However, after a follow-up scan in Auckland, she says specialists reassured her the condition was not present and discharged her back to the South Island.
Over the following weeks, she said she repeatedly presented to Dunedin and Christchurch hospitals with contractions, reduced fetal movement, and concerns about both babies’ wellbeing.
She alleges scans and follow-up monitoring were inconsistent, despite the pregnancy being classified as high-risk.
At 33 weeks, she arrived at Christchurch Hospital after noticing reduced fetal movement.
One of her twins had died, while the survivor suffered a severe brain injury linked to oxygen deprivation and could face lifelong disabilities, she said.
The surviving twin was delivered by emergency caesarean after her heart rate dropped dangerously low.
The mother and her partner were informed that the twins had TAPS, the condition originally suspected weeks earlier.
She believes earlier intervention, more frequent scans, or earlier delivery could have prevented one twin’s death and the other’s injuries.
Health New Zealand’s South Island Regional Chief Medical Officer, David Gow, said the agency recognised the deep distress the incident had caused for the mother and her family.
“Health New Zealand takes these concerns very seriously.
“We recognise the deep distress and grief this tragic outcome has caused for [the mother] and her whānau.
“We are committed to engaging directly with her and her whānau to fully understand what has occurred.
“This will ensure we have a clear and accurate understanding of the situation.”
He said that, across New Zealand, communication between teams and facilities was a key component of safe care, including for complex pregnancies requiring input across multiple services.
“Clinical management for monochorionic twin pregnancies is guided by regular and closely timed surveillance, with decisions tailored to each individual clinical situation.
“Where Twin Anaemia Polycythaemia Sequence is suspected, increased monitoring and specialist fetal medicine input is normal practice.
“The frequency of scans and interventions depends on clinical findings and progression and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
“Decisions regarding the timing of delivery, including whether preterm birth is indicated, are made based on a balance of risks to both babies and the mother, and involve specialist input and multidisciplinary discussion.”
The mother said she believed the death of one girl and the injuries to the other were preventable.
“100% this could have been prevented.
“I could have had both my babies.”
She noted that she intended to take further action and file a complaint with Health New Zealand.