QuestionDr. Ramirez,
I had a molar pregnancy in July 2007 and another in August 2009. I had a D&C after each one and my OB/GYN said that everything looked ok after the procedure. I am really beginning to get concerned that this will occur a third time.
1. Are there are precautions that I can take to keep this from occuring again (e.g., diet, hormone meds, etc)?
2. I am currently taking ortho tricyclen and I have taken them for the past 10 years (only to stop before TTC). Does this play a role in the molar pregnancies?
My husband and I recently had genetic counseling. I had blood work and no chromosomal abnormalities were found. We are in the process of getting my husband's blood work completed. I am just a bit nervous and I don't know what to do. What are the next steps I should take??
AnswerHello Lisa from the U.S.,
Thanks for your question. A molar pregnancy is a genetically abnormal pregnancy. It usually occurs because something went wrong as the fetus was developing in the dividing stages. It is not usually something that one inherits or carries. However, I would recommend that you have your and your husband's chromosomes tested (genetic testing) just to make sure you are not carrying an abnormal gene/chromosome since this has occurred twice.
There are no precautions that you can take to prevent this. You must wait at least 6 months, however, before attempting pregnant again. The birth control pill would not have any effect, as far as this is concerned.
I think you have done the appropriate steps thus far. I don't think there is anything else you can do at this point.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
