Molar pregnancies are a rare complication, classified as a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) caused by chromosomal abnormalities during conception in the fertilized egg, which leads to overgrowth of pregnancy tissue.
Molar pregnancies are of two types – complete and partial. Complete molar pregnancies occur when the sperm fertilizes an empty egg due to which no baby is formed. The woman assumes she is pregnant because the placenta grows and produces the pregnancy hormone, called HCG. An ultrasound will reveal that there is no baby, only placenta.
Though a partial molar pregnancy is likely to develop into a fetus, the abnormal placenta cannot sustain a pregnancy. The embryo does not develop at all or develops incompletely. A cluster of grape-like cysts grows in the uterus.
Women, who have had a previous molar pregnancy and those over 40, are at increased risks of encountering a molar pregnancy. Sometimes it can even occur after ectopic pregnancies or a normal pregnancy. Women from Southeast Asia, Mexico and the Philippines have higher rates of molar pregnancy than white US women. White women in the US are at higher risk than black women.
Why molar pregnancy can be a cause for concern
In about 20% of women who have had complete molar pregnancies there is the likelihood of two serious problems arising: an invasive mole or choriocarcinoma. Invasive moles are more common. Choriocarcinoma is a type of cancer that can develop at the placenta site and spread to the body. Though this cancer is a serious condition, it is almost always treatable with chemotherapy. Only 2 to 4% cases of partial molar pregnancies will develop either condition.
Symptoms and diagnosis of molar pregnancy
Bleeding, severe nausea and vomiting are some of the indications of a possible molar pregnancy. A blood test to measure levels of HCG confirms the diagnosis. However partial molar pregnancies can sometimes be more difficult to diagnose. In the event of a miscarriage of a suspected molar pregnancy, a pathologist may confirm the condition on examining the miscarried tissue.
Most of the time a molar pregnancy ends spontaneously when a grape like tissue is discharged. It is also possible to diagnose a molar pregnancy with the help of ultrasound which will reveal an abnormal placenta that appears like a bunch of grapes. When a molar pregnancy is detected by ultrasound, doctors usually recommend a D & C or medication in order to reduce risk of further complications. A small percentage of cases require additional treatment in the form of chemotherapy.
Treatment and follow-up
It is crucial for women who have had a molar pregnancy to be in constant touch with her doctor to monitor the situation since there is a likelihood of molar pregnancies recurring. A minimum of six months of regular follow-ups is recommended and doctors recommend waiting for a year before trying for another pregnancy to make sure that the uterus is free of molar tissue.
A molar pregnancy can be a trying, upsetting experience. Grief about losing a baby, combined with fear of cancer and other health complications is very unsettling. It is here that counseling can effectively tackle feelings of grief and loss.
The cure rate of molar pregnancy is usually very good with vast majority of couples going on to have healthy babies. Chemotherapy also usually does not impact fertility.
East Bay Fertility Center California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. With the right type of treatment and intervention, East Bay Fertility Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation
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