Molar pregnancy, sometimes simply referred as mole is a rare abnormal medical condition, a complication of pregnancy inside the category of gestational trophoblastic diseases. Molar pregnancy includes the hydatiform mole (partial and complete) and the invasive mole, also called chorioadenoma destruens.

A molar pregnancy is a rare condition where a fertilized egg degenerates into a growth of abnormal tissue resembling a bunch of grapes. The incidence of molar pregnancy is 1 in 1,500–2,000 pregnancies.

Symptoms and diagnosis

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There may be bleeding in the first trimester with a molar pregnancy. The uterus may be larger than expected for how far along the pregnancy is, or the ovaries may be enlarged. A woman with a molar pregnancy may have more vomiting than would be expected. Sometimes there is an increase in blood pressure along with protein in the urine. The diagnosis is made using ultrasound (a sonogram).

Treatment

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A molar pregnancy is usually removed by a D&C (using suction and curettage). About 90% of women who have molar pregnancies removed require no further treatment. Careful follow-up treatment is very important, though. A blood test for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) should be performed weekly until it has returned to negative, then monthly for 6 months to 1 year after the surgery, to determine whether complete removal of the molar pregnancy was successful.

Patients are advised not to conceive for one year after a molar pregnancy. The chances of having another molar pregnancy are approximately 1%.

Pregnancy

Môle hydatiforme | Mola-zwangerschap