Molar Pregnancy: Learn About This Pregnancy Complication & Symptoms to Watch For! by Dr. Shayna Mancuso

Molar pregnancies are an uncommon complication of pregnancy, yet they can be very frightening and anxiety provoking for most women. A molar pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg does not develop into a normal fetus and placenta. Instead, it develops into an abnormal growth in your uterus, commonly known as a mole.

• A partial (incomplete) molar pregnancy occurs when two sets of chromosome from the father are combined with one set of chromosomes from mom.
• In a complete molar pregnancy, there is no embryo or normal placental tissue.

Partial and complete molar pregnancies are both very likely to end in a miscarriage. It is important for women to understand that molar pregnancies may feel like a normal pregnancy at first. However, always be aware of other signs and symptoms that are characteristic of a molar pregnancy. These may include the following :

• vaginal bleeding or dark brown discharge.
• severe nausea or vomiting.
• passage of grape-like cysts.
• pelvic pain.

If you are diagnosed with a molar pregnancy, it is important to have a very detailed discussion with your health care provider of the potential complications and the importance of close followup. This is a very difficult and confusing diagnosis for women, and receiving support from your doctor, midwife, family and friends is of the utmost importance!