A “vanishing twin” occurs when a twin or multiple is lost during pregnancy but its sibling or siblings survive. This occurrence was first documented in 1945 and is fairly easy to detect today with the use of ultrasonic imaging at various times during a pregnancy.
How Vanishing Twin Affects Mother And Surviving Twin
The loss of a vanishing twin usually does not have serious physical implications for the mother or the other twin; especially, if it happen in the first trimester. In this case, the fetal tissue may be absorbed by the mother, the placenta, or the other twin.
However, the emotional effects on the surviving twin resulting from the disappearance of the vanishing twin can be very profound. The surviving twin’s subconscious mind is aware of the loss that was experienced and is affected emotionally. The problem is that at a conscious level the surviving twin may not be aware of the loss and so is not able to obtain closure.
Emotional Issues Resulting From Vanishing Twin
People with a vanishing twin issue often experience extreme pain when the issue is first brought to their conscious attention. This pain was lingering in the background all their life but there seemed to be no conscious explanation for it, so it was never dealt with.
The surviving twin often has to deal with unexplainable sadness or a sense of loss that seems to exist for no reason. It is not possible to grieve the loss of the vanishing twin because nobody may know about it at a conscious level.
Interpersonal relationships problems are common as the surviving twin deals with feelings of being abandoned. This matter gets even more complicated when the vanishing twin and the surviving twin are of the opposite sex. People whose romantic relationship with the opposite sex resembles a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing, may want to get tested for a vanishing twin so they can resolve the underlying issues.
There may also be feelings of being unworthy or undeserving because the vanishing twin departed, which can lead to low self-esteem and financial struggles until the issue has be resolved.
The surviving twin may still try to have a relationship with the vanishing twin at the subconscious level, but that is not possible since the vanishing twin has moved on. There may also be unforgiving issues to deal with as a result of being abandoned by the vanishing twin. Guilt feelings of having somehow eliminated the twin may torment the surviving twin.
How Often Do Vanishing Twins Happen?
Exactly how many vanishing twins occur with multifetal pregnancies is not known, but some estimates are as high as 31%. Given this high percentage and the numerous emotional issues that can result for survivors, the vanishing twin issue needs to be given serious consideration.