In a normal pregnancy, the father deposits 23 chromosomes and the mother 23. In a molar pregnancy, the mother’s share of chromosomes is missing and the father has deposited all 46 chromosomes. Due to this, the embryo is unable to form. There is no embryo, no amniotic sac, nor any normal placenta tissue, which eventually turns into cysts. These cysts may or may not be malignant. This is known as a complete molar pregnancy. In a partial molar pregnancy, there are the 23 chromosomes from the mother, but also 46 chromosomes from the father. This can happen if two sperms land up...
...fertilizing the egg or the chromosomes are duplicated. In this case the embryo will form, but the baby will not survive eventually leading to a miscarriage. If the doctor suspects a molar pregnancy, you may need an immediate Molar Pregnancy Ultrasound.
Symptoms of a molar pregnancy could be bleeding, nausea, vomiting or abdominal swelling. A molar pregnancy ultrasound can detect a complete molar pregnancy and it can also be done with a blood test. However, a partial molar pregnancy may go undetected even with a Molar Pregnancy Ultrasound. A molar pregnancy is either treated by way of a minor operation, called a D & C (dilation and curettage), or it can be done with the help of a pill that induces miscarriage. It is however, extremely important to monitor a molar pregnancy post operation irrespective of whether it was malignant or not. An invasive mole may develop after an operation. This means that the molar tissue has grown on the lining of the uterus. Continuous bleeding after the operation will be an indication of the same. Sometimes, even after the tissue is removed, abnormal cells may remain. This may require chemotherapy to curb further progress. This condition is almost completely curable and is extremely rare.
If one has to get pregnant again, it will depend on whether chemotherapy was administered or not. If not, a waiting period of six months is advised just as a precautionary measure. But if chemotherapy has been administered, a waiting period of 12 months is advised.
Like a miscarriage, a molar pregnancy can be extremely disheartening for expecting parents. It is an unfortunate situation that one has to cope with. On a positive note, the chances of having a normal pregnancy are not affected by a molar pregnancy. It is a very rare condition and has been attributed to a diet deficient in vitamin A. It is advised to inform the doctor of any previous molar pregnancies.
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