What is Olivia Bowen of Love Island's Medical Condition 'Vanishing Twin Syndrome'? Symptoms and Could It Happen to You?

Love Island UK star Olivia Bowen has revealed she experienced vanishing twin syndrome during pregnancy. She initially learned she was expecting twins, but at eight weeks one foetus no longer had a heartbeat.

The condition, in which one twin is lost in early pregnancy, is more common than many people realise. Experts say it can occur without obvious symptoms and may be discovered only during routine scans, with some groups of expectant mothers at higher risk.

What is Vanishing Twin Syndrome?

Vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) occurs when one embryo in a multiple pregnancy stops developing, usually early in the first trimester. The embryo is then absorbed by the mother, the surviving twin or the placenta. Early ultrasound scans may detect two gestational sacs, but follow‑up scans show only one foetus.

Medical estimates suggest that VTS affects between 20% and 36% of detected twin pregnancies, making it more common than generally recognised, according to the London Pregnancy Clinic.

Olivia Bowen's Experience

Bowen discovered she was expecting twins at around six weeks. Two weeks later, one twin no longer had a heartbeat. She reported having no symptoms such as bleeding or abdominal pain at the time, People reported.

She has spoken about the conflicting emotions of celebrating the survival of one baby while mourning the loss of the other, and the long‑term effect on her mental wellbeing. Bowen has said that sharing her experience connected her with other parents who had been through similar situations, according to Mummy Pages.

Symptoms and Risks

Many cases of VTS go undiagnosed, particularly if the loss occurs before routine early scans. When symptoms do occur, they may include light vaginal bleeding, mild cramping or pelvic discomfort, according to the Baby Centre.

Pregnancies in which the loss occurs during the first trimester often continue normally with standard antenatal care. If VTS occurs later in pregnancy, it may be considered high‑risk, according to WebMD. Potential complications can include preterm birth and restricted growth for the surviving twin, particularly if the twins shared a placenta. Research indicates that surviving twins may have a slightly increased likelihood of low birth weight or being small for gestational age.

Who's Most at Risk?

Risk factors include maternal age over 30 and pregnancies conceived through IVF or assisted reproduction. These methods often involve early ultrasound scans that can detect twin pregnancies and therefore reveal the loss of one embryo.

Diagnosis is usually based on ultrasound scans showing that an embryo detected earlier is no longer visible in later imaging. In some cases, according to Cleveland Clinic, hormone levels such as hCG may plateau unexpectedly.

No Treatment but Support Available

There is no known prevention or direct treatment for VTS. Medical care focuses on monitoring the pregnancy, particularly when loss occurs later. Emotional support is also important. Support from charities such as Tommy's, the Miscarriage Association and Sands, as well as counselling or peer support groups, can help parents cope with grief and uncertainty.

Olivia Bowen's experience with vanishing twin syndrome is a poignant example of a surprisingly common yet little-discussed pregnancy phenomenon. Affecting potentially up to a third of twin pregnancies, it often progresses without symptoms. Though usually without complications, later losses may require closer monitoring. As Olivia made clear, raising awareness helps others feel less alone.