Pregnancy Loss:Molar Pregnancy

What is a molar pregnancy?

A molar pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that affects approximately 1 our of every 1,000 pregnancies. A molar pregnancy may also be referred to as gestational trophoblastic disease, hydatidiform mole or mole.

A molar pregnancy occurs at the time of conception when sperm fertilizes an empty egg. The pregnancy will continue to grow very quickly and an increase in the hCG hormone will be noted.

There are two types of molar pregnancy: complete and partial. In a complete molar pregnancy, only the placenta is affected because no baby was ever formed. On ultrasound, only a placenta is discovered. In a partial molar pregnancy, the placenta and embryo are both affected. However, because the abnormal cells will continue to grow rapidly, the embryo will have no chance of survival and will be overtaken.

Some women are at an increased rik for experiencing a molar pregnancy. Risk factors include:

Women age 40 and over
Caucasian women
Women with a history of miscarriage
Women with a past history of molar pregnancy

Symptoms of a molar pregnancy include:

No fetal movement
Absence of fetal heartbeat
Increased hCG levels
Preeclampsia that develops early in the pregnancy
Increased nausea
Increased vomiting
Vaginal bleeding

If you or your healthcare provider suspects a molar pregnancy, a pelvic exam and ultrasound will likely be performed. During the evaluation, a small uterus and enlarged ovaries will likely be noted. An ultrasound will reveal abnormal cells, resembling a cluster of grapes. After a molar pregnancy has been diagnosed and confirmed, your healthcare provider will likely discuss your options for treatment. Some molar pregnancies may end on their own and the pregnancy tissues will expel on their own. However, some women will require a D&C to remove the pregnancy tissue. After a molar pregnancy, your healthcare provider will probably monitor your hCG levels for approximately 6 months. It is highly recommended that women wait atleast 6 months before becoming pregnant again.

Comments: Pregnancy Loss - Molar-Pregnancy

Comments 1 to 4 of about 4.

Quiver Full - 507 days ago.
My name is Teresia. iam a birth and bereavement doula and childbirth educator. i wanted to let everyone here know about a great resource: stillbirthday.com if you have experienced a pregnancy loss it is a wonderful place to get answers and it can also be a place for you to help other moms experiencing loss. they are starting a new mentoring program if you are interested in being mentored or being a mentor. please visit the site and tell me what you think! i pray it is a source of comfort to you!

crystalhodges5@gmail.com - 953 days ago.
Hi, I have a great story on this subject, that I hope helps someone, a molar pregnancy with co existing fetus twin with a great outcome! please read my story, at this link, it is kinda long hope this helps, blessings http://sites.google.com/site/barnespaths/trial

MaddoxAndAverysMama - 1463 days ago.
Hi Ladies, I just wanted to share this!

firsttimer - 1470 days ago.
Yayyy, thanks to Laura for adding this topic! I was diagnosed with a Complete Molar Pregnancy last year and would be glad to talk to anyone who has been diagnosed. If you have, please feel free to contact me on my page.