Molar Pregnancy: Exams And Tests

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Exams and Tests

Most molar pregnancies are identified when they are still small. If you have symptoms that suggest a molar pregnancy, see your health professional immediately. You will be evaluated with a simple exam and tests, including:

• A pelvic exam, to evaluate the size of the uterus and check for abnormalities.
• A blood test to measure the amount of a pregnancy hormone, called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to see whether the level is abnormally high for the length of the pregnancy.
• A pelvic ultrasound test. If a pelvic exam or hCG level suggests a molar pregnancy, an ultrasound can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Some molar pregnancies are first diagnosed during an ultrasound done for another purpose.

If you are diagnosed with a molar pregnancy, additional blood and urine tests and chest X-ray may be done to check for:

• Preeclampsia.
• Anemia.
• Signs of cancerous tissue.
• Hyperthyroidism caused by the molar pregnancy.

Last updated:	October 29, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC