Molar Pregnancy

Molar pregnancy occurs when tissue that normally becomes a fetus instead becomes an abnormal growth in your uterus. Even though it is not an embryo, this growth triggers symptoms of pregnancy.

TYPES OF MOLAR PREGNANCY

There are two types of molar pregnancy: complete and partial.

Complete molar pregnancy is formed when an egg without genetic information is fertilized by a sperm. The sperm grows on its own, but it can only become a lump of tissue. It cannot become  a fetus. As this tissue grows, it looks a bit like a cluster of grapes. This cluster of tissue can fill the uterus.

Partial molar pregnancy is formed when an egg is fertilized by two sperms. The placenta becomes the molar growth. Any fetal tissue that forms is likely to have severe defects.

CAUSES OF MOLAR PREGNANCY

Factors that may increase your risk of having a molar pregnancy include:

Age: This is because the risk of complete molar pregnancy steadily increases after age 35.

History of molar pregnancy, especially if you have had two or more.

History of miscarriage.

A diet low in carotene. Carotene is a form of vitamin A. Women who don't get enough of this vitamin have a higher rate of complete molar pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS OF MOLAR PREGNANCY

- A molar pregnancy causes the same early symptoms that a normal pregnancy does, such as a missed period or morning sickness. But a molar pregnancy usually causes other symptoms too. These may include:

+ Bleeding from the vagina .
+ A uterus that is larger than normal.
+ Severe nausea and vomiting.
+ Signs of hyperthyroidism. (These include feeling nervous or tired, having a fast or irregular heartbeat , and sweating a lot).
+ An uncomfortable feeling in the pelvis.
+ Vaginal discharge of tissue that is shaped like grapes. This is usually a sign of molar pregnancy.

TREATMENT PLAN

When you have a molar pregnancy, you need treatment right away to remove all of the growth from your uterus. The growth is removed with a procedure called vacuum aspiration. If you are done having children, you may decide to have your uterus removed
(hysterectomy) instead of having a vacuum aspiration to treat your molar pregnancy.

After treatment, you will have regular blood tests to look for signs of trophoblastic disease. These blood tests will be done over the next 6 to 12 months. If you still have your uterus, you will need to use birth control for the next 6 to 12 months so you don't get pregnant. It is very important to see your doctor for all follow-up visits.