Molar pregnancy
The molar pregnancy happens when there is an issue with the fertilized egg, where the placenta and the baby do not develop as they should, and the pregnancy will not survive. The condition is rare and happens by chance.
Molar pregnancy causes
The condition doesn’t develop due to either parent’s fault, but you are more likely to develop one, if:
- You are a young teenager or older than 45 when you are pregnant
- You have had a molar pregnancy
- You have an Asian background
Types
The condition is also known as hydatidiform mole, and there are two primary types:
- Complete: There will be a development of abnormal cells in the womb after conception and no sign of a baby.
- Partial: There will be early symptoms of a baby, but the baby won’t fully grow or survive.
Symptoms
You might find the condition during the first ultrasound scan around 8 to 14 weeks. Some may figure out the condition after their pregnancy ends in miscarriage.
Figuring out the condition can be complex, so immediately consult your doctor if:
- You are bleeding or having a dark vaginal discharge
- You are being or feeling sick more frequent or have severe morning sickness
- You think your baby bump looks bigger for your stage of pregnancy
- You come across any other symptoms that you worry about
Treatments
The doctor or a gynecologist will confirm whether you have a molar pregnancy through blood tests and ultrasound scans.
When the tests indicate that you have a molar pregnancy, the baby will not survive; either it will end on its own or end in miscarriage. If the pregnancy doesn’t end, there will be a procedure to remove the pregnancy.
After the condition, you will have regular urine and blood tests to monitor your hCG hormone levels, and if it isn’t normal, you will need further tests and treatments.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022