Molar Pregnancy is a rare condition that can happen in early pregnancy. Unusual tissue starts forming inside the uterus instead of a baby growing. At first, it may seem like a normal pregnancy, but it later shows signs that something is not right. This issue can be confusing and it needs proper medical care.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist, has helped many women who have faced this pregnancy. In this blog, we will explain everything about this topic. We will include what it is, what causes it, the symptoms, how it is diagnosed and more.
What is a Molar Pregnancy?
Molar pregnancy is also known as a hydatidiform mole. It is a rare problem that happens when an abnormal growth of tissue forms inside the uterus instead of a normal baby after fertilization. This occurs because the genetic material from the sperm or egg does not develop properly.
In this, a mass of cysts or tissue grows instead of a healthy embryo. This tissue cannot become a baby and may cause health issues if not treated. This needs to be diagnosed and managed by a doctor to keep the mother safe.
Types of Molar Pregnancy
There are mainly two types of Molar pregnancy and each differs in how the abnormal tissue develops and affects pregnancy. So, it’s important to understand these types for proper diagnosis and treatment to ensure the health and safety of the woman.
- Complete Molar: In this type, the fertilized egg has no normal genetic material from the mother. Instead, only the father’s genes are present. This causes a large mass of abnormal tissue to grow inside the uterus. Additionally, no baby forms in this case.
- Partial Molar: Here, the fertilized egg has some normal genetic material from both parents but also extra or abnormal genes. This leads to some abnormal tissue growth along with a small or undeveloped embryo that cannot survive.
What Causes Molar Pregnancy?
Molar happens when there is a problem during the fertilization of an egg. Instead of a healthy pregnancy, abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus. This occurs because the genes from the sperm and egg do not combine properly.
Some of the common causes include the following:
- An egg without a nucleus gets fertilized by one or two sperm and this leads to only sperm genes growing (complete mole).
- A normal egg is fertilized by two sperm. This causes extra genetic material and abnormal tissue growth (partial mole).
- Older maternal age or a history of hydatidiform mole can increase the risk.
- Sometimes, the exact cause is unknown.
Molar Pregnancy Signs
Molar shows some signs that may feel different from a normal pregnancy. These signs can help you to know when to see a doctor.
Some of the common signs include the following:
- Bleeding from the vagina, which may be dark or bright red.
- Severe nausea and vomiting more than usual.
- A fast-growing belly that feels bigger than expected for the stage of pregnancy.
- Pelvic pain or pressure in the lower belly.
- No heartbeat detected in the baby during checkups.
- High blood pressure or swelling in some cases.
Molar Pregnancy Diagnosis
Diagnosing hydatidiform mole involves a few steps to confirm the condition and plan proper treatment. Doctors rely mainly on molar pregnancy ultrasound and blood tests to identify unusual signs of molar pregnancy. Below, there are some ways from which doctors can diagnose a hydatidiform mole:
- Ultrasound: This helps to show abnormal tissue growth in the uterus and this is often described as a “snowstorm” pattern.
- Blood Test: This helps to measure hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels, which are usually much higher than normal.
- Physical Exam: Doctor checks for symptoms like an enlarged uterus or unusual bleeding.
- Medical History: Your doctor will discuss the symptoms and previous pregnancies to understand the risks better.
- Follow-up Tests: This may be done to monitor hCG levels after diagnosis and treatment.
Molar Pregnancy Treatment
The treatment of a hydatidiform mole focuses on removing the abnormal tissue from the uterus to keep the woman healthy and prevent any complications. This usually involves a simple medical procedure which is followed by careful monitoring to make sure all the tissue is gone and hormone levels are also normal.
- Evacuation Procedure: The most common treatment is called dilation and curettage (D&C). In this, doctors gently remove the molar tissue from the uterus.
- Monitoring hCG Levels: After removal, regular blood tests check HCG hormone levels to make sure the molar pregnancy is completely gone.
- Follow-up Care: Continued follow-up is important to detect any remaining abnormal tissue early and to prevent further problems.
- Avoid Pregnancy Temporarily: Women are usually advised to wait for a few months before trying to conceive again to allow the body to heal fully.
- Additional Treatment: In rare cases, if molar tissue grows or spreads then further treatment like chemotherapy might be needed.
Recovery After hydatidiform mole/Molar Pregnancy
After a hydatidiform mole, your body needs time to heal and doctors will watch closely to make sure everything is okay. It is important to rest and follow the doctor’s advice during this time.
- Take Rest: Give your body some time to recover by resting well.
- Check-ups: You will need regular blood tests to check hCG levels and make sure no molar tissue is left.
- Avoid Getting Pregnant: You need to wait for about 6 to 12 months before trying to have a baby again.
- Watch for Problems: Tell your doctor if you have heavy bleeding, pain, or any other problems.
- Emotional Care: It is normal to feel sad or worried, so talk to family or a counselor if you need help.
Can You Get Pregnant Again After a Molar Pregnancy?
Yes, most women can get pregnant again after a molar pregnancy. It is usually safe to try for another pregnancy once your doctor confirms that all molar tissue is gone and your body has fully healed.
Doctors often suggest waiting for 6 to 12 months before trying to get pregnant again. This waiting period helps to ensure your body is ready and allows doctors to monitor your health closely. There are many women who go on to have healthy pregnancies after a hydatidiform mole with proper care.
Final Words
Molar pregnancy can be a difficult experience that affects a woman’s health and future fertility. In this blog, we have explained what molar pregnancy is, its types, causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment options, and more. It’s important to understand these points to help you take the right steps for your health.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) has guided many women through careful diagnosis and personalized treatment for molar or hydatidiform mole pregnancy. If you have concerns or need expert advice, please contact us. Call 95555 44421/22/23 or email doctor@risaaivf.com for support.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why wait 6 months after molar pregnancy?
Waiting 6 months after molar pregnancy helps ensure all abnormal tissue is gone and reduces the risk of complications before trying to conceive again.
Can molar pregnancy be removed without surgery?
Most molar pregnancies need surgery to remove abnormal tissue; in rare cases, medicine may help, but surgery is the common and safest option.
What happens if molar pregnancy is not removed?
If not removed, molar pregnancy can cause heavy bleeding, infection, or lead to a rare cancer called gestational trophoblastic disease.
What kind of anesthesia is used for molar pregnancy?
General anesthesia or regional anesthesia is usually used during molar pregnancy surgery to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free.
Do molar pregnancies have a heartbeat?
Molar pregnancies do not have a normal heartbeat because the pregnancy is abnormal and does not develop into a healthy embryo.