Molar Pregnancy: Overview of Symptoms and Treatments
Learn about molar pregnancy, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Discover how to manage recovery and future pregnancy planning with expert medical care.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 25th Aug, 2025
Pregnancy is usually a time of joy and anticipation, but sometimes, complications can arise. One such rare condition is a molar pregnancy, which occurs when abnormal tissue grows in the uterus instead of a healthy baby. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this condition, it’s natural to feel worried. However, with proper medical care, most women recover fully and can have healthy pregnancies in the future.
This article explains what a molar pregnancy is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options in simple terms.
What Is a Molar Pregnancy?
A molar pregnancy (also called hydatidiform mole) is a rare complication where abnormal tissue forms inside the uterus instead of a normal embryo. This happens due to problems with fertilization—when the sperm and egg combine incorrectly.
There are two types:
1. Complete Molar Pregnancy – No embryo forms, only abnormal placental tissue.
2. Partial Molar Pregnancy – Some fetal tissue forms, but it is not viable and cannot develop into a baby.
While molar pregnancies are not common (occurring in about 1 in 1,000 pregnancies), they require medical attention to prevent complications.
Symptoms of a Molar Pregnancy
In the early stages, a molar pregnancy may seem like a normal pregnancy. However, some warning signs include:
Vaginal bleeding (often dark brown or bright red)
Severe nausea and vomiting (more intense than typical morning sickness)
No fetal movement or heartbeat detected (during ultrasound)
Rapid uterine growth (the womb grows faster than expected)
High blood pressure early in pregnancy
Pelvic pain or pressure
Passing grape-like cysts (small, fluid-filled sacs) from the vagina
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
What Causes a Molar Pregnancy?
A molar pregnancy occurs due to genetic errors during fertilization. Here’s how it happens:
Complete molar pregnancy – An empty egg (with no genetic material) is fertilized by a sperm, leading to abnormal growth.
Partial molar pregnancy – Two sperm fertilize one egg, resulting in an embryo with too many chromosomes, making it non-viable.
Risk Factors
Some factors increase the chances of a molar pregnancy:
Age – Women under 20 or over 35 are at higher risk.
Previous molar pregnancy – Having one before increases the risk of another.
Dietary deficiencies – Low levels of carotene (vitamin A) and folic acid may play a role.
Consult Top General Practitioner
How Is a Molar Pregnancy Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects a molar pregnancy, they may recommend:
1. Ultrasound – Shows abnormal growth in the uterus (often a "snowstorm" or "grape-like" appearance).
2. Blood tests – Measures hCG (pregnancy hormone) levels, which are unusually high in molar pregnancies.
3. Tissue examination – After removal, the tissue is tested to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for a Molar Pregnancy
Since a molar pregnancy cannot develop into a healthy baby, it must be removed to prevent complications. Treatment options include:
1. Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – A minor surgical procedure to remove abnormal tissue from the uterus.
2. Medication – In some cases, medicine helps the body expel the tissue naturally.
3. Follow-up monitoring – After removal, hCG levels are checked regularly (for weeks or months) to ensure no abnormal tissue remains.
In rare cases, molar tissue can grow back or spread (called gestational trophoblastic disease), requiring further treatment like chemotherapy.
Can You Get Pregnant Again After a Molar Pregnancy?
Yes! Most women go on to have healthy pregnancies later. However, doctors usually recommend:
Waiting 6-12 months before trying again.
Regular hCG monitoring to ensure levels return to zero.
Early ultrasound in future pregnancies to confirm normal development.
Tips for Emotional and Physical Recovery
A molar pregnancy can be emotionally distressing. Here’s how to cope:
Seek support – Talk to loved ones or join a support group.
Follow medical advice – Attend all follow-up appointments.
Eat a balanced diet – Focus on folic acid, iron, and vitamins to support recovery.
Avoid pregnancy temporarily – Use contraception until your doctor gives the go-ahead.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
Heavy bleeding or severe pain
Persistent high hCG levels
Symptoms of infection (fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge)
If you need expert advice or treatment, you can book a consultation with a gynecologist on Apollo 24|7 for personalized care.
Final Thoughts
A molar pregnancy can be a difficult experience, but with proper medical care, most women recover fully. If you suspect any unusual symptoms during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to seek help. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications.
Remember, you are not alone; many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after this condition.
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