Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, 33, is facing a challenging time during her pregnancy. On March 8, 2025, she revealed she is undergoing a procedure aimed at improving the survival chances of her twins. This decision follows worsening complications related to her high-risk pregnancy. Nelson shared a tearful update with her partner, Zion Foster, on instagram, explaining the situation to her followers.

Nelson had previously disclosed that one or both of her babies were at risk due to her contracting “pre-stage” twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).This condition affects identical twins who share a placenta, leading to an imbalance in blood flow between the babies. The singer’s symptoms, including shortness of breath and a tightening belly, have intensified, prompting immediate medical intervention.

The Heartbreaking Update

In a video shared on Instagram, Nelson explained the urgency of the situation. She described experiencing concerning symptoms that necessitated a hospital visit.

“I’ve been feeling a bit poorly, like the past few days, been having a few of the symptoms that I need to watch out for, which is like my belly tightening, struggle breathing,” Nelson said. “So today we came into the hospital to just have a check-up, basically, just in case.”

The check-up revealed that her symptoms had indeed worsened, leading to the decision to proceed with the procedure. nelson expressed her disappointment but emphasized the necessity of the intervention for the well-being of her unborn children.

“And unluckily the symptoms have got worse, so they have to perform the procedure, which is obviously not what we wanted to happen, but it’s necessary because it’s going to give our babies the best chance of surviving,” she stated. “We’re just waiting to go in and we’re just hoping and praying for the best really.”

The emotional toll of the situation was evident as Nelson shared her feelings of distress and anxiety. “I feel gutted. I feel absolutely gutted because I really was hoping that we wouldn’t even be in this position,” she confessed.”That’s why they do this procedure, so that it literally gives you the best chance of your baby surviving, but it’s obviously just really scary, because there’s so many things that can happen.”

Understanding Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

Nelson did not specify the exact nature of the procedure she is undergoing. Though, she had previously shared that her twins are monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA), meaning they share a single placenta but have their own amniotic sacs. This type of twin pregnancy is susceptible to TTTS.

TTTS affects approximately 10 to 15% of identical twins who share a placenta,according to the NHS website. The condition arises from abnormal blood vessel connections within the placenta, causing an imbalance in blood flow between the twins. One twin, known as the donor, gives more blood to the other, the recipient, resulting in unequal blood volumes.

The Twins Trust charity indicates that laser therapy is a potential treatment option, involving the separation of placental connections. However, the imbalance can recur, necessitating close monitoring throughout the pregnancy.

Background and Previous Announcements

Jesy Nelson announced her pregnancy in January, sharing a photo with Zion Foster, who had his hand placed on her baby bump. On March 5, 2025, she revealed her TTTS diagnosis in an Instagram video, stating that she was “being monitored very closely.”

Nelson left Little Mix in December 2020 after a successful nine-year run with the group. She returned to social media at the beginning of 2025 to announce her pregnancy, posting a picture of her growing baby bump with the caption: “She’s eating for 3 now.”

Jesy Nelson’s Pregnancy Complications: A High-Risk Twin Pregnancy Expert Explains

One in ten identical twin pregnancies is complex by twin-to-twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Jesy Nelson’s recent experience highlights the critical need for understanding this perhaps life-threatening condition.

Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Anya Sharma,a leading expert in maternal-fetal medicine,thank you for joining us today. Jesy Nelson’s very public struggle with TTTS during her twin pregnancy has brought this complex condition to the forefront. Can you explain, in simple terms, what TTTS is and why it’s considered a high-risk pregnancy complication?

Dr. Sharma: “Certainly. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome,or TTTS,is a serious complication that arises in monochorionic pregnancies—where identical twins share a single placenta. In these instances, abnormal blood vessel connections within the placenta create an uneven distribution of blood flow between the twins.One twin, called the ‘donor,’ supplies disproportionately more blood to the other twin, the ‘recipient,’ causing major imbalances in blood volume, oxygen and nutrient supply. This imbalance can lead to severe consequences for both twins. It’s essentially a circulatory crisis within the pregnancy.”

Interviewer: Jesy Nelson mentioned experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath and a tightening belly.are these typical indicators of TTTS, and what should expectant mothers look out for?

Dr. Sharma: “Yes, those are indeed common symptoms. Expectant mothers carrying monochorionic twins should be notably vigilant for these warning signs:

• Notable variations in fetal growth: One twin might be considerably larger or smaller than the other.
• Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) in one sac and oligohydramnios (lack of amniotic fluid) in the other. This is a classic indicator of the blood flow imbalance.
• Shortness of breath: Due to the increased pressure on the mother’s body.
• Uterine pain or contractions: The abnormal growth can cause discomfort.

Any of these symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention. Regular monitoring with ultrasound scans and close observation are key to timely diagnosis and intervention.”

Interviewer: Jesy Nelson underwent a procedure to improve her twins’ survival chances. What treatment options are typically available for TTTS?

dr. Sharma: “The goal of TTTS management is to equalize blood flow between the twins. Treatment often involves fetal intervention. Several procedures might be considered, depending on the severity of the imbalance and gestational age:

• Laser ablation: This minimally invasive procedure uses a laser to seal off abnormal blood vessel connections in the placenta.
• Amnioreduction: This involves removing excess amniotic fluid from the sac of the recipient twin to alleviate pressure.
• Selective fetoscopic laser surgery: similar to laser ablation, this procedure aims to interrupt abnormal connections using a specialized device.

The choice of treatment depends heavily on the specifics of the case, such as the gestational age, severity of the imbalance, and the overall health of both mother and twins.”

Interviewer: What are the long-term implications for babies born with a history of TTTS? Are there ongoing health challenges?

Dr. Sharma: “While TTTS treatment has significantly improved outcomes, some babies might experience long-term health challenges. Potential issues can include:

• Developmental delays: Some babies may experience cognitive or motor delays.
• Neurological complications: In severe cases, brain bleeds or other neurological problems can occur.
• Respiratory issues: Lung advancement might be affected due to fluid imbalances.
• Growth restriction: It can affect long-term growth.
• Blood transfusion: While rare, the babies might need Blood Transfusion after birth

The severity of these long-term effects largely depends on the severity of the initial TTTS, the effectiveness of the intervention, and the quality of postnatal care. Regular follow-up with pediatricians and specialists is crucial once the babies are born.“

Interviewer: What is the overall prognosis for pregnancies complicated by TTTS?

Dr.Sharma: “advances in fetal intervention have significantly improved the survival rates and long-term outcomes for twins with TTTS. While it’s still a high-risk pregnancy, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical management, the chances of both twins surviving are considerably increased. Though,it remains a serious condition requiring close monitoring and expertise.”

Interviewer: What key advice would you offer to expecting parents facing a TTTS diagnosis?

Dr. Sharma: “A TTTS diagnosis is understandably distressing. Though, it’s essential to remember that you’re not alone. Seek out experienced medical professionals specializing in high-risk pregnancies and maternal-fetal medicine. Trust your medical team, ask questions, and keep open dialog with them. Maintaining a calm and positive attitude, while understanding that this is a serious condition, can help cope emotionally with