what is a partial molar pregnancy?

(July 22, 2010)

Partial Molar Pregnancy

A molar pregnancy is an unusual pregnancy complication owing to chromosomal imbalances at the time of conception. It is also called gestational trophoblastic disease or hydatidiform mole. In a normal pregnancy, both mother and father contribute 23 chromosomes each for the genetic buildup of the little baby. However, in a partial molar pregnancy, at the time of fertilization of the egg by the sperm, the mother contributes 23 chromosomes while the father supplies 46 chromosomes. This can happen in two scenarios – the first being that the egg is fertilized by two sperms simultaneously and the second is that the chromosomes are duplicated.

In a partial molar pregnancy, fetal tissue grows along with the abnormal placental tissue. Small traces of normal placental tissue are found in the midst of a mass or cluster of abnormal cells. These cells resemble a bunch of grapes. Since both the parents have contributed chromosomes, the embryo begins to develop. However, since there is a faulty genetic structure, the fetus can never develop into a normal, healthy baby. The embryo may grow into a fetus in an amniotic sac or fetal tissue may be present with the abnormal cells. This is unlike a complete molar pregnancy which has no embryo, no amniotic sac and no normal placental tissues.

Molar pregnancies are rather rare with a statistical likelihood of just one in a thousand women actually experiencing it. The main symptoms of a molar pregnancy include severe vomiting and nausea. Spotting, streaking or the passing of bright red or brownish blood is another common indicator of a molar pregnancy. In many women, the uterus expands to accommodate the fast growing cells before time and the pregnancy begins to show earlier that expected. A higher than normal hCG hormone count also points towards a molar pregnancy. A meticulous pelvic scan and an ultrasound help in detecting a molar pregnancy. A molar pregnancy is mainly detected around the 12th week of gestation when the baby’s heartbeat is not found and when the uterus is rather calm.

When a molar pregnancy is confirmed, it is essential to clear the uterus of all fetal as well as abnormal placental cells immediately so as to prevent further complications. An invasive surgical procedure would be required to do so. At this point, it is essential to keep in mind that no matter what you do, your baby will never be normal. The positive aspect is that you can go on to have a normal pregnancy later.

Submitted by P T on July 22, 2010 at 12:48

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