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Molar pregnancy

Overview

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A molar pregnancy does not always have symptoms. You may find out during your 1st ultrasound scan, or after a miscarriage.

If a midwife or doctor thinks you have a molar pregnancy, you'll have blood tests, an ultrasound scan and you'll need to see a specialist.

A molar pregnancy may be treated with a procedure to remove the pregnancy. You'll have tests to check your hCG hormone level is returning to normal.

A molar pregnancy happens by chance. It may be more likely if you've had one before, you're a teenager or over 45, or you have an Asian background.

There are 2 types of molar pregnancy. Complete is where there's no sign of a baby, and partial is where there may be early signs of a baby.

If you've had a molar pregnancy, you can get support from your specialist team and charities like the Miscarriage Association.

A molar pregnancy is where there's a problem with a fertilised egg, and a baby does not develop the way it should. It's rare and happens by chance.

Page last reviewed: 19/06/2023
Next review due: 19/06/2026