Vanishing Twin Syndrome
 When You're the Only One Born from a Multiple Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it can happen that one of the embryos stops developing and gradually disappears. This is known as Vanishing Twin Syndrome, also referred to as the loss of a twin during pregnancy.

Sometimes, this is detected during an ultrasound scan. In other cases, a person may never know whether the pregnancy originally involved twins or multiples.

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Do any of these experiences resonate with you?

Some people who explore Vanishing Twin Syndrome recognise certain feelings or recurring patterns in their lives.

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• You are looking for something and you don't know what. You often change jobs/relationships/places of residence, but it doesn't bring you much satisfaction.

• You feel different from others and you don't know why.

•  You regularly encounter situations in which you have to let go of things or people.

• You feel a deep loneliness and/or sadness.

• You have a strong empathic ability and experience that people do not know your needs.

• You are looking for a soul mate.

• Your relationship with your partner is very intensely connecting and then suddenly there is war and distance.

• You buy many things in twos or threes (doubles/triplets)

• You desire to merge with someone, but you often feel alone/misunderstood in relationships.

• You often feel guilty (even though you have no reason to take the blame)

• You are either very active or totally passive.

• You survive rather than actually live.

• You often do things on your own or through intense collaboration.

• It’s difficult to say good-bye.

• You doubt your right to exist.

• You have many qualities and can hardly choose which one is most important.

• As a man you have a strong feminine side or as a woman you have a strong masculine side.

• It is easy to start all kinds of projects; finishing is another matter.

• It’s difficult to stand up for yourself, or take your own space.

• You need space for yourself. Freedom is important to you.

• Your self-esteem can suddenly disappear even though you know what your qualities are.

• Your inner saboteur can regularly block your inner feeling of what you wish to achieve.

• When you get somewhere, you first scan the faces and the surroundings.

• You talk to yourself regularly.

• You regularly feel you are in second place and that affects you very deeply

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These experiences can also have other causes. On their own, they do not necessarily mean that you are a surviving twin. Further exploration and understanding are needed to gain more clarity.

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My Personal Experience

I was born as one of triplets. Through my own life story, I recognise many of the feelings and questions that people describe when exploring Vanishing Twin Syndrome.

My personal experience has also helped shape my work as a therapist.

I know how valuable it can be to have the space to explore questions you may have been carrying with you for a long time.