Definition:
A nonviable pregnancy involving specific chromosomal abnormalities. There are two types of molar pregnancies: complete and partial.
Instead of developing as a normal pregnancy would, a molar pregnancy develops as a mass of abnormal placental tissue. A partial mole may also have fetal tissue and even a fetal heart beat. However, the chromosomal abnormalities are not compatible with life; the pregnancy is not viable and must be terminated.
About 20% of molar pregnancies lead to the development of complications after treatment, so doctors monitor women who have had molar pregnancies closely for several months afterward.
Also Known As: gestational trophoblastic disease, hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole
