Molar pregnancy
A molar pregnancy is one of a group of conditions called gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). It happens in the cells that would usually develop into the placenta. It is also called a hydatidiform mole. Molar pregnancies are not cancer (they are benign). There is a very small risk that the molar cells could become cancerous if they are not all removed.
What is molar pregnancy?
In a molar pregnancy the fertilisation of the egg by the sperm goes wrong and creates abnormal cells or clusters of water filled sacs inside the womb. Molar pregnancies can be complete or partial.
Symptoms of molar pregnancy
The main symptom of molar pregnancy is vaginal bleeding
Diagnosing molar pregnancy
Many molar pregnancies are picked up during routine ultrasound scans during pregnancy.
Treatment for molar pregnancy
The most common treatment for molar pregnancy is surgery. Some women might have drug treatment.
Follow up after a molar pregnancy
You are closely monitored with blood and urine tests after your treatment for molar pregnancy. This is to make sure that the molar cells don’t grow back.
Risks and causes of molar pregnancy
Factors that might increase the risk of molar pregnancy include age, ethnicity, and having a previous molar pregnancy.
