Molar pregnancy

Question: I am a mother of two sons aged five and three. My husband and I were recently trying for another child. I got pregnant and, during the 24th week, went for scanning. I was told I had a molar pregnancy and I have had a D & C but am still confused. I had my two boys with no complications and they are both healthy. Could you please explain what happened to me?

Answer: We forwarded this question to gynaecologist Frank Taulo who advised us to look up hydatiform mole. Here is what we sourced from Medline plus Encyclopaedia.

A molar pregnancy, also referred to as a hydatid mole or a hyatidiform mole, is a rare mass or growth that forms inside the uterus at the beginning of a pregnancy. It results from over-production of the tissue that is supposed to develop into the placenta. The placenta normally feeds a fetus during pregnancy. In this condition, the tissues develop into an abnormal growth, called a mass.

There are two types namely; partial molar pregnancy and complete molar pregnancy.

A partial molar pregnancy means there is an abnormal placenta and some fetal development. In a complete molar pregnancy, there is an abnormal placenta but no fetus. Both forms are due to problems during fertilisation. Potential causes may include defects in the egg, problems within the uterus, or a diet low in protein, animal fat, and vitamin A. Women under age 16 or older than 40 have a higher risk for this condition. You also are more likely to have a molar pregnancy if you have had one in the past.

Symptoms

Abnormal growth of the womb (uterus). Excessive growth in about half of cases. Smaller-than-expected growth in about a third of cases. Nausea and vomiting that may be severe enough to require a hospital stay. Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Exams and Tests

A pelvic examination may show signs similar to a normal pregnancy, but the size of the womb may be abnormal and the baby’s heart sounds are absent. There may be some vaginal bleeding. A pregnancy ultrasound will show an abnormal placenta with or without some development of a baby.

Treatment

If your doctor suspects a molar pregnancy, a suction curettage (D and C) may be performed. A hysterectomy may be an option for older women who do not wish to become pregnant in the future. Close follow-up is essential. You should use very effective contraception for at least 6 to 12 months to avoid pregnancy. In some cases, hydatidiform moles may develop into invasive moles.