Alex and Olivia Bowen, stars from Love Island UK, have shared their heartbreaking experience of losing one of their twins due to a rare condition called vanishing twin syndrome.
The couple, who announced that Olivia was expecting their second child, revealed the tragic news during an appearance on the British talk show Loose Women on Tuesday, March 4.
At their first ultrasound, which took place at six weeks, the couple was shocked to learn they were expecting twins. Olivia recalled being “floored” upon seeing two babies on the screen. Alex, who has twins in his family, admitted he was initially nervous due to the family’s history with twins but tried to remain positive.
“We were so excited,” Olivia said. “We thought everything would be normal.” However, during a follow-up appointment at eight weeks, doctors informed the couple that one of the twins had no heartbeat, a condition known as vanishing twin syndrome.
Olivia explained, “I had no symptoms, no pain, no bleeding. I was completely unaware of what was happening.” Vanishing twin syndrome occurs when one of the embryos in a twin pregnancy stops developing, effectively turning a twin pregnancy into a single pregnancy.
Despite the loss, the couple is grateful that their remaining baby is healthy. Olivia described the experience as “bittersweet” but found comfort in the fact that the lost twin’s cells would be absorbed into her body.
“We’re still so excited to meet our healthy little baby,” she said, reflecting on the emotional roller coaster. “Miscarriages are common, but for twin pregnancies, it’s up to 35%. It’s a big number.”
The Bowens’ journey highlights the emotional challenges of twin pregnancies and the difficult reality of vanishing twin syndrome.
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