Baby Schwegman's TTTS Surgery Fundraiser

Huntyr and Bailey found out a month and a half ago that they are expecting identical twins. After two previous ... more

Huntyr and Bailey found out a month and a half ago that they are expecting identical twins. After two previous losses, this was the best news as it felt like their babies were coming back to them. But little did they know of the risks that come with these types of twins. About 5-15% of identical twin pregnancy develop twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and last week they got the news that they are now part of that small number. TTTS happens when the babies blood vessels aren’t divided equally and one twin, Baby B, is the donor and the other, Baby A, is the receiver. This is extremely dangerous for both babies as the donor isn’t getting enough blood or oxygen, which prevents him from producing his own amniotic fluid. The other is getting too much, which could eventually lead to heart and other organ failure. Huntyr and Bailey flew to Miami a few days ago to meet with the only doctor that could give both babies a chance. The only treatment option to fix this condition is by laser ablation surgery. Essentially, the doctor will go in with a very small laser and try to separate the connecting blood vessels. The doctor has advised them that the best chance at saving both little guys is to stay in Miami until they reach 16 weeks gestation (May 13). Then there is a greater chance that the laser won’t puncture the amniotic sac. Since this is such new technology/surgery, insurance has denied their requests to cover it. They are having to pay everything up front and out of pocket. less