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.

Vanessa Hudgens at the age of 36 is a mother again. She welcomed her second baby with husband Cole Tucker. The news was announced on Instagram on Saturday, where she shared a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed, holding Tucker's hand.

She wrote: "Well…. I did it. Had another baby!! What a wild ride labor is. Big shout out to all the moms. It’s truly incredible what our bodies can do ❤️."

This month itself, Catherine Paiz revealed that she was pregnant with her fourth baby at the age of 35.

These news of celebrity pregnancy after 30 spark the spotlight on late motherhood and how safe it really is?

What Does The Data Tell Us On The Trend Of Late Motherhood?

The average age of mothers in the US have continued to rise, a new report released on June 13 by the National Vital Statistic System (NVSS), provides the shift in age trends between 2016 and 2023. The study, conducted by Andrea D. Brown, Ph.D., M.P.H., and her colleagues at the National Center for Health Statistics.

The researchers found a clear increase in the mean age of mothers at the time of their first birth. In 2016, the average age of a first-time mother was 26.6 years. By 2023, this had risen to 27.5 years — nearly a full year’s difference in just seven years.

But the trend isn’t limited to first-time mothers. In Paiz's case, she is having her fourth child at 35.

Is Late Pregnancy Healthy?

The National Institute of Health (NIH), US (2022), 20% of women in the US are now having their first child after the age of 35. While it is the new trend, the NIH doctor Dr Alan Decherney, a fertility expert explains that "As women age, they are still fertile, but their odds of pregnancy are decreased because they are not making as many good eggs that will fertile and divide normally and turn out to be an embryo."

After age 30, a woman's fertility decreases ever year, notes the NIH July 2022 issue. It notes: "The number and quality of her eggs goes down until she reaches menopause."

However, experts do point out that getting pregnant in your 30s need not be a stressful affair at all times. As it is at this age when you experience more stability, and also someone you know who have a personal experience in handling one. Most important, you are more mature at this age, which you may not be in your 20s.

What Must You Keep In Mind If You Plan Pregnancy After 30?

Quit Habits: If you are a smoker, or consume alcohol, this is a good time to leave it.

Reduce Stress: While pregnancy for some can bring stress, try to find activities that help you release it.

Healthy Weight: Ensure that your weight is right, reduce your waist to bring it to a healthy range for a healthy pregnancy.

Food Habits: Stop eating junk and start eating more whole grains.

Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can impact negatively on the child. You do not have to do HIIT, however, regular easy workouts can make both the pregnancy and delivery easy.

Dr Michelle Y Owens, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and a practicing maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, writes for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that "the longer your eggs have been around, the more likely they are to produce a pregnancy with a chromosome problem that can lead to a condition like Down syndrome. The risk goes up significantly after 35." However, she says, there is a good news. Now, we have tools to detect and respond to pregnancy complications early.

For many women, fertility can feel like a ticking clock, whether you’re planning to start a family soon or considering delaying pregnancy. One of the most useful tools for understanding your fertility potential is the AMH test, which measures the Anti-Müllerian Hormone in your blood.

But one question that often comes up is: “How often should I get my AMH levels checked?”

In this blog, we’ll break it down, explore what AMH tells you about your fertility, and provide practical guidance for testing frequency.

What Is AMH and Why Does It Matter?

AMH is a hormone produced by small follicles in the ovaries. Its levels reflect your ovarian reserve, essentially the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries. While it doesn’t measure egg quality, AMH is a reliable indicator of egg quantity, making it a critical part of fertility assessments.

Key points about AMH:

• Stable throughout the cycle: Unlike hormones like FSH, AMH can be measured on any day of the menstrual cycle.

• Predictive of ovarian reserve: Higher levels indicate more eggs; lower levels suggest fewer eggs.

• Useful for planning: AMH helps women understand fertility potential, guide IVF treatment, or decide whether to freeze eggs.

However, it’s important to remember that AMH is just one piece of the puzzle. Egg quality, age, lifestyle, and overall reproductive health also play crucial roles in fertility.

Factors That Affect AMH Levels

AMH levels vary from woman to woman and can be influenced by several factors:

Typical AMH Levels by Age

Here’s a general guide to what AMH levels mean at different ages:

How Often Should You Check Your AMH?

There is no universal answer, as testing frequency depends on your age, fertility goals, and medical history. Here’s a practical guide:

Women Planning Pregnancy Soon

Under 35 and healthy: A single AMH test may be sufficient to establish a baseline.

Considering IVF or egg freezing: Your doctor may recommend repeating the test every 6–12 months to track ovarian response.

Women Over 35 or With Fertility Concerns

AMH declines more rapidly after 35, so annual testing is often advised.

Women with known fertility risks (e.g., endometriosis, previous ovarian surgery) may need testing every 6–12 months.

Women With PCOS

AMH is often elevated, which can mask fertility issues.

Testing may be less frequent unless undergoing fertility treatment.

Women Undergoing Fertility Treatments

AMH testing may be repeated every cycle to tailor medication dosage and predict egg retrieval numbers.

AMH and Fertility Planning

AMH levels can guide several important decisions:

Practical Tips for AMH Testing

• Consistency: Always use the same lab for follow-up tests when possible.

• Complementary tests: Combine AMH with antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound for a complete picture.

• Lifestyle matters: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol to support fertility.

• Consult a specialist: AMH results should always be interpreted by a fertility expert who can guide next steps.

By discussing your results with a fertility specialist at advanced centers like Birla Fertility & IVF, you can make informed, personalized decisions about family planning, IVF, or egg freezing.

Limitations of AMH Testing

While AMH is valuable, it has its limits:

• Doesn’t measure egg quality: Older women may have a lower chance of conception even with normal AMH.

• Can fluctuate slightly: Lab differences and health conditions can cause variations.

• Not a guarantee of conception: AMH indicates quantity, but pregnancy depends on many factors.

Conclusion

AMH testing is a powerful tool for understanding ovarian reserve and guiding fertility decisions, but it’s not a standalone predictor of fertility. For most women, testing every 6–12 months is sufficient, with more frequent testing only in specific circumstances.

By knowing your AMH levels and consulting with a fertility specialist at centers like Birla Fertility & IVF, you can make proactive, informed choices about your reproductive health. Fertility may not wait for life to line up perfectly, but with the right guidance and planning, you can take steps toward your family goals with confidence.

Remember, AMH testing is a guide, not a verdict. It’s one step in understanding your fertility journey and making empowered decisions about your future.

In a study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham, pregnant individuals who stopped taking popular GLP-1 weight loss medications either before or early in their pregnancy were found to gain more weight and face higher risks of diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

They were also more likely to deliver preterm compared with people who had never taken GLP-1 drugs. The study, published in JAMA, shows that women who had used these drugs may face increased risks of preterm birth, diabetes, and pregnancy-related high blood pressure conditions such as preeclampsia compared with those who had not taken them.

Is It Safe To Consume GLP-1 Drugs In Pregnancy?

GLP-1 medications include brands like Ozempic, Zepbound, Victoza, Trulicity, and Wegovy. They were originally developed to manage diabetes and control blood sugar but have become widely used for weight management and obesity treatment. These medicines may also help with conditions such as sleep apnea, improve heart and kidney health, and lower the risk of strokes.

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which promote weight loss by mimicking a hormone that reduces appetite.

Many people regain weight after stopping these drugs, but pregnant women are generally advised against taking them. This has raised questions about how to safely help women wean off these medications around conception without increasing other health risks linked to obesity or diabetes.

Weight Loss Drugs Before Pregnancy Linked To Greater Weight Gain

The research team, led by Dr. Jacqueline Maya, looked at health records for nearly 1,800 pregnancies between 2016 and 2025, mostly among women with obesity. They found that women who stopped GLP-1 medications before or early in pregnancy gained an average of 7.2 pounds (3.27 kilograms) more than those who had never taken these drugs.

“The popularity of weight loss drugs has grown dramatically, but guidelines recommend stopping them before pregnancy because there isn’t enough safety data for unborn babies,” said Dr. Maya, a pediatric endocrinologist at Mass General Brigham for Children, as reported by Science Direct.

Women in the GLP-1 group also had a 32% higher risk of exceeding recommended pregnancy weight gain, a 30% higher risk of developing diabetes, a 29% higher risk of hypertensive disorders, and a 34% higher chance of preterm birth. Interestingly, there were no differences in C-section rates or babies’ birth weight and length.

Dr. Camille Powe, an endocrinologist and co-author of the study, noted that more research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using GLP-1 drugs around pregnancy. “We need further studies to find ways to manage weight gain safely and reduce pregnancy risks when stopping GLP-1 medications,” Powe said, according to Science Direct.

Can You Take Ozempic Or Wegovy During Pregnancy?

Currently, there’s no safe role for GLP-1 use during pregnancy. No GLP-1 drugs are approved for expectant mothers.

Dr. Michael Snyder, MD, medical director of the Bariatric Surgery Center at Rose Medical Center and FuturHealth’s in-house obesity specialist, explains that human data on GLP-1s during pregnancy is very limited. Animal studies indicate potential risks including fetal growth restriction, pregnancy loss, and skeletal abnormalities at higher doses.

When someone takes a GLP-1 drug, their appetite changes, and it’s not yet clear how this could affect a pregnant person’s nutrition.