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You may feel overwhelmed or confused when you first hear the term. Understanding molar pregnancy and its various diagnostic methods will help you feel at ease. You can also take several measures to improve your health by seeking treatment on time.
What Is a Molar Pregnancy?
A molar pregnancy usually occurs due to issues during the fertilisation process. This results in abnormal tissue growth inside your uterus instead of a healthy placenta and baby. This growth pattern resembles a bunch of grapes, which makes the diagnosis easier.You can have either of the following types of molar pregnancies:-
- Complete molar pregnancy: The baby is replaced by abnormal tissues inside the uterus.
- Partial molar pregnancy: Fetus with molar pregnancy that is not to be continued.
Although this is a rare condition, you still need proper care and treatment after its diagnosis.
Why Early Diagnosis Is Important
The abnormal growth in your uterus may lead to severe complications when left untreated. In some cases, a few molar tissues may continue to grow if they are not completely removed.An early diagnosis prevents further health issues and ensures that you get the right treatment at the right time.
What Are the Common Signs?
There are no obvious signs of molar pregnancy in the early stages. It can initially feel like a normal pregnancy. However, there are certain signs you must not ignore as your pregnancy progresses.- Heavy bleeding, but the colour varies from dark brown to red
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Abnormally fast growth of the uterus
- No fetal heartbeat during a check-up
- High blood pressure early in pregnancy
- Ovarian cysts or swelling
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as these can be warning signs that something is wrong.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your doctor may use a combination of methods to confirm a molar pregnancy. Here is what usually happens:Medical History and Physical Exam
You have to discuss your symptoms and medical history with your doctor. This includes:- Date of your last period
- Whether you have had unusual bleeding
- Any previous pregnancy complications
Blood Test – hCG Levels
Your body releases hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone during your pregnancy. But in a molar pregnancy, this hormone level is much higher than usual.Your doctor will take a blood sample to check your hCG levels. A molar pregnancy may lead to unusually high hCG levels for your stage of pregnancy.
Ultrasound Scan
This is the most important test for diagnosis. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your womb. It is useful in tracking the growth of a baby.This kind of image helps the doctor identify the molar tissue. In the case of a partial molar pregnancy, the scan may also show a fetus with severe problems.
Additional Tests (If Needed)
If your doctor suspects that molar tissue has spread beyond the uterus (which is rare), they may recommend:- Chest X-ray to check if any tissue has travelled to the lungs
- CT or MRI scan, in some cases
- Complete blood count to check overall health
What Happens After Diagnosis?
Your doctor will discuss the next steps with you after identifying a molar pregnancy. Typically, the abnormal tissue is removed through a simple surgical procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C).After that, you will need regular blood tests for a few months to ensure that all the molar tissue is gone. It is crucial to follow up, as any remaining tissue can lead to complications.
You may be asked to avoid getting pregnant for at least 6–12 months during this follow-up period so your hCG levels can return to normal and be monitored clearly.
Emotional Impact and Support
You may feel various emotions after getting diagnosed with a molar pregnancy. You may have had hopes for this pregnancy, and dealing with its end can be painful.Talking to a counsellor or support group can help you deal with it. Emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery.
Will I Be Able to Conceive Again?
You can get pregnant again after suffering from a molar pregnancy. The best time to try is after your hCG levels return to normal and everything is good, according to your doctor.The possibility of another molar pregnancy is very low, like 1% chances. Your doctor may still monitor your hCG levels more closely. They may even recommend an early ultrasound during your next pregnancy.
A molar pregnancy diagnosis is never easy for anyone. However, it is crucial to take the right steps to protect your health by paying attention to unusual symptoms. Please consult your doctor for an early diagnosis to avoid severe complications.
Remember, it is possible to recover fully with proper medical care and support. You can even plan for a healthy pregnancy in the future.
FAQs on How a Molar Pregnancy is Diagnosed?
- Is a molar pregnancy dangerous for my health?
Yes, a molar pregnancy may lead to serious complications if left untreated. However, most people recover completely without long-term issues due to early diagnosis and proper treatment. - Can I get pregnant again after a molar pregnancy?
Yes, you can get pregnant after full recovery from a molar pregnancy. You need to wait for a few months (usually 6 to 12) and follow your doctor’s advice during that time.
