What is maternal mirror syndrome and how to manage it?

Maternal mirror syndrome or MMS is a life-threatening condition that specifically affects women who are pregnant. It is a rare syndrome that usually occurs when the foetus suffers from severe medical issues and as a result, they are mirrored by the mother’s body. In other words, the mother starts developing symptoms of the health issues that the foetus is suffering from. It can be hypertension, edema, or even proteinuria in which protein in excess amount is flushed out through urine.

Many times these symptoms become severe and if they are not treated immediately can result in some serious complications and prove fatal for foetus or the mother or both. Doctors are still not aware of the exact reason why Maternal mirror syndrome affect some pregnant women. Nevertheless, immediate medical intervention can save the life of both the mother and foetus.

How is MMS triggered?

According to health experts, the syndrome is triggered as a part of the body’s immune response. Sometimes it also occurs because a foetus has some genetic condition that makes the body alert and hence the immune response is generated. Other causes can be environmental factors or infection. One of the reasons why Maternal mirror syndrome goes unnoticed in many cases is because its symptoms are almost similar to preeclampsia, which is a common pregnancy-related condition.

A pregnant woman is diagnosed with MMS when doctors suspect that her symptoms are not improving with traditional treatment or match the symptoms of her foetus.

How to manage maternal mirror syndrome?

Doctors closely monitor the symptoms of both the foetus and the mother and accordingly, a treatment protocol is developed. In a few cases, the gynecologist may recommend immediate delivery which can be the only option to save both the mother and the child. There are times when the delivery is also risky because premature delivery can further develop medical complications for the foetus.

It is a serious condition and hence should not be overlooked. It can only be managed with proper medical treatment. Good news is that early diagnosis helps to lessen the risk as well as the symptoms of MMS.