Risk Factors for Mermaid Syndrome
Below are some common risk factors for the development of mermaid syndrome in babies:
– The mother is younger than 20 years old
– Male babies are almost 3 times more likely to develop mermaid syndrome than female babies
– An identical twin: It is estimated that up to 15 percent of reported cases are twins, mainly identical
– Certain genetic factors, especially a mutation of the VANGL1
– Exposure to teratogens, a harmful substance that may increase the risk of birth abnormalities
– The mother has diabetes, which accounts for more than 20 percent of fetuses with mermaid syndrome. Studies have shown that a good control of blood glucose levels in the pregnant mother would help lower the risk. [3]
