Vanishing Twin Syndrome: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
The conception of a human being is a process that can develop differently in each case, since each person has characteristics that make them unique and unrepeatable. For this reason, the controls carried out during pregnancy are essential to evaluate the conditions in which the fetus is developing.
Likewise, although this is a period that normally arouses happiness for many couples, it can also become a sad stage full of frustrations in certain situations. An example of this would be cases of gestation of twin children subject to obstacles that complicate the pregnancy, such as the death of one of the twins in the womb. In this PsychologyFor article, we will tell you what the Vanishing twin syndrome: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment
Vanishing twin syndrome consists of loss of one of the embryos during pregnancy, while the other continues in the process of development to be born. This process occurs in the uterus as a consequence of a spontaneous abortion when the placenta absorbs the embryo.
Causes of vanishing twin syndrome
One of the most important aspects to take into account when we talk about vanishing twin syndrome is to find the origins of this problem. Likewise, it should be noted that this syndrome does not occur voluntarily, but rather responds to other specific factors. Next, we will talk about them:
Genetic factors
At a general level, the absence of the hormone called chorionic gonadotropin can influence this type of situation. This hormone stimulates the production of eggs and other sex hormones and is responsible for maintaining pregnancies in fertile women.
Other aspects such as abnormalities in the placenta or certain chromosomes They may also be some of the vanishing twin syndrome.
Psychological factors
Although this is not completely proven, unconscious desires to have only one child may arise during pregnancy, which can cause the miscarriage of one of the babies. On the other hand, the mother’s upbringing and its traumatic experiences They may also be linked to this problem.
Symptoms of vanishing twin syndrome
There are some manifestations at a physiological, emotional level and behavior in vanishing twin syndrome. Detecting these symptoms can help when establishing strategies to treat this problem. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that there may be women who do not present symptoms that indicate the presence of vanishing twin syndrome.
Next, we will show you the main symptoms of the most relevant vanishing twin syndrome:
Colic.
Bleeding.
Contractions.
Bag break.
Fever.
Abdominal pains.
Unforeseen pains.
Feeling of weakness.
Distress.
Apathy.
Sadness.
Even so, the isolated presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you suffer from vanishing twin syndrome. For this reason, it is essential that the diagnosis be carried out by a health professional specialized in the area who evaluates the clinical characteristics of each person.
Consequences of vanishing twin syndrome
The appearance of vanishing twin syndrome has effects that can affect pregnant women and many of them remain marked after these episodes. In this section we show you some consequences of vanishing twin syndrome:
If it occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a good chance that there will be no adverse effects on the other baby.
If there are heart failures in one of the fetuses, a decrease in blood pressure
The surviving fetus can send blood to the deceased via the placenta.
The absence of oxygen can cause injuries to body tissues and organs
Treatment of vanishing twin syndrome
Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment that can prevent vanishing twin syndrome, since, as we mentioned previously, the causes of vanishing twin syndrome respond to organic factors linked to genetics.
However, it is possible establish psychological support that allows you to cope with this type of situation in a more enjoyable way using specific tools for each person. Contact with health professionals from the branches of medicine and psychology will allow you to approach this period with greater strength. Given this, it is important to carry out medical studies to detect important anomalies. The two treatments to take into account are:
Psychological therapy
Therapy is a space that invites personal reflection near situations that cause distress, discomfort or uncertainty. In this type of case, and given the seriousness of the matter, emotional support is essential to help overcome the loss.
Medical evaluation
This branch of medicine studies the characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body and allows us to find out if she suffers from vanishing twin syndrome by observing the fetuses. Likewise, other factors such as woman’s age, previous pregnancies, pre-existing diseases and family history may also be linked in vanishing twin syndrome.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Vanishing twin syndrome: what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment we recommend that you enter our Neurosciences category.
Bibliography
Apaza Jaime, AL, Toro Torres, JL (2017). Vanishing twin syndrome. International Journal on Maternal Fetal Health – Yo Obstetra, 1 (1), 19-20.
