Have you ever heard of a molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole? It’s a condition that many people don’t even know exists or have heard of it but don’t know the term used. So, what is a molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole1? After fertilization, the zygote does not receive the chromosomes from the mother, it only receives the father’s chromosomes, and these cells turn into a sort of mess that forms clumsily inside the mother’s uterus. This whole mess is a chromosomal deficiency, because we know that to form an individual (baby), we need 23 pairs of chromosomes, 23 from the mother and 23 from the father.
The zygote, which is missing the maternal chromosomes, implants normally, but it produces a very high amount of the HCG hormone. This is one of the most common symptoms of molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole. In fact, a woman may notice changes and even discover she is “pregnant”. In summary, a molar pregnancy is a cluster of cells that only carry the father’s chromosomes.
What are the symptoms? Extremely high HCG hormone2 for the gestational age, and sometimes bleeding may also occur.
How is it diagnosed? A transvaginal ultrasound and a Beta HCG test.
What is the treatment? Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done. Around the 8th or 9th week, the woman’s body will usually eliminate the embryo with the chromosomal defect on its own. In some cases, a curettage3 is necessary.
What causes it? It’s not exactly known, but studies suggest that two sperm cells may fertilize a single egg, producing this abnormal zygote.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict these things, ladies. But know that nature is very wise. It carefully selects before allowing a pregnancy to move forward. In cases of complete mole, it’s necessary to talk to your doctor about the need for chemotherapy treatment, since some moles are invasive and can spread. For partial mole, chemotherapy is not necessary. Once the curettage is done, life can go back to normal. Remember that if you have a complete mole: don’t worry unnecessarily, talk to your doctor! I hope this helped!
See also: Pregnancy Test – Quantitative and Qualitative Beta: What’s the Difference?
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