Jesy Nelson has shed light on the early signs of a significant condition in her twin daughters that she initially overlooked.
The former Little Mix member became a mother to twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe in 2025. The twins arrived earlier than expected, at 31 weeks, necessitating an initial stay in the neonatal unit before being cleared to go home.
While in the neonatal ward, Jesy received guidance that led her to believe that some of the unusual behaviors and characteristics she observed in her daughters were typical for premature infants.
Eventually, the twins were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type one, a condition that significantly affects their ability to walk.
During an appearance on the Great Company with Jamie Laing podcast, she shared: “When they were in the neonatal ward, you’re constantly told don’t compare your babies, because they’re not going to be like full-term babies, they’re not going to reach the same milestones.”
Jesy elaborated: “So when we took them home, I noticed all the signs, but didn’t know what they were, I just thought it was because they were premature.”
Though she attributed these signs to their premature birth, they were indicative of a more serious condition.
Jesy noted two particular observations with her twins, starting with their differently-shaped bellies.
“When I took them home, when I’d lay them down to change their nappy their bellies were like a bell shape,” she remarked, explaining that they would ‘breathe from their belly, they won’t breathe from their chest’.
Upon holding her babies, she noticed their legs were positioned in a ‘frog leg’ shape.
She recalled: “I remember turning to Zion saying, ‘Oh their legs are so cute! Look at this little position that they’re laying on me in.'”
After relocating to Cornwall in the UK, Jesy’s mother noticed during a visit that the twins weren’t moving their legs much, prompting concern.
Her mother compared the twins to another family child who was more active, and despite Jesy’s reminders about the neonatal advice, she remained convinced that something was amiss.
This suspicion was confirmed when the twins were diagnosed with SMA, a rare condition that greatly affects mobility.
Jesy remembered knowing something was wrong when she received a call indicating that ‘the doctor would like to speak to you’.
The emotional and physical toll eventually impacted Jesy’s relationship with Zion Foster, leading to their split in 2026. However, despite the end of their romantic relationship, they remain committed friends, prioritizing their daughters’ healthcare needs.