Early Signs and Diagnosis
Laura Pridding sensed something was wrong during her 20-week pregnancy scan when her sonographer’s demeanor changed. Initially fearing both her twins, Henry and George, had died, Laura was relieved when a faint heartbeat was detected from George. The twins were diagnosed with severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a critical condition affecting identical twins sharing a placenta.
Laura, 33, from Wrexham, described the pregnancy as "horrific" and credited medical staff and the charity Cuddles at Glan Clwyd Hospital with saving them during their darkest moments alongside her partner Ali.
This article contains sensitive details about baby loss which some readers may find distressing.
Pregnancy Challenges and Diagnosis
From the outset, Laura’s pregnancy was painful. In July 2023, she was admitted to hospital with severe cramping pains in her legs. Doctors noted her human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels were abnormally high, indicating either a problem with the baby or the presence of twins. A scan confirmed she was carrying identical twins, which was both a shock and a source of excitement for the couple.
Due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, Laura underwent scans every two weeks. At 16 weeks, TTTS was diagnosed. The twins underwent laser surgery in Liverpool, and initially, doctors reported improvement. However, by the 20-week scan, the situation deteriorated dramatically.
Loss of Henry and Hope for George
During the 20-week scan, the sonographer first examined Henry. Laura, experienced with scans, immediately recognized the grim news when the sonographer said,
"I'm really sorry."
Despite the devastating news of Henry’s death, the sonographer then found George’s heartbeat, which was still present and appeared healthy. Laura was informed that she would need to continue carrying Henry to allow George to survive, a heartbreaking reality.
Complications and Birth
Laura returned home on 16 November, but her waters broke on Christmas Day. Uncertain which twin’s sac had ruptured, she was transferred between hospitals and discharged after two weeks. However, she returned within 24 hours, overwhelmed physically and mentally, and requested delivery.
Transferred to Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl, Denbighshire, Laura underwent an emergency Caesarean section on 7 January 2024. George was born weighing just 2.5lb (1.1kg), followed by Henry.
Laura said it was fortunate George was born when he was, as amniotic bands had formed that might have required toe amputation if the birth had been delayed.
George cried at birth, a sound Laura and Ali had been warned they might not hear. Despite this, doctors cautioned that George could still die and would likely be very unwell.
"I cried my eyes out because I didn't expect that,"
Laura recalled.
Post-Birth Challenges and Support
After delivery, Laura experienced blood pressure complications and was moved to recovery while George was taken to neonatal care. Within 48 hours, George required an incubator due to breathing difficulties.
Angela Hannah, a trustee of the volunteer-run charity Cuddles, provided support to Laura, explaining George’s condition and offering a mug and teddy bears for both boys.
Cuddles supports the special care baby unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Their fundraising efforts supplied the unit with a life-saving body cooling machine that reduces neurological damage caused by oxygen deprivation during labour.
Laura made daily visits to see George, a journey of an hour each way she undertook alone as Ali could not get time off work.
George remained at Glan Clwyd for five weeks before being transferred to Wrexham Maelor Hospital, where he faced multiple medical scares involving his brain, heart, and lungs. At times, doctors warned he might not survive.
George’s Progress and Family Life
Despite the odds, George is now three years old, walking and talking, surpassing initial prognoses.
"I've got friends and their children are still on oxygen, need walking aids, need physio and although we've had probably the worst time with the twins, I feel lucky to have him how he is,"
Laura said.
The past three years have been challenging, as George experiences severe illnesses. On Christmas Eve, he suffered a seizure that caused him to stop breathing and froth at the mouth, a terrifying event for Laura.
Laura has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), triggered by George’s illnesses, leaving her unable to eat, sleep, or function properly during these episodes.
Family and Community Support
The couple’s other children, Harry and Isla, were five and six years old respectively when Laura became pregnant with Henry and George. When they were old enough, they were told about Henry’s death and began drawing purple butterflies, symbols of twin loss.
Harry, now eight, says to George: "Look in the sky and you can see Henry."
The family has raised nearly £3,000 for Cuddles, which Laura credits with supporting them through their darkest days.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.
