A molar pregnancy (also called hydatidiform mole) is usually not a real pregnancy with a baby. What happens instead is that something causes the organ that normally provides oxygen and food to a growing baby (called the placenta) to grow quickly and abnormally into a tumor.

This tumor contains many tiny pockets called cysts, and resembles a bunch of grapes. It can become a cancer, but this is rare.

Only 1 in about 2,000 pregnancies is a molar pregnancy. Occasionally, a baby does develop, but it is usually not normal and dies before birth.

During a molar pregnancy, women often have very bad nausea and vomiting. Some doctors think this is because they have a much higher than normal amount of a

 

 

 

 

 

hormones
Hormones are chemicals that are made in certain parts of the body. They travel through the bloodstream and have an effect on other parts of the body. For example, the female sex hormone estrogen is made in a woman's ovaries. Estrogen has many different effects on a woman's body. It makes the breasts grow at puberty and helps control periods. It is also needed to get pregnant.

 

 

 

 

 

hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in their blood. Other symptoms include severe tiredness and bleeding from the vagina.

If your doctor thinks your pregnancy might be a molar pregnancy, you will probably have an

 

 

 

 

 

ultrasound
Ultrasound is a tool doctors use to create images of the inside of your body. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which are directed at an area of your body through a device such as a probe. The waves reflect off parts of your body to create a picture. Ultrasound is often used to see a developing baby inside a woman's womb.

 

 

 

 

 

ultrasound scan and a blood test to measure your level of HCG. If you have a hydatidiform mole, you will need an operation to remove the mole (and baby if there is one) as well as checkups with your doctor afterward.

If cancer cells are found, you might need treatment with drugs. But this is rare. Most women don't need any more treatment. Your doctor may monitor your HCG level for about two years to check for cancer. The most likely time for cancer to grow is during the year after your pregnancy. Doctors usually advise women not to get pregnant during this time.

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