Vanishing Twin??!!

young40 · February 2014

Hi All! I went in for my first OB appt. today. They did an ultrasound and found TWO sacks... two babies. However, they were unable to find the heartbeat for baby #1. Baby #2 seemed to be fine and had a strong heartbeat. #1 was a very slightly smaller and they were unable to find a heartbeat. I'm 7 weeks. They said #1 was not viable and to come back in a week to check on #2 again, but they didn't seem too worried about it. They said it was not uncommon, and that my body will eventually absorb the tissue and everything will be fine.

Unfortunately, I started reading on the internet and found some 'studies' indicating that if you have a 'vanishing twin', the baby that lives has a greater chance of birth defects. Now my mind is worrying (even more than before). I'm 40, and this is my first pregnancy. I know it's possible that the risks of birth defects can be greater, and now reading those bits about vanishing twins and birth defects, I'm really concerned.

Has anyone here had a vanishing twin or heard of someone who has? Thanks in advance!

MisstoMissus · February 2014

I agree with savannah_girl. There is no reason to worry yourself about statistics. First of all, you shouldn't worry about percentages-- you are pregnant with an actual baby, not a statistical one. You only need to think about that one. Second, the doctor will continue to track the development of the baby. The internet is just going to stress you out now.

Leysin97 · February 2014

Does your doctor have a nurses line? I would call and speak to someone to get more information. Like PP said the Internet can lead to thinking the worse scenario events will occur. Maybe your doctors office can give you some piece of mind. Hopefully everything is great, positive thoughts

pr1madona · February 2014

I had this happen to me with my last pregnancy (baby #4). Baby #2 was measuring a few days smaller when I was 6wks. Same thing a week later. By 10-11wks, my body had absorbed the twin. I did have some bleeding early on, but it just lasted a few hours. I would definitely not google, as it can freak you out. As for the other baby having birth defects, my recommendation is to make sure you have a thorough level 2 US at 20wks and ask questions about all the organs, esp the heart. My surviving twin was born with a heart defect. There was no history in the family and my other children were all heart healthy. I ate healthy, was on no meds, ate right etc. My theory is things got messed up during development as my body was trying to deal with losing the twin/saving the other baby. She is doing well now though. Since it was seen by US, I had time to prepare and line up a surgical team. She had surgery as a newborn and is now 20 months old and running around everywhere! I am now 6wks pregnant with #5 and worried about the same thing happening again, but so far things are fine:-)

colacrock · February 2014

My sister in law had a vanishing twin and her son (now 10 months) is perfectly healthy and is actutally really ahead of most kids his age both physically and mentally. He did have club feet, but his father did when he was a baby, so that was just genetics for him. Good luck

rae_dylanzmom · February 2014

One of my best friends had this, and her daughter is fine. We joke that she absorbed some personality from her twin, because she's got some rockin' tomboy in her.

young40 · February 2014

Thanks all! It's been helpful to hear some actual experiences.

I'll try to stay away from Google :-)

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