What causes molar pregnancy
Molar pregnancy is caused by abnormal fertilization of an egg by a sperm, leading to the formation of abnormal tissue instead of a normal embryo. There are two types of molar pregnancy: complete molar pregnancy and partial molar pregnancy. In a complete molar pregnancy, there is no fetal tissue present and the growth is made up of abnormal placental tissue. In a partial molar pregnancy, there is some fetal tissue present along with abnormal placental tissue.
The exact cause of molar pregnancy is not well understood, but risk factors that may increase the chances of developing a molar pregnancy include:
- Maternal age (women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk)
- Previous molar pregnancy
- History of miscarriage
- Diet low in carotene (a type of vitamin A)
- Vitamin deficiency
- Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have a molar pregnancy, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.