I was so uneducated about pregnancy loss before it directly affected me and my family. A type of pregnancy loss that many people don't know about is called "Molar Pregnancy." Molar pregnancies are devastating as the loss of hopes, dreams, future plans come to a screeching halt
Here are a few facts about molar pregnancies...
- Molar pregnancies are very rare, occurring in 1 out of every 1,000 pregnancies.
- It is also known as gestational trophoblastic disease or GTD.
- A molar pregnancy occurs when there is an abnormality of the fertilized egg. The embryo doesn't develop and the placenta grows rapidly into an abnormal mass.
- There are two types of molar pregnancies, "complete," and "partial."
- The abnormal tissue from a molar pregnancy can continue to grow after it has been removed, and can turn into cancer.
- Molar pregnancy often has the same symptoms as a normal pregnancy.
- After a diagnosis of a molar pregnancy has been made blood tests are required to monitor hCG levels. These tests can be monthly for 6 months to a year, or as your doctor prescribes.
- Other treatment can include Dilation and curettage (D&C) or methotrexate (a chemotherapy treatment).
- Doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant during the first year after a molar pregnancy.
- Nearly 100% of women with molar pregnancies can be curred with appropriate treatment. (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/gestational-trophoblastic-disease/treating/by-stage.html)
It is absolutely appropriate to grieve the loss of your pregnancy. Surround yourself with a strong support system. A molar pregnancy is in no way your fault. Be kind to yourself There is no right or wrong way to grieve and feel.