What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1) and how does it affect Jesy Nelson's twins?

SMA1 is a genetic condition that weakens muscles by damaging motor nerve cells, leading to progressive muscle wasting. Jesy Nelson's premature twins have been diagnosed with this condition, and it is unlikely they will walk or may face serious breathing and swallowing difficulties.

What kind of exercises are Jesy Nelson's twins doing?

Jesy Nelson shared a video of her twins performing 'ballerina' exercises with a resistance band to keep their legs mobile and maintain muscle function.

What is Jesy Nelson campaigning for regarding SMA1?

Jesy Nelson is campaigning for the NHS to expand the standard heel prick test to screen for SMA1, believing earlier detection could have prevented her daughters' disabilities.

Home / Health / Jesy Nelson Shares Adorable Video of Daughter's 'Ballerina' Exercises

Jesy Nelson Shares Adorable Video of Daughter's 'Ballerina' Exercises

9 Mar

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Summary

Jesy Nelson's premature twins diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1.
The twins perform 'ballerina' leg exercises to maintain muscle mobility.
Nelson campaigns for expanded NHS screening for SMA1 to enable earlier treatment.

Jesy Nelson Shares Adorable Video of Daughter's 'Ballerina' Exercises

Jesy Nelson, who welcomed her twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe prematurely at 31 weeks in 2025, has revealed their diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1). This genetic condition severely weakens muscles by damaging motor nerve cells, leading to progressive wasting. As of March 2026, it is unlikely the girls will ever walk and may face breathing and swallowing difficulties. Nelson recently posted a video of the twins performing "ballerina" exercises, using a resistance band to keep their legs mobile, a method known to potentially increase strength and motor function in children with SMA.

Nelson, 34, is utilizing social media to update fans on her daughters' condition. She is now a vocal advocate for expanding the NHS standard heel prick test to include SMA1 screening. The singer believes that if the twins had been diagnosed and treated sooner, they might have avoided significant disabilities. Her candid documentary, which topped Amazon's viewing charts, also chronicled her departure from Little Mix and her journey into motherhood with ex-fiancé Zion Foster.

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