Molar pregnancy is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), a tumor that grows into the mass of the uterus that has a swollen chorion villi. These grow in clusters and form a grape-like structure in your uterus. If not treated on time, it has chances of developing into cancer. Dr Duru Shah, gynaecologist and director of Gynaecworld, lists ten things that you must know about molar pregnancy.
The pregnancy needs to be terminated IMMEDIATELY
Once you are diagnosed with a molar pregnancy, your pregnancy must be aborted completely. The sooner you get your pregnancy terminated, lesser are your risks of developing cancer.
Follow up goes on for a year
You will have to follow up with your doctor at least for a year to make sure that the risk has gone completely. You will have to take necessary tests for a year till your doctor confirms that you are completely healthy.
It can be diagnosed in the 1st trimester
A molar pregnancy can be diagnosed by an ultrasound within the first three months itself. Most doctors advise an ultrasound during the initial stages of pregnancy, but if your doctor hasn't, then request him to do an ultrasound to make sure everything is fine.
Do not conceive until your doctor gives you a go-ahead
If you have been diagnosed with molar pregnancy and have terminated your pregnancy, do not get pregnant again till your doctor waves the green flag. You can use oral contraception, IUD or condoms to avoid pregnancy for a while. If you get pregnant again without the doctor giving you a heads up, there are chances that it might be a molar pregnancy again and will be difficult to diagnose.
Take an HCG test regularly
Your gynaecologist will guide you as to when and how frequently you need to take the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) test, the same test you take to confirm pregnancy. The HCG test will help them determine your condition. Your HCG level needs to be negative throughout the year for the doctor to confirm that the risk has completely subsided and that you can start trying to conceive again.
Past records must be considered
If you have had a molar pregnancy in the past, make sure you doctor knows about it along with the past reports. It will be easier to verify the risks if you are pregnant again.
Watch out for heavy bleeding and vaginal discharge
Bleeding during pregnancy is, anyway, a bad thing. But if you are also passing whitish-pink, grapes-like structures from your vagina, you are in for some serious trouble. So consult your doctor if you're experiencing such vaginal discharge or heavy bleeding.
Look for anomalies
Ask your doctor to look at the tissue if it looks like a normal pregnancy tissue or like a mole. Also, ask your doctor to look for anomalies while doing the regular tests and ultrasounds.
Monitor your condition
Make sure you monitor your condition properly and that the risk is over. Do not miss any appointment with your gynaecologist.
Reference
Cavaliere, A., Ermito, S., Dinatale, A., & Pedata, R. (2009). Management of molar pregnancy. Journal of prenatal medicine, 3(1), 15.
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