A pregnancy complication can happen to any woman. One potential complication to know about is a molar pregnancy. A molar pregnancy occurs when there is an unusual growth of cells called trophoblasts. Continue reading to learn more about molar pregnancy and its symptoms.
Types of Molar Pregnancies
There are two types of molar pregnancies: complete molar pregnancy and partial molar pregnancy. When a woman has a complete molar pregnancy, this means that the placental tissue swells and forms fluid-filled cysts. There is no fetus in a complete molar pregnancy.
With a partial molar pregnancy, the placenta may have regular and irregular tissue. It’s possible for a fetus to be present, but the fetus is unable to survive.
It’s important to note that a molar pregnancy can lead to serious complications, such as a rare form of cancer. It’s important to be able to identify the signs of molar pregnancy and receive treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Molar Pregnancy
Molar pregnancies commonly appear like normal pregnancies at first. But these types of pregnancies typically come with certain symptoms that indicate a cause for concern. Some symptoms associated with a molar pregnancy include:
- Experiencing dark brown to bright red blood during the first three months of pregnancy
- Experiencing nausea and vomiting
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- In some cases, grapelike cysts that pass through the vagina
How is a Molar Pregnancy Detected?
Luckily, advanced technology has made it possible to detect molar pregnancies sooner. Typically, these types of pregnancies are found within the first three months of pregnancy. Women who are having a molar pregnancy that is not detected within the first three months may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including:
- Ovarian cysts
- An overactive thyroid
- A uterus that grows too quickly or too large
- Preeclampsia – a serious condition that is a result of high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy
A molar pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that should be treated immediately. If you believe you are experiencing a molar pregnancy, talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
