Possible molar pregnancy

[Igglepiggleandhisboat]

Hello
I need a virtual hand hold. I went for a scan today at 4 weeks 4 days due to pain. They couldn’t be sure and said they weren’t sure if they were seeing a polyp or a blood clot. I was then seen by the nurse who said it was possibly a molar pregnancy which she described as “like cancer” which has terrified me. I’m so scared. I’d gone to the scan sort of thinking they would say I was about to miscarry and now I feel like I’ve got of horrible possibilities.
has anyone got experience of this that they can share with me? I’ve cried since I got home!

I don't have experience of it, but didn't want to read and run - so sorry that you are going through this, and I'm really sad to hear how the nurse described it to you as I think that's really crass and unsympathetic.

If you feel up to reading some information on it, I found the information on the Miscarriage Association website so helpful when I had my MC last month - it's very clear and there's a section on molar pregnancy so you can get some understanding of what you might be dealing with: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/information/molar-pregnancy/

I really hope things turn out better than you are expecting, and I hope you get some further investigations quickly to help understand what's happening.

Thank you. That’s so lovely of you.
Im an anxious person at the best of times and this has rocked me! Xx

It is a form of cancer, but it isn't dangerous to the mother. Unpleasant, but not life threatening. It just means the fertilised egg grew in a totally disorganised way, as a tumour does, and is not forming a child.

If this is what you have, it will likely be removed, and all cells have to be eradicated, so it doesn't grow back - which sometimes means chemo to be sure it is fully controlled.

My sister had this a few years ago, and now has two lovely healthy daughters

And you may not even have it, sounds like it was just mentioned as a possibility

don't be frightened.

Sending you lots of love

Firstly sending lots of gentle hugs.

I had a partial molar pregnancy, where there was a foetus as well as the abnormal placenta. Following diagnosis they were very careful to remove everything from my uterus, following this I had to send regularly samples (like fortnightly) to track my hormone levels and make sure nothing was coming back for around a year. This was all clear and following this I went on to have normal pregnancy next.

Happy to try and answer any questions you have.

Thank you. I was in a bit of shock in how the news was delivered and don’t ask anything. Then got home and felt so alone! Xx

This is not strictly true, it can be dangerous if not treated or if it comes back undetected.

However as they have mentioned it. You will be fully checked over for it.

Thank you so so much. I’m sorry you have been through this.
do you mind if I ask how yours was diagnosed? X

Mine was diagnosed little different as it was found much later on. I had a 12 week scan where I was told everything was fine. Then at 17 weeks midwife couldn’t find a heartbeat so I was sent for another scan. They then diagnosed from blood tests and the scan images. It was later confirmed that they had made a mistake at the 12 week scan by missing it.

My understanding is (and I’m not medically trained and just from memory) that they use your hormone levels to diagnose it, if the hormone continues to increase when there appears to be no foetus that is a key indication for the blood test etc. They also test the product that is removed.

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/acute-gynaecology-services/common-conditions/new-page-5/#:~:text=Test%20of%20pregnancy%20tissue%20(Histology,had%20surgical%20treatment%20for%20miscarriage.

Hi OP, sorry you are going through this, sounds like it has been handled really badly.

Can I just check, are you 4 weeks and 4 days as in your period was 4 weeks and 4 days ago? If so, it's really too early to tell anything. My local early pregnancy assessment unit does not scan anyone before 6 weeks, as it is too early. I am in follow up for a partial molar pregnancy atm, and have been told that if I get pregnant again, they will offer me a reassurance scan at 8 weeks as it is too early to see anything before then, and an earlier scan can just cause more stress.

My story is that I had private scans at 6 and 7 weeks, which looked like a fetus was developing but had a haematoma. I was then diagnosed with a partial molar pregnancy at my NHS 12 week scan, as the placenta didn't look right. This also wasn't communicated very well to me at my scan, and I left absolutely terrified that I would need chemotherapy, but that is fairly uncommon. We are "lucky" that in the UK everyone with a molar pregnancy is referred to either Charing Cross or Sheffield hospital. So if it does turn out to be molar, you will be in good hands. It is still a really hard thing to get your head around though. I am having the monitoring now and will hopefully be cleared soon.

What is the plan from here? Are you going back for another scan in a week or two?

To confirm what @Burningthroughthesky has said. I was offered an early scan in future pregnancies and my after care was done by Sheffield hospital.

Hope your ok @Igglepiggleandhisboat.

Hi there. I just saw this post and thought I'd share the below thread which I started after my own complete molar pregnancy:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/miscarriage/4651461-molar-pregnancy-story-for-others

Very sorry to hear that it was handled so badly, that sounds really rubbish! Please don't let the word 'cancer' scare you though, it's all very treatable and if you do have a molar pregnancy you'll be referred to the specialist centres who are absolutely amazing. Hope you are doing okay. Let me know if you have questions