What is a molar pregnancy?

Molar pregnancy is a rare condition and has nothing to do with the removal of wisdom teeth. Although it is rare, it is important for pregnant women and healthcare professionals to know what it is. So what is this thing? Unfortunately, there’s nothing funny about this.

What is a molar pregnancy?

This pregnancy condition occurs when the normal fertilization process between an egg and a sperm is interrupted. Concretely, instead of developing normally in the fetus as we know it, the cells multiply abnormally, forming what we call a “mole”, and which therefore gives a so-called “molar” pregnancy. But that’s not all, because there are two types of these pregnancies:

1. The complete mole: in this case there is no normal fetal development. The “complete mole” is very often composed of a mass of so-called abnormal cells.
2. The partial mole: involves some form of abnormal embryonic development. Basically, this means that there may be fetal tissue, but it is not viable.

Symptoms and diagnosis of molar pregnancy

Women who are expecting a baby and have a molar pregnancy may experience several symptoms: vaginal bleeding, severe nausea, and rapid enlargement of the uterus, which means it swells too quickly. But the problem is that these symptoms can be present even in a normal pregnancy, which makes the diagnosis of molar pregnancy difficult.

Speaking of diagnosis, the latter is usually carried out through in-depth medical tests, such as ultrasounds and blood tests. An abnormal increase in levels of the hormone beta-hCG – a hormone produced during pregnancy – can be a clue to the presence of a molar pregnancy.

Risks and treatment of molar pregnancy

These particular pregnancies pose significant health risks to the pregnant woman. If not treated properly, serious complications can occur, including excessive bleeding, infections, and even the spread of abnormal cells to other parts of the body. Yes, not great.

Usually, treatment for a molar pregnancy involves uterine aspiration to remove the mass of so-called “abnormal” cells. And in some cases, careful monitoring and regular medical tests are needed to ensure that all the abnormal cells are permanently removed.

Unfortunately, the exact cause of these molar pregnancies is not always clear, but is often associated with chromosomal abnormalities from the beginning of conception.

Obviously, if you have the slightest doubt or question, contact your healthcare professional, who will be able to guide you and answer your questions.

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