Potential Complications:
Molar Pregnancy
Compiled by The Cradle Staff
hat is a molar pregnancy?
Molar pregnancies are the result of a genetic abnormality during fertilization, causing irregular tissue (or a “mole”) to grow in the uterus. Also known as gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), these pregnancies rarely develop. The biggest concern is that a mole can turn into cancer. This is called gestational trophoblastic neoplaia (GTN).
There are two types of molar pregnancies:
COMPLETE MOLAR PREGNANCY:
In this instance, the pregnancy only consists of abnormal placental tissue; there is no sign of an embryo. However, the placental tissue still produces hCG, so you may show signs of pregnancy (nausea or a positive pregnancy test) until an ultrasound confirms the diagnosis.
PARTIAL MOLAR PREGNANCY:
In a partial molar pregnancy, there is abnormal placental tissue along with an impaired embryo. The abnormal tissue cells damage the embryo, resulting in a non-viable pregnancy.
How common is it?
Molar pregnancies occur in about 1 of every 1,000 pregnancies.
Am I at risk for a molar pregnancy?
The chances of developing a molar pregnancy are higher if you:
- Are over 40
- Have had a molar pregnancy in the past
- Have a history of miscarriage
- If you are of East Asian ethnicity
How will I know if I have a molar pregnancy? How will it be diagnosed?
Signs include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Cramping
- High blood pressure (early preeclampsia)
- Thyroid problems
If you are experiencing symptoms of a molar pregnancy, your doctor will likely perform both a pelvic exam and a sonogram. If a molar pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor will probably run additional tests for preeclampsia and hyperthyroidism, two conditions that can accompany a molar pregnancy. (Treatment of the molar pregnancy will also treat any other conditions.)
How can it be treated?
If the pregnancy has not terminated itself, your doctor can perform a procedure (such as a D&C) or administer medication to remove the tissue. Unfortunately, if the mole is cancerous, a hysterectomy might be suggested. However, if you are hoping to become pregnant in the future, you might first opt for chemotherapy.
Can I have a healthy pregnancy after a molar pregnancy?
Your risk of having another molar pregnancy is less than 2%. However, unlike other pregnancy losses, your doctor will probably have you wait a year to conceive again. For the first six months, you will probably be monitored to make sure that no trace of the tissue remains.
As with any pregnancy loss, don’t be afraid to lean on others (loved ones or professionals) for support. Take a look at our article Coping with a Loss.
References: American Pregnancy Association, March of Dimes, WebMD
