What is a molar pregnancy? Complete molar pregnancy and Partial molar pregnancy
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| Molar pregnancy |
Molar pregnancy: how to detect and treat it?
Molar pregnancy results from an anomaly during fertilization. Although the pregnancy test is positive, the pregnancy cannot be carried to term. What are the causes of this anomaly? How to detect a molar pregnancy? What are the possible treatments? Is it possible to get pregnant after a molar pregnancy? At MomBabykids.com, we explain everything to you.
What is a molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole?
Also called hydatidiform mole , molar pregnancy is a nonviable pregnancy . It is a gestational trophoblastic disease . This type of pregnancy pathology affects the cells that make up the layer surrounding the embryo , also called trophoblast .
Here are its characteristics:
- There are two types: complete molar pregnancy and partial molar pregnancy.
- In both cases, it results from an anomaly during fertilization
- The genetic makeup of the egg is incomplete
- When it occurs, miscarriage is inevitable.
- The pregnancy symptoms experienced can be much more intense
- The uterus grows faster than in a typical pregnancy
- In rare cases, the hydatidiform mole invades neighboring tissues , this is called choriocarcinoma.
What causes a molar pregnancy?
Complete molar pregnancy
In the case of a complete hydatidiform mole , the abnormality comes from the ovum. This does not contain a nucleus, it is called an anucleated ovum . There may be one or two spermatozoa .
The placenta develops , and the absence of the embryo is replaced by a multitude of cysts . These are detected at the first ultrasound .
Partial molar pregnancy
In the case of a partial hydatidiform mole , the egg is functional and has all the mother's chromosomes. The abnormality comes from the fact that there are two sperm or one abnormal sperm .
The embryo is present , but its constitution is deficient.
If in doubt, do not wait until the situation gets worse. Contact your gynecologist or a midwife.
Molar pregnancy: what are the symptoms?
Symptomatic molar pregnancy
In a complete or partial molar pregnancy, the symptoms experienced are the same as in a classic pregnancy. The difference is in the degree of intensity of the symptoms , due to the faster development of the uterus due to abnormal proliferation of the trophoblast . The pregnant woman may therefore experience:
- Severe nausea and vomiting , more intense than classic morning sickness
- Heavy vaginal bleeding which can cause anemia
- Vaginal discharge that includes residue of slimy tissue
- A spontaneous miscarriage may occur
Asymptomatic molar pregnancy
In some cases, molar pregnancy does not present any symptoms. It is during the first ultrasound that the hydatidiform mole is then diagnosed.
Possible complications of a molar pregnancy.
In very rare cases, the hydatidiform mole can cause a gestational trophoblastic tumor . Its appearance is due to a residue of molar tissue that invades the uterus and transforms into more or less invasive tumor tissue . There is then a risk of spread to adjacent organs.
A high level of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) can detect a trophoblastic tumor.
Diagnosis of molar pregnancy
In most cases, molar pregnancy is detected quickly. After examining the symptoms, in the case of an abnormally developed uterus, the doctor will prescribe an analysis of the HCG level . This allows the elevated level induced by the hydatidiform mole to be noted.
If this is the case, a blood test is then carried out to detect a possible excess of thyroid hormones , called hyperthyroidism .
Finally, an ultrasound is performed to confirm the presence of a hydatidiform mole.
What treatment in case of molar pregnancy?
After diagnosis of a partial or complete hydatidiform mole, a medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is scheduled . During the operation, the surgeon will remove the mole by dilating the cervix and perform suction curettage .
Tests are then carried out to verify that the mole has been completely evacuated.
Blood levels are measured regularly after aspiration to check the level of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin . 10 weeks after the medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), the level is supposed to return to normal. A control ultrasound is systematically performed to check that the mole has been completely removed.
Additional tests are done to make sure the mole has not spread. These include a chest X-ray to make sure the lungs have not been infected.
Getting pregnant after a molar pregnancy
In most cases, a molar pregnancy occurs only once. The risk of having a second molar pregnancy is very low. The probabilities vary between 0.5% and 1%.
In case of a complete molar pregnancy, you must wait 6 months after the mole is removed. During this time, the HCG level is monitored every month.
In case of a partial molar pregnancy, you must wait 3 weeks after the mole is aspirated. Blood tests can confirm complete remission.
