Molar pregnancy

A molar pregnancy is an anomaly of the placenta caused by a disruption in the connection between the egg and sperm during fertilization. Also called gestational trophoblastic disease, hydatidiform mole, or simply hydatidiform mole, this is a rare condition that occurs in 1 in 1,000 pregnancies.

What is a molar pregnancy?

A molar pregnancy is the result of a genetic error during the fertilization process that results in the growth of abnormal tissue in the uterus. They rarely affect the developing embryo and the growth of this material is faster compared to normal fetal growth. It looks like a large random collection of clusters of grape-like cells. There are two types of molar pregnancy: "complete" and "partial".

What is a complete molar pregnancy?

Complete molar pregnancies have only placental parts (no children) and are formed when an empty egg is fertilized by a spermatozoon. Because the egg is empty, no baby is formed. The placenta produces and releases the pregnancy hormone hCG. Unfortunately, the ultrasound will show that there is no fetus, only the placenta.

What is an incomplete molar pregnancy?

A partial mole occurs when the mass contains both abnormal cells and an embryo with severe birth defects. In this case, the fetus will be quickly defeated by the growing anomalous mass.

An extremely rare variant of a partial mole is when twins are conceived, but one embryo begins to develop normally and the other is a mole. In these cases, the healthy embryo will very quickly be swallowed up by the abnormal growth.

Who is at risk?

Mexico, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines have higher rates for molar pregnancies in women
White women than black women
Women over the age of 40
Women who have had a prior molar pregnancy
Women with a history of miscarriage

What are the symptoms?

Vaginal spotting or bleeding
Nausea and vomiting
Develop rare complications like thyroid disease
Early preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
Increased hCG levels
No fetal movement or heart tone detected

How do I know if I have a molar pregnancy?

A pelvic exam may reveal an enlarged or smaller uterus, enlarged ovaries, and abnormally high levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG.
Ultrasound often shows the appearance of a "bunch of grapes", which indicates an abnormal placenta.

How is it processed?

Most hydatidiform drifts stop spontaneously and the removed tissue looks like grapes.
Molar pregnancies are removed by curettage by aspiration, expansion and evacuation, and sometimes with the help of drugs. General anesthesia is usually used during these procedures.
About 90% of women who have a mole removed do not need further treatment.
Follow-up treatments that control hCG levels can be done monthly for six months or as directed by a physician.
Follow-up actions are carried out in order to make sure that the mole is completely removed. Traces of a mole may begin to grow again and pose a cancerous threat to other parts of the body.
Women should avoid pregnancy for one year after diagnosis.
We accept any method of contraception, except for the intrauterine device.

How will I feel emotionally after a molar pregnancy?

While removing a mole is not an interruption to a developing baby, it is still a loss. Even when an embryo is present, it has no opportunity to develop into a child. Most women find themselves dealing with a molar pregnancy after discovering and expecting a pregnancy. Dreams, plans and hopes are suddenly cancelled; it's still a significant loss.
There must be a time of healing for all involved, and grief will be experienced.
Recognize that people may try to comfort you with statements such as "Well, at least it wasn't a baby." It doesn't help, but at least know what they are trying. Let them know what you need.
What makes this type of loss even more different from a "normal miscarriage" or miscarriage is the ongoing concern for the mother's health. Be sure to sign up for future meetings.