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Mirror syndrome happens when the fetus has an abnormal buildup of fluid and the mother has preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure.
This condition has come to be referred to as mirror syndrome, because it causes similar symptoms in mom and baby.
While mirror syndrome can be very scary, it can be treatable. It is therefore important to recognize and communicate the symptoms.
As with any pregnancy complication, early action is very important and can make all the difference when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
Mirror syndrome has several symptoms, some of which overlap with other conditions, such as preeclampsia. Professional examinations are therefore crucial.
The condition may cause protein to build up in the mother’s urine. This can be easily diagnosed by a test at a clinic.
Sometimes mirror syndrome will also cause hemodilution, a condition where there is too much plasma in the blood and fewer red blood cells.
This can occur because of a fluid buildup in the body. And if it does occur, it will show up in a blood test.
Because mirror syndrome is so rare, scientists are not sure of its exact cause. However, we do know it is often caused by something called fetal hydrops.
Often, however, fetal hydrops develops from complications that compromise the natural ability of the fetus to regulate fluid.
Fetal hydrops occurs when fluid leaves the bloodstream of the fetus and ends up in the tissues. There can be multiple causes.
Complications that can cause fetal hydrops include infection, genetic syndromes, heart problems, and metabolic disorders, among others.
There is no specific test that can diagnose mirror syndrome. However, it can be diagnosed based on results from other tests.
Sometimes, if a woman is pregnant with twins, twin-to-twin diffusion syndrome can cause fetal hydrops.
The excess fluid in the lungs of the fetus, for example, is usually seen on an ultrasound.
Preeclampsia in the mother is generally diagnosed by her pregnancy care provider, based on blood pressure tests and/or the presence of protein in the urine.
These tests, along with self-reported symptoms and other observations made by the doctor, can inform a diagnosis of mirror syndrome.
In deciding which treatment to use, doctors will also take the severity of the preeclampsia into account.
If the underlying cause of the mirror syndrome is known, treating it can alleviate symptoms in both the fetus and the mother.
In other cases, particularly if the preeclampsia is serious, doctors may decide the baby needs to be delivered.
Once the baby has been delivered, the mother’s symptoms should clear up on their own in a matter of days.
The baby will usually spend some time in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), while doctors determine the underlying cause of the hydrops and provide treatment.
If you or someone you know has symptoms of mirror syndrome or preeclampsia, it is very important to let a medical professional know.
Be sure to mention any symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem, to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
While the symptoms may turn out to be nothing more than normal pregnancy pains, it is better to speak about it in case there is any cause for concern.
Remember that while mirror syndrome can be very scary, it can be treatable. Early action is essential when it comes to diagnosing and treating this condition.
Sources: (Verywell Family) (UPMC) (NCBI)
See also: Medications pregnant women should avoid
With fewer than 120 cases of this condition on record, you've probably never heard of mirror syndrome. An extremely rare condition, mirror syndrome causes symptoms such as preeclampsia in a pregnant mother, and problems such as fluid buildup in her baby. Mirror syndrome is serious, but it can be treatable, provided doctors catch it early.
Intrigued? Check out this gallery to learn more.
What is mirror syndrome?
All about this rare but serious condition
HEALTH Pregnancy
With fewer than 120 cases of this condition on record, you've probably never heard of mirror syndrome. An extremely rare condition, mirror syndrome causes symptoms such as preeclampsia in a pregnant mother, and problems such as fluid buildup in her baby. Mirror syndrome is serious, but it can be treatable, provided doctors catch it early.
Intrigued? Check out this gallery to learn more.