QuestionHi, I recently just went through a molar pregnancy about 3 months ago. I had two D&Cs and the last time the doc checked my hormone levels they were at 115. He never checked them again..and told me i could get pregnant in 3 months if i wanted to. Well I've been reading a lot on molar pregnancy..and everything i have read says you need to be checked every month until your hormones are at 0. I also haven't started my period yet since all of this has happened. How long does it take for you to get your period back? I'm worried the mole could be back. I called the doctors office to ask them but they never called me back. Thank you so much!
AnswerDear Nicole,
Hmmm...well, first off - unless you are extremely fond of this particular doctor, I would personally consider talking to friends/family members I trust to see who they go to and consider a switch. Make a list of the things that are important to you - specialist or not? will accept your insurance? taking time to talk with you during visits? bedside manner? availability for phone calls and/or appointments? etc... Then ask those you trust those questions about their doctor. If there is one that seems to meet all or most of your expectations - try him/her out. But... I have certain personal expectations and returning phone calls is one of them. After all, I pay them alot of money. :-)
A molar pregnancy is the result of a genetic error during the fertilization process that leads to growth of abnormal tissue within the uterus. Molar pregnancies rarely involve a developing embryo, and the growth of this material is rapid compared to normal fetal growth. It has the appearance of a large and random collection of grape-like cell clusters. There are two types of molar pregnancies, "complete" and "partial".
Complete molar pregnancies have only placental parts (there is no baby), and form when the sperm fertilizes an empty egg. Because the egg is empty, no baby is formed. The placenta grows and produces the pregnancy hormone, hCG. An ultrasound will show that there is no fetus, only a placenta. Partial Mole occurs when the mass contains both the abnormal cells and an embryo that has severe defects. In this case the fetus will be overcome by the growing abnormal mass rather quickly.
Follow-up is done to ensure that the mole has been removed completely. Traces of the mole can begin to grow again and may possess a cancerous-type threat to other parts of the body. Follow-up procedures that monitor the hCG levels can occur monthly for 6 months or as your doctor prescribes. Typically, it is recommended that pregnancy should be avoided for between 6-12 months after a molar pregnancy.
Again, I encourage you to see a doctor for another follow-up evaluation. If you want to see the same doctor that is absolutely your choice. We all have to feel comfortable with our health care providers. If you want to search for another, like I said - word of mouth from those you trust in your life is often the best resource. Or to access AMA's "DoctorFinder," with information about virtually every licensed physician in the United States, as well as links to other helpful information, go to: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/3158.html (Phone 1-800-621-8335)
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
