This section of our website aims to tell you something about what it is, why it happens and more. One of the most difficult things about molar pregnancy is that most people have never heard of it, so it can be difficult to get the information and support you need. We talk below about what molar pregnancy is and what we know about why it happens. It might also help you to read the stories of others who have experienced molar and partial molar pregnancy.
Jade talks about her experience of molar pregnancy here , and Sarah, Colette, JB and Kayleigh share their stories too. You can also find more detailed information in our leaflet on molar pregnancy.
A molar pregnancy, also called a hydatidiform mole, is one where an abnormal fertilised egg implants in the uterus womb. The cells that should become the placenta grow far too quickly and take over the space where the embryo would normally develop.
Those cells are called trophoblasts. In a partial mole , two sperm fertilise the egg instead of one. The placenta grows and produces the pregnancy hormone, called HCG, so the patient thinks she is pregnant. Unfortunately, an ultrasound sometimes called a sonogram will show that there is no baby, only placenta.
A partial mole occurs when 2 sperm fertilize an egg. Instead of forming twins, something goes wrong, leading to a pregnancy with an abnormal fetus and an abnormal placenta. The baby has too many chromosomes and almost always dies in the uterus. They are not caused by behavior, but they are more common in older women and in certain geographic locations. Also, although most molar pregnancies occur after a miscarriage, some occur after an ectopic tubal pregnancy or even a normal delivery.
The incidence of molar pregnancy varies depending on where one lives. For example, in the US about 1 out of every pregnancies is a molar pregnancy. In Southeast Asia the incidence is 8 times higher. Interestingly, women from Mexico, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines have higher rates than white US women, who themselves have higher rates than black US women. Age over 40 is a risk factor for molar pregnancy, as is having a prior molar pregnancy.
In fact, the chance of having another molar pregnancy is about 1 out of The reasons for the geographic and age differences are currently unknown. Women with a molar pregnancy usually feel pregnant and complain of vaginal spotting or bleeding. Many women with molar pregnancies develop nausea and vomiting. Some even develop rare complications like thyroid disease or very early preeclampsia toxemia.
Preeclampsia occurring earlier than 20 weeks is very worrisome for a molar pregnancy. The doctor or midwife more than likely will check them for a possible miscarriage, and may order or perform an ultrasound sonogram.
The pelvic exam may reveal a larger, or smaller, than expected uterus. Choriocarcinoma is usually successfully treated with multiple cancer drugs. A complete molar pregnancy is more likely to have this complication than a partial molar pregnancy. If you've had a molar pregnancy, talk to your doctor or pregnancy care provider before conceiving again.
He or she may recommend waiting for six months to one year before trying to become pregnant. The risk of recurrence is low, but higher than the risk for women with no previous history of molar pregnancy. During any subsequent pregnancies, your care provider may do early ultrasounds to monitor your condition and offer reassurance of normal development.
Your provider may also discuss prenatal genetic testing, which can be used to diagnose a molar pregnancy. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A molar pregnancy — also known as hydatidiform mole — is a rare complication of pregnancy characterized by the abnormal growth of trophoblasts, the cells that normally develop into the placenta.
Molar pregnancy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Molar pregnancy During a molar pregnancy, the placental tissue develops abnormally, and can appear as a mass of cysts. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. Molar pregnancy. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Sept. Rumack CM, et al. The first trimester. In: Diagnostic Ultrasound.
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