Will the molar pregnancy survive if it is not treated?

Hydatidiform mole is an abnormal pregnancy that cannot develop into a fetus normally. If not treated, it will lead to serious health risks, including persistent diseases and even malignant tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately and receive standardized treatment. Common treatment methods include curettage to remove the diseased tissue, drug treatment and continuous follow-up to prevent complications and recurrence.

1What is hydatidiform mole?

Hydatidiform mole is a pregnancy-related disease caused by abnormal proliferation of placental villous tissue. It looks like a bunch of grapes, hence the name. Depending on the severity of the lesion, it can be divided into complete hydatidiform mole and partial hydatidiform mole. Complete hydatidiform mole has no embryonic or fetal tissue, while partial hydatidiform mole may have some fetal tissue but cannot survive normally. Since this disease is an abnormal pregnancy that cannot develop into a healthy fetus, it will endanger the patient's life if it is not treated in time.

2Why can't a molar pregnancy be born?

The core lesions of hydatidiform mole originate from abnormal genetic material or chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg. Complete hydatidiform mole is usually inherited from a double paternal chromosome without maternal contribution, while partial hydatidiform mole may contain an extra set of chromosomes. This genetic abnormality causes the placenta to be structurally disordered and unable to provide support for the normal development of the fetus. Although hydatidiform mole occurs in the uterus, it is not a true process of nurturing life. If it is delayed, it will cause persistent trophoblastic disease or even malignant trophoblastic tumors.

3How to treat hydatidiform mole

The first step in treatment is to remove the diseased tissue from the uterus. The main methods currently include:

① Curettage: The most commonly used treatment method is to completely remove the hydatidiform mole tissue through suction curettage. After surgery, the β-HCG level should be tested regularly to assess whether the disease has been completely cured.

②Drug treatment: For a small number of patients, such as residual tissue that is difficult to completely remove, chemotherapy drugs are sometimes needed to control the disease. Commonly used drugs include methotrexate.

③ Follow-up: After the treatment is completed, women need to have their β-HCG levels checked regularly for at least 6 months to 1 year to prevent recurrence or development of malignant diseases. It is not recommended to get pregnant again during this period.

4 How to prevent hydatidiform mole

Since hydatidiform mole is often related to sporadic genetic abnormalities, it is difficult to completely avoid it. However, improving physical health before pregnancy and scientific management during pregnancy can reduce the risk to a certain extent. When preparing for pregnancy, pay attention to balanced nutrition, avoid consanguineous marriage, and complete regular prenatal examinations. Early diagnosis is the key.

A hydatidiform mole cannot develop into a fetus and will threaten women's health. If any abnormality is found, you should seek medical attention and receive treatment immediately. Follow the doctor's instructions for regular follow-up after treatment. Do not relax your vigilance and maintain good living habits to lay the foundation for a healthy pregnancy in the future.