How does a Molar Pregnancy Occur?
While we may never completely understand why molar pregnancies occur, we do know how it occurs. In general there are two types of molar pregnancies: • Complete Molar Pregnancy: This molar pregnancy occurs when the nucleus of the egg is lost and the sperm duplicates itself to fill in the gaps. This creates a rapidly growing group of fluid filled vesicles that can cause the uterus to grow at a rapid rate. Since there is no fetus and no placenta, bleeding into the uterine cavity can occur. • Partial Molar Pregnancy: (the most common) This molar pregnancy occurs when 2 sperm fertilize the egg at the same time. In this situation, there may be a fetus present, but there are usually genetic abnormalities present. What are the symptoms of a Molar Pregnancy: • nausea and vomiting • bleeding • Raised HCG levels • Uterus that is larger than it should be • No fetal heart tone How will a Molar Pregnancy be Diagnosed? In the majority of cases, the molar pregnancy will terminate itself and a spontane