laser procedure that redistributes blood supply between twins in cases of TTTS.

When Ahouansou was scanned, Nicolaides observed that one of the twins were significantly smaller than the other. "There was a very high chance that if we did not intervene, both twins could die," he recalled.

An Operation No Less Than A Miracle

The life-saving laser surgery was performed and within a week the doctors saw an improvement with the twin who was smaller in size. When the twins were born, they weighed 1.5kg and 1.7kg. To recognize the efforts by the surgeon, Ahouansou named them Kai Kypros and Asher Nicolas after Professor Kypros Nicolaides.

Ahouansou also expressed deep gratitude for the professor's expertise and called him "proof that miracles can be performed by people who are devotees to their profession."

Professor Kypros Nicolaides has been at King’s College Hospital since 1980 and is widely regarded as a leader in fetal medicine. His groundbreaking research and development of screening and surgical techniques have saved countless lives.

Through his dedication, Professor Nicolaides has given many families hope, demonstrating how medical advancements continue to improve survival rates for complex fetal conditions like TTTS.

More about Twin-to-twin Transfusion Syndrome

As per the John Hopkins Medicine, TTTS is a rare pregnancy condition that affects identical twins or other multiples. It happens in pregnancies where twins share one placenta and a network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients essential for development in the womb. These pregnancies are known as monochorionic.

Sometimes, the blood vessels in the placenta are unevenly distributed, causing an imbalance in blood flow between the twins. The donor twin loses more blood than it receives, leading to malnutrition and potential organ failure. Meanwhile, the recipient twin gets an excess of blood, putting strain on the heart and increasing the risk of cardiac complications.

Impact on the Donor Twin

The donor twin loses blood volume (hypovolemia), reducing kidney function and urine production. This leads to low amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios) or, in severe cases, a complete absence (anhydramnios). Without proper blood circulation, the donor twin faces cardiovascular issues, increasing the risk of death.

Impact on the Recipient Twin

The recipient twin experiences excess blood volume (hypervolemia), causing increased urination and excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). The overworked heart struggles to handle the surplus blood, leading to cardiovascular dysfunction, heart failure, and, in extreme cases, death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says meningitis still remains a major public health challenge, especially when it comes to children younger than five as they face the highest mortality.

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. Bacterial meningitis is among the most severe forms which can lead serious complications and even death.

Meningitis is notorious for progressing at an alarming rate. Capable of deteriorating within hours, meningitis may not look the same in infants as it does in adults. Doctors explain why young children are vulnerable, the warning signs parents should not miss, and how vaccination can prevent some of the deadliest forms of the disease.

More than one-third of people who die from meningitis globally are children under five, according to recent estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. In 2023, meningitis caused an estimated 259,000 deaths worldwide, with around 86,600 deaths occurring among children younger than five.

On World Meningitis Day, Healthandme looked at those figures to analyse what drives the likelihood of complications among children with the help of two experts - Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman - Marengo Asia International Institute for Neuro and Spine, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram and Dr. Prabhudev Hiremath, Consultant – Paediatric Neurology, Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital.

Children Under Five More Are Vulnerable To Meningitis

Also read: Russia Plague Scare: Could It Trigger A New Pandemic? Experts Explain

Health experts stress that meningitis is not only preventable but also a medical emergency in which delays can have devastating consequences. According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, the developing immune system of young children is one of the key reasons why they are vulnerable to the infection.

He explained, "Children below five years of age and infants especially have a developing immune system that makes them susceptible to infections. There are different organisms that tend to be responsible depending on age groups. New-borns are prone to group B streptococcus, meningococcus, pneumococcus, and H.influenzae is a common cause among children."

Dr Prabhudev Hiremath explained that the vaccination gaps among infants make them more susceptible to complications. He also said that children may not present classic symptoms of meningitis as seen in adults. He added that the this difficulty in recognising meningitis in babies is particularly concerning because the disease can progress rapidly.

He said, "Their protective antibody levels are also lower, especially before the completion of the primary vaccination schedule. Certain bacteria can therefore enter the bloodstream and reach the coverings of the brain and spinal cord more easily. Meningitis in babies may not present with classical symptoms as we see in adults, which can delay recognition and treatment."

Meningitis Risk & Vaccination

Also read: Can Obeldesivir Prevent Ebola Symptoms After Exposure? Drug Trial Moves Forward As Death Toll Crosses 4,000

A significant proportion of bacterial meningitis is preventable by vaccination. WHO's global plan aims to reduce vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50% and deaths by 70% by 2030.

Vaccines targeting major bacterial causes, including pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus influenzae, have helped reduce meningitis in populations with high vaccination coverage.

Dr Gupta said, "A major portion of bacterial meningitis is vaccine-preventable, particularly for meningitis from H.influenzae type B (Hib), pneumococcus, and meningococcus. Though vaccination does not prevent all cases of meningitis, which is caused by viruses or other organisms, this method remains one of the best tools we have in order to prevent it."

He added, "Parents need to ensure that age-specific vaccinations are administered and discuss additional vaccines with their pediatrician depending on their child's risk. Pentavalent vaccine with Hib component and pneumococcal vaccination are included in the national immunization schedule of India."

Dr Hiremath also cautioned against assuming that vaccination eliminates all meningitis risk. He said, "Routine childhood immunization has dramatically reduced meningitis in countries with high vaccine coverage. However, vaccination cannot prevent every form of meningitis, so parents should not dismiss concerning symptoms simply because a child is fully vaccinated."

Meningitis Symptoms In Babies

Also read: Russia Plague Outbreak: Lab Worker Dies Of 'Unknown Infection' After Suspected Exposure; CDC Monitors The Situation

One of the biggest challenges for parents is that an infant cannot say that they have a severe headache or a stiff neck. This means parents need to watch for changes in feeding, behaviour, alertness and crying, rather than waiting for the classic symptoms seen in adults.

Dr Gupta said, "Do not wait for the symptoms of headache with neck stiffness in babies. Look out for high fever, unusual drowsiness or lethargy, irritability, continuous or unusual crying, poor feeding, repeated vomiting, convulsions, unusual behavior, or bulging fontanelle. Older children may present with fever, severe headaches, vomiting, neck stiffness, photophobia, confusion, and increased lethargy."

Meningitis Can Become Life-Threatening Within Hours

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. WHO notes that clinical deterioration can be rapid, with death potentially occurring within 24 hours without prompt treatment. Dr Gupta stressed how quickly a child's condition can change. He said that bacterial meningitis and meningococcal infection deteriorate very fast, progressing from flu-like symptoms to severe illness within hours.

He explained, "When a child presents with fever with altered behavior, extreme lethargy, convulsions, breathing difficulties, persistent vomiting, severe headaches, neck stiffness, cold hands and feet, or a rapidly developing dark or purplish rash, parents should never opt for a wait-and-watch approach. If you suspect meningitis, every minute counts. It's an emergency."

Dr Hiremath explains how a peculiar meningitis-related rash can appear, which is considered to be a major warning sign.

He said, "A non-blanching, purple or reddish rash is another major warning sign, particularly with meningococcal infection. Parents should not wait for every classical symptom to appear.

Treatment Does Not Signify A Child Has Fully Recovered

The doctors caution against assuming that after an infection is treated, the child recovers completely. WHO estimates that about one in five people affected by bacterial meningitis develop long-term complications, which can include neurological and sensory disabilities.

For children, these complications may become more apparent only as they grow and developmental or academic demands increase.

Dr Gupta said, "About one-fifth of people who have experienced the disease end up having some kind of complication. The complications may range from hearing loss, seizures, weakness and neurological issues, and intellectual disabilities. Children will have to be observed for possible speech and language problems, cognitive and learning disabilities, memory, attention, behavioral and developmental delays."

Dr Hiremath stressed that some problems may not be immediately obvious after discharge.

He said, "Not all these complications are obvious when a child leaves the hospital. Some may become apparent months later, particularly as developmental and academic demands increase. That is why regular follow-up is important after meningitis."

Dr. Gupta lists necessary tests and evaluations that must children exposed to meningitis should undergo to get timely treatment and necessary care.

"Hearing tests, neurological assessment, developmental or cognitive evaluation need to be done based on the disease and recovery. Early intervention and proper education may prove to be very important. WHO particularly emphasizes care, support and aftercare of those who have been through meningitis as a part of its 2030 strategy," explains Dr. Gupta.

The 2023 analysis estimated 259,000 meningitis deaths worldwide. Children under five accounted for more than one-third of them. Doctors urge that vaccination remains one of the strongest tools for preventing serious bacterial meningitis, but recognising symptoms early remains crucial.

Shoko Kawata, Japan’s first mayor to take maternity leave, has been named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential rising stars.

The 35-year-old mayor of Yawata City in Kyoto Prefecture sparked a national debate, earlier this year, after announcing she would take maternity leave following the birth of her first child. Her decision came as Japan struggles with declining birth rates and efforts to support women in work and public life.

“I was so surprised because the reaction was so big,” Kawata told the BBC.

Kawata gave birth to a baby girl on September 15. Her decision drew both support and criticism, with some praising her for making it easier for women to enter politics, while critics questioned whether elected officials should step away from public duties after childbirth.

Kawata Took Maternity Leave To Shape Policies

Also read: GLP-1 Drugs Ozempic, Zepbound Use Rises 24-Fold Among American Women After Childbirth

Kawata defended her decision, saying women should not have to choose between public office and starting a family.

“If we were to criticise politicians taking maternity leave, it means we are effectively excluding all women in their 20s through 40s - women who are capable of becoming pregnant - from public office,” she told the BBC.

Japan provides maternity leave for municipal employees, but there is no specific legal framework for local elected officials. Kawata therefore worked with her office to arrange a 16-week transfer of authority to Deputy Mayor Shigeto Nose, while planning to work remotely when possible.

After giving birth, Kawata said her experience as a new mother would also shape the policies she pursues.

“I want to confront the many challenges facing parents and children today from that same perspective, as someone living through them myself,” she wrote on X.

Why Postpartum Recovery Matters For Working Women

Kawata’s experience also highlights the physical and emotional demands women face after childbirth.

While attention often shifts to the newborn, mothers also need adequate rest, nutrition, medical care and emotional support. For working women, pressure to return to work can add to the challenges of postpartum recovery.

The World Health Organization says the first six weeks after childbirth are a critical period for both mothers and babies, with a large proportion of maternal and infant deaths occurring during the postnatal period.

What Happens To The Body After Childbirth?

Read More: Lessons From The Lindsay Clancy Case: Can Families Spot Early Signs Of Postpartum Psychosis?

After delivery, the uterus gradually contracts back towards its pre-pregnancy size, which can cause cramping. Women can also experience postpartum bleeding and discharge, known as lochia, for several weeks.

Hormonal changes, particularly the rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone, can affect mood. Breast engorgement, nipple sensitivity and pelvic-floor changes can also occur, sometimes causing urinary leakage or discomfort.

Postpartum Mental Health Also Matters

New mothers are also adjusting to sleep disruption, feeding and the demands of caring for a baby.

Many women experience the “baby blues,” a temporary period of mood changes after childbirth. This is different from postpartum depression, which is more severe and can last longer.

Adequate rest, practical support, medical follow-up and mental-health care can all play an important role in postpartum recovery.

Unsafe sleep factors, including soft bedding, sharing a sleep surface with another person or animal, and sleeping on a surface other than a crib or bassinet, were identified in 73% of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) cases in the US, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

SUID includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed, and deaths from unknown causes. In 2024, SUID claimed the lives of about 3,400 babies in the US.

Even after decades of public health efforts to promote safer sleep practices, sleep-related deaths remain a major cause of infant mortality.

What Did The CDC Report Find?

Also read: Baby Dies At 14 Months From Ultra-Rare Disorder Affecting Just 50 People Worldwide: What Is TBCD Leukodystrophy?

The report analyzed 4,861 SUID cases recorded between 2020 and 2024 across 31 US jurisdictions.

The CDC found that 73% of the deaths involved at least one unsafe sleep factor. These included:

• 78% involved soft bedding.
• 75% occurred on a sleep surface other than a crib or bassinet.
• 59% involved sharing a sleep surface with another person or animal.
• 46% of infants were found sleeping on their stomach or side rather than on their back.
• 28% had documented full airway obstruction involving the nose and mouth, neck, or chest.

These categories could overlap, meaning an infant could have had more than one unsafe sleep factor.

Most SUIDs Occurred In Young Infants

The CDC found that most deaths occurred among infants who were:

• 0–3 months old: 66%
• Male: 57%
• Black or African American: 38%
• White: 37%
• Born at 37 weeks or later: 74%
• Insured by Medicaid: 69%

What Is A Safe Sleep Environment?

Read More: Rare Pregnancy Infections Linked To 3-Fold Higher Autism Risk: What Is TORCH?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

The AAP recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep, using a firm, non-inclined sleep surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and avoiding soft bedding and overheating.

It also recommends human milk feeding, avoiding exposure to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs, routine immunization, and pacifier use as measures associated with lower SIDS risk.

“Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep. Tummy time is important for developing strength and motor skills, but it should take place only when the baby is awake and being actively supervised,” Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, was quoted as saying by CNN.

Once babies can roll from their backs to their stomachs and back again on their own, parents do not need to keep repositioning them during sleep. However, they should still place babies on their backs at the start of every sleep.

What Should Be In A Baby’s Crib?

Wen recommends that the crib should be empty or nearly empty. Parents should use a firm mattress covered with a fitted sheet and avoid pillows, blankets, quilts, bumper pads, and other soft objects.

If parents are concerned about the baby getting cold, they can use a wearable blanket or well-fitting sleep clothing instead of a loose blanket.

Room-Sharing Is Recommended, Not Bed-Sharing

The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, ideally for at least the first six months.

This means keeping the baby’s crib or bassinet close to the parents’ bed for easier feeding and comforting, while ensuring the baby sleeps on a separate surface.