What does a Molar Pregnancy Look Like?
The non-cancerous tumor in molar pregnancy looks like tiny water-filled sacs, similar to a cluster of grapes.
Is Molar Pregnancy a Successful Pregnancy?
Unfortunately, a non-cancerous tumor can’t support a developing embryo, and the pregnancy ends. If this doesn't happen, the doctor in Singapore may recommend surgery to remove the pregnancy. If left untreated, molar pregnancies can lead to serious complications.
Cryoviva Singapore &(A private Cord blood bank) says, if you are a new parent in Singapore ready to start the new phase of your life, you should be aware of every aspect of pregnancy, like types (ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, and multiple pregnancy), how to maintain a healthy pregnancy, risk factors, hospital essentials for delivery, why to opt for cord blood or tissue banking, etc.
Lets explore molar pregnancy in detail.
What causes Molar Pregnancy?
The primary cause of molar pregnancy is genetic errors happening exactly during the fertilization of an egg by a sperm.
In a normal pregnancy, an embryo receives one set of chromosomes (23) from each parent for a total of 46 chromosomes. Molar pregnancies contain an imbalance of chromosomes; sometimes, the embryo gets 23 chromosomes or 69 chromosomes from the sperm. This genetic error contributes to an unsuccessful pregnancy.
In short:
- Abnormal fertilization due to a genetic error causes a molar pregnancy. This occurs when the fertilized egg has an abnormal set of chromosomes (fewer or more).
- The abnormal chromosome number containing genes sends a message of abnormal growth of placental tissue that forms a mass or non-cancerous tumor instead of a normal embryo.
Types of Molar Pregnancy
Molar pregnancies basically fall into 2 categories
Complete Molar Pregnancy
There is no embryo formation. It occurs when a sperm fertilizes an empty egg. The egg contains no chromosomes. There are only 23 chromosomes from the sperm. There is 1 less set of chromosomes.
Partial Molar Pregnancy
It happens when an abnormal placenta develops along with an embryo. Two sperm fertilize one egg, and the embryo receives 69 chromosomes. There is 1 extra set of chromosomes.
Why it feels like I am Pregnant ?
In complete molar pregnancy, the placental tissue grows but is abnormal and composed of fluid-filled cysts. This placental tissue produces the pregnancy hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), making you feel like you’re pregnant. It can give you a positive pregnancy test.
Are there any symptoms of Molar Pregnancy ?
A molar pregnancy might seem like a regular pregnancy at first because of the release of the pregnancy hormone HCG. Some individuals may not notice any symptoms. However, some of the symptoms are:
- Dark brown to bright red bleeding from the vagina within the first three months
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Grape-like cysts passing from the vagina
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Preeclampsia (extremely high blood pressure), before 20 weeks of pregnancy
- Abnormally high HCG levels
- Ovarian cysts
- Overactive thyroid
- Abdominal swelling
- Anemia
Note: These symptoms are very similar to other health conditions; hence, consult a healthcare professional for the precise diagnosis.
When do Symptoms of Molar Pregnancy Start?
Some women might not experience symptoms of molar pregnancy, but if they do, it typically starts during the first trimester, most commonly between 6 and 12 weeks of gestation.
Also Read:What Tests Should Be Done during Pregnancy?
How to Diagnose it Early ?
When you are pregnant, you should visit your doctor regularly so that conditions like molar pregnancy can be detected early. There are many diagnostic tests to detect abnormal tissue growth and hormonal changes; some of them are:
Transvaginal or Abdominal Ultrasound (8–12 Weeks)
High-frequency sound waves are used to form an image of the uterus. If the image shows characteristics such as “snowstorm” or “cluster of grapes” patterns because of cystic placental tissue. This may help differentiate a molar pregnancy from a normal pregnancy.
Checking HCG levels Via Blood Tests
The blood test helps measure the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin. If the level is abnormally high, then it may indicate a molar pregnancy.
Histopathological Diagnosis
The tissue is removed from the womb under a microscope. If tissue shows swollen, fluid-filled structures called villi, and there is an overgrowth of the cells that normally form the placenta (known as trophoblasts). Then this can indicate a molar pregnancy.
- Complete mole shows no fetal tissue; all villi are swollen.
- Partial mole shows some normal villi and some swollen, with possible fetal tissue.
Immunohistochemistry (Check p57KIP2 Marker)
It is a special lab test where laboratory professionals stain the tissue with a dye that attaches to a protein called p57. This protein is generally made only when there is genetic material from the mother.
Complete molar pregnancies don’t have this maternal genetic material, so the stain for p57 is missing (negative). Partial moles and normal tissue have p57, so the stain shows a positive result.
Note: The doctors will confirm if the mole is complete or partial, which is crucial for managing the condition properly.
Genetic/Cytogenetic Testing
Genetic or cytogenetic testing checks for the number of chromosomes in the tissue.
- A normal pregnancy contains 46 chromosomes.
- Complete molar pregnancy has 23 chromosomes.
- Partial molar pregnancy has 69 chromosomes.
This test helps your doctor decide the type of molar pregnancy for the right treatment and follow-up care.
Clinical Evaluation
Symptoms such as early vaginal bleeding, abnormal uterine size, severe nausea, and possible ovarian cysts are evaluated by imaging and lab tests.
Various Treatments for Molar Pregnancy
Your doctor will decide the right treatment based on the laboratory and imaging tests. Some of the treatments that can be recommended are:
- The primary treatment involves dilation and curettage (D&C) under general anesthesia to remove all abnormal tissue from your uterus.
- Hysterectomy, or surgical removal (in very rare cases) of your uterus. It can be recommended if there is a high risk of cancer development or when future pregnancies are not desired.
- Follow-up care involves monitoring your HCG levels until levels return to normal.
- Additional treatment involves chemotherapy and preventive chemotherapy if hCG levels remain constantly high or there is a spread of other disease (gestational trophoblastic neoplasia).
Conclusion
In the beginning, a molar pregnancy might feel like a normal pregnancy, increasing the chances of ignoring this condition. Thats why you must go for regular follow-up and report any unusual symptoms so that your doctor can order medical tests for early detection, which ensures timely treatment and prevents complications.
In the case of normal pregnancy, many Singaporean parents are choosing to store cord blood for stem cell preservation to preserve their babys health against a potential 80+ diseases.Are you also ready to safeguard your familys health?Then book an appointment with Cryoviva Singapore.
Thats why, like many other Singaporean parents, you can choose a reliable private bank like Cryoviva for an affordable and pocket-friendly solution. Our pricing ranges between 5,000 to 8,000 SGD, offering you real value for money for your familys future.
Read this blog to know what influences cord blood banking costs in Singapore and how you can choose the best partner for yourself.
How is Cord Blood Storage cost decided in Singapore?
The Stem Cell preservation cost can vary, based on the cord blood bank you have contacted in Singapore. A trustworthy bank will provide you with maximum benefits at an affordable rate.
Here are the main factors that can contribute to the final price:
Fees for Collection
This is generally a one-time charge that covers the specialized collection kit used to collect cord blood safely during delivery. But you can also buy this kit by yourself.
Fees for Collection Procedure
Hospitals, clinics, or collecting agencies charge separately for staff and equipment required to collect cord blood right after delivery.
Fees for Processing & Testing
After collecting the blood, it is delivered to the lab for processing and testing for any infection. They ensure stem cells are pure, viable, and safe for storage. These processing and screening tests are included in the final price.
Initial Storage Cost
This fee can be included in the final price for preparing the cord blood sample for long-term cryogenic storage in their facility.
Fees for Annual or Long-Term Storage
You can pay your service provider storage fees either yearly or for a fixed duration (e.g., 21 years) for keeping the sample secure and ready for use. Some private cord blood banks also offer a lump-sum payment option.
Type of Cells Stored
If you have decided to store both cord blood and cord tissue, then it’s costlier than storing just cord blood alone because it involves extra processing, testing, screening, and space.
Selection of Service Provider
Some well-known or accredited providers that offer advanced facilities and quality assurance may charge extra fees compared to smaller or newer banks.
Add-On Services
If you have opted for extra services such as genetic testing, stem cell expansion, or insurance, this can be added to your final price.
Choosing the Right Stem Cell Bank
Choosing the right stem cell bank can be tricky because if you consider a lower price, quality of service may suffer, while opting for the most expensive one could strain finances.
So, whats the solution? Taking the middle ground where quality meets affordability. Look for a bank like Cryoviva Singapore that offers reliable storage, accredited processing, and the cheapest cord blood banking at 5,000 to 8,000 SGD, along with good customer support without draining your bank.
This affordable strategy ensures the best storage of your baby’s stem cells with reasonable costs and peace of mind.
Choose the reliable stem cell bank having the following qualities:
Have Test Costs Coverage in Their Plan
There might be a situation when the baby requires a stem cell transplant; then the contracted cord blood bank should bear the cost of all tests to ensure that the stored cord blood is safe to use.
They Will Support You in Challenging Moments
When the earning parent gets a partial or permanent disability, then the reliable bank should waive future payments.
Worldwide Transfer of the Specimen
The bank must have a well-coordinated network to transfer cord blood anywhere in the overall world for approved transplants, aligned with all regulatory rules.
They Follow Legal Standards
Your bank should have AABB accreditation for both cord blood and cord tissue.
Quipped with Advanced Technology
Reliable cord blood banks are equipped with advanced technology, the AXP Processing Bag (FDA-cleared, functionally closed automated system). This ensures lesser cord blood processing time, and it’s a cost-effective method.
References & Resources
Interested in reading more pregnancy and maternity tips?
You will find a collection of articles here on pregnancy diet and nutrition, exercise & fitness during and post pregnancy, emotional wellness and more. Check out a few from the list below:
What Is a Cryptic Pregnancy? Causes, Signs & Risk
- Pregnancy Pillow Guide: Benefits, Types & How to Choose
Early Pregnancy Discharge: What’s Normal and When to Worry
- How to plan and prepare for second pregnancy?
More Pregnancy & Maternity Tips
Top 5 Pregnancy Apps Every Mum to be Should Download 2025
Second trimester of pregnancy: Simple tips for would-be moms
If you are planning ahead for your babys future, consider exploring cord blood banking options with Cryoviva Singapore. Learn more about how you can secure your childs health for years to come. Have questions about your pregnancy journey or cord blood banking?Contact Us today.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Molar and a normal Pregnancy ?
Molar Pregnancy involves the growth of abnormal placental tissue in place of a healthy Embryo. While a normal Pregnancy involves a Fetus growing normally. Molar Pregnancies have an abnormal number of Chromosomes (23 or 69), unlike normal Pregnancies (46 Chromosomes).
What are the prevention methods for Molar Pregnancy ?
Theres no way to prevent a Molar Pregnancy. However, risk can be reduced by early Prenatal care, genetic counseling in the case of family history, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What are the complications of a Molar Pregnancy ?
Complications of Molar Pregnancy include the spreading of Gestational Trophoblastic disease (Cancerous growth), Uterine infection, shock, preeclampsia, and hyperthyroidism. That’s why timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
