© Shutterstock

Introducing mirror syndrome - Otherwise known as Ballantyne syndrome or triple edema, mirror syndrome is a rare and extremely serious condition that affects pregnant women.

© Shutterstock

Very rare - First described by Scottish physician and obstetrician John William Ballantyne in 1892, there are fewer than 120 reported cases to date.

© Shutterstock

Overview -

Mirror syndrome happens when the fetus has an abnormal buildup of fluid and the mother has preeclampsia, a condition of high blood pressure.

© Shutterstock 

Namesake -

This condition has come to be referred to as mirror syndrome, because it causes similar symptoms in mom and baby.

© Shutterstock 

Early action -

While mirror syndrome can be very scary, it can be treatable. It is therefore important to recognize and communicate the symptoms.

© Shutterstock

Early action -

As with any pregnancy complication, early action is very important and can make all the difference when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

© Shutterstock

Symptoms -

Mirror syndrome has several symptoms, some of which overlap with other conditions, such as preeclampsia. Professional examinations are therefore crucial.

© Shutterstock

In the mother - Symptoms of mirror syndrome in the mother can include significant and severe swelling, high blood pressure, and significant and excessive weight gain in a short period of time.

© Shutterstock

Protein in urine -

The condition may cause protein to build up in the mother’s urine. This can be easily diagnosed by a test at a clinic.

© Shutterstock

Hemodilution -

Sometimes mirror syndrome will also cause hemodilution, a condition where there is too much plasma in the blood and fewer red blood cells.

© Shutterstock 

Hemodilution -

This can occur because of a fluid buildup in the body. And if it does occur, it will show up in a blood test.

© Shutterstock

Cause -

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.

© Shutterstock

Fetal hydrops -

Fetal hydrops occurs when fluid leaves the bloodstream of the fetus and ends up in the tissues. There can be multiple causes.

© Shutterstock

Problem with fluid regulation -

Often, however, fetal hydrops develops from complications that compromise the natural ability of the fetus to regulate fluid.

© Shutterstock 

Several causes -

Complications that can cause fetal hydrops include infection, genetic syndromes, heart problems, and metabolic disorders, among others.

© Shutterstock

Twin causes -

Sometimes, if a woman is pregnant with twins, twin-to-twin diffusion syndrome can cause fetal hydrops.

© Shutterstock

Diagnosis -

There is no specific test that can diagnose mirror syndrome. However, it can be diagnosed based on results from other tests.

© Shutterstock

Ultrasound -

The excess fluid in the lungs of the fetus, for example, is usually seen on an ultrasound.

© Shutterstock

Other tests -

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.

© Shutterstock

Diagnosis -

These tests, along with self-reported symptoms and other observations made by the doctor, can inform a diagnosis of mirror syndrome.

© Shutterstock

Treatment - Because mirror syndrome is so rare, treatment depends on the specific situation. Often it is dictated by the underlying cause of the fetal hydrops.

© Shutterstock

Different options -

In deciding which treatment to use, doctors will also take the severity of the preeclampsia into account.

© Shutterstock

Different options -

If the underlying cause of the mirror syndrome is known, treating it can alleviate symptoms in both the fetus and the mother.

© Shutterstock

Delivery -

In other cases, particularly if the preeclampsia is serious, doctors may decide the baby needs to be delivered.

© Shutterstock

Mother's symptoms -

Once the baby has been delivered, the mother’s symptoms should clear up on their own in a matter of days.

© Shutterstock

Baby's symptoms -

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.

© Shutterstock

When to seek medical attention -

If you or someone you know has symptoms of mirror syndrome or preeclampsia, it is very important to let a medical professional know.

© Shutterstock

When to seek medical attention -

Be sure to mention any symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem, to a doctor or other healthcare professional.

© Shutterstock

Speaking up -

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.

© Shutterstock

Speaking up -

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

© Shutterstock