Molar Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A molar pregnancy is a rare type of pregnancy in which the fertilized egg develops into a mass of cells instead of a normal fetus. Molar pregnancies are also known as hydatidiform moles. This condition is not a viable pregnancy and does not result in a healthy baby. Molar pregnancies require medical attention, and in some cases, surgery to remove the abnormal tissue.
Types of Molar Pregnancy
There are two types of molar pregnancy:
Complete Molar Pregnancy
A complete molar pregnancy occurs when an empty egg is fertilized by a sperm, resulting in a pregnancy that has no viable fetus or placenta. Complete molar pregnancy is caused by an abnormal fertilization of an egg that has no nucleus. This means that there is no genetic material from the mother in the fertilized egg.
Partial Molar Pregnancy
A partial molar pregnancy occurs when two sperm fertilize a normal egg, resulting in a pregnancy with an abnormal fetus and placenta. Partial molar pregnancy is caused by an overgrowth of the placental tissue and an abnormal fetus.
Causes of Molar Pregnancy
The exact cause of molar pregnancy is not known. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition:
- Age: Women who are over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of developing molar pregnancy.
- History of molar pregnancy: Women who have had a previous molar pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing another one.
- Family history: Women who have a family history of molar pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
- Abnormalities in the egg or sperm: Molar pregnancy can occur when there are abnormalities in the egg or sperm.
Symptoms of Molar Pregnancy
The symptoms of molar pregnancy are similar to those of a normal pregnancy:
- Missed period
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal swelling
- Spotting or bleeding
However, molar pregnancy may also cause:
- Uterine enlargement that is larger than expected
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal levels of pregnancy hormones
- Presence of cysts in the ovaries
Diagnosis of Molar Pregnancy
Molar pregnancy is usually diagnosed during a routine ultrasound scan. The ultrasound will show a mass of cells instead of a normal fetus and placenta. A blood test may also be done to check for abnormal levels of pregnancy hormones.
Treatment of Molar Pregnancy
The treatment of molar pregnancy depends on the type and severity of the condition:
Complete Molar Pregnancy
Complete molar pregnancy is usually treated with a procedure called suction curettage. This involves removing the abnormal tissue from the uterus using a tube and suction. After the procedure, the woman will need to have regular blood tests to monitor her hormone levels and ensure that all the abnormal tissue has been removed.
Partial Molar Pregnancy
Partial molar pregnancy may be treated with suction curettage or with a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C). D&C involves removing the abnormal tissue from the uterus using a special instrument. After the procedure, the woman will need to have regular blood tests to monitor her hormone levels and ensure that all the abnormal tissue has been removed.
Prognosis of Molar Pregnancy
The prognosis of molar pregnancy is usually good. Most women who have had a molar pregnancy go on to have a healthy pregnancy in the future. However, there is a small risk of developing a rare type of cancer called gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. This risk can be reduced by having regular blood tests to monitor hormone levels after treatment for molar pregnancy.
Conclusion
Molar pregnancy is a rare type of pregnancy that occurs when the fertilized egg develops into a mass of cells instead of a normal fetus. Molar pregnancies require medical attention, and in some cases, surgery to remove the abnormal tissue. The prognosis of molar pregnancy is usually good, and most women who have had a molar pregnancy go on to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.
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