Pregnancy And Baby Care Articles Molar Pregnancy
HCG Levels In Molar Pregnancy
Submitted by Nick on January 19, 2012
A molar pregnancy can be described as the formation of a benign mole (non-cancerous mole) in the uterus. It is possible for a molar pregnancy to occur, when a woman’s placenta abnormally develops into a mass of cysts, instead of becoming a viable pregnancy. Some health experts also describe a molar pregnancy as a kind of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Molar pregnancies can be for two types, a complete molar pregnancy or a
partial molar pregnancy. In case of a complete molar pregnancy, there is no normal placental tissue or embryo present. In partial molar pregnancies, there may be some amount of normal...
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...placental tissue present, but the embryo is usually abnormal. Therefore, while the embryo may try to develop, it cannot survive, since it is malformed. Hence, as soon as a medical health care provider suspects any complication, a test may be recommended to check HCG levels in molar pregnancy.
HCG levels in molar pregnancy
t is very important to keep a regular check on HCG levels in molar pregnancy. This is because more than the actual levels of HCG, it is important to assess how fast the HCG levels in the body are rising. In case the levels of HCG rise too rapidly in pregnant women, it could be an indication of a molar pregnancy. However this rapid rise is usually seen in the typical HCG levels in molar pregnancy. On the other hand, beta HCG levels in molar pregnancy (partial) usually rise at a much lower rate. Also read hcg levels chart in pregnancy.
HCG levels in molar pregnancy symptoms
Apart from rapidly rising HCG levels in molar pregnancy, symptoms that may also be seen include:
- Anemia
- Bright red or dark brown vaginal bleeding
- Cysts in the ovaries (detected during an ultrasound test)
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis area
- Passage of grapelike cysts, in the form of vaginal discharge
- Pre-eclampsia
- Rapid growth of the uterus, which appears much bigger than a normal pregnancy
- Vomiting and severe nausea
Also see molar pregnancy treatment
Since a molar pregnancy is not normal, it cannot be allowed to continue, which is why it needs to be treated. The molar tissue will need to be removed from the uterus, in order to prevent any complications. Hence, a woman will need to undergo the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure, in treating this condition. However, after the tissue is removed, the patient will need to continue undergoing tests for HCG levels in molar pregnancy for around 6 months to one year, just to ensure that there is no residual molar tissue left.
Read more articles from the Molar Pregnancy Category.