A molar pregnancy is a rare complication of pregnancy that occurs when abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus instead of a healthy baby. It happens due to problems during fertilization, leading to abnormal development of the placenta and embryo. While it can mimic the early signs of pregnancy, a molar pregnancy is not a viable pregnancy and does not result in a baby.
Here’s a detailed look at molar pregnancy and why it is not considered a real baby:
1. Complete Molar Pregnancy
In a complete molar pregnancy, only placental tissue develops.
- This happens when a sperm fertilizes an empty egg with no genetic material.
- Because the egg is empty, no embryo or fetus is formed.
- The placenta grows abnormally and produces high levels of the pregnancy hormone (hCG).
- An ultrasound will show no fetus—only abnormal placental growth.
2. Partial Molar Pregnancy
A partial molar pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by two sperm, leading to too many chromosomes.
- Some abnormal fetal tissue may form, but it cannot develop into a healthy baby.
- The abnormal tissue grows alongside an enlarged, unhealthy placenta.
- Like a complete mole, it cannot result in a live birth.
3. Signs and Symptoms
Women with molar pregnancies may experience symptoms similar to normal pregnancy, but often more intense, such as:
- Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy
- Rapid uterine growth larger than expected
- Severe nausea and vomiting due to high hCG levels
- Absence of fetal heartbeat
4. Medical Importance
A molar pregnancy must be treated promptly to prevent complications.
- It can sometimes lead to persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).
- Rarely, it may develop into a cancerous condition called choriocarcinoma, which requires treatment.
Conclusion
A molar pregnancy is not a real baby because either no fetus develops (complete mole) or abnormal fetal tissue forms that cannot survive (partial mole). While it can be emotionally challenging, early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to prevent health complications and support future fertility.