PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for December, 1998: Re: Difference between hydatidiform mole and blighted ovum

Re: Difference between hydatidiform mole and blighted ovum

From: Dr. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 14 Dec 1998 17:35:35 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Melissa: "Difference between hydatidiform mole and blighted ovum"

Would you please explain the difference between a hydatidiform mole and a blighted ovum?

They are very different. A blighted ovum is when the "normal" pregnancy develops without a fetus, i.e the afterbirth and sac are present but no fetus. Since the afterbirth produces the HCG (positive pregnancy test) you get all the symptoms and signs of pregnancy but no baby.

Molar pregnancy is very different. Put simply it is a tumour of the placenta. The placental tissue develops in a very abnormal way and no sac or fetus (verrrrry rarely you can get a coincidental second normal fetus and sac) develops.It is associated with very high HCG levels. If the mole is stimulated by further homone rises such as another pregnancy there is a very very small chance of malignant change in residual molar tissue. this is why you should have normal HCG levels for six months min before trying again. In the UK all moles are registered with one of two centres and monitored centrally by regular urine HCGs. If you are in the UK then the mole units do some excellent patient leaflets.

Reading the above may cause a small degree of panic! Do not panic.....the vast majority of molar pregnancy is a one off and is easily and permanently resolved. i'm sure your OB will explain furtter

-- Ross Welch Consultant in Fetomaternal medicine Duchess of Westminster Wing Arrowe Park Hospital Upton, Wirral. UK

Current president International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society.

Next message: K: "Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type III in pregnancy"
Previous message: Dr.: "Re: Rapid heartbeat and palputations"
In reply to: Melissa: "Difference between hydatidiform mole and blighted ovum"

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