Molar Pregnancy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

(Hydatidiform Mole / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease)

Molar pregnancy, medically known as a hydatidiform mole, is the most common type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). GTD is a rare group of conditions in which abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus after conception (when the sperm and egg join).

In the United States, GTD occurs in roughly 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies. Most forms are benign (non‑cancerous) and do not spread, but some can become malignant (cancerous) and affect nearby tissues or, rarely, distant organs.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, women with molar pregnancy are typically diagnosed and treated through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, often in collaboration with gynecologic oncology specialists.

What Is a Molar Pregnancy?

A molar pregnancy happens when fertilization goes wrong and the placental tissue grows in an abnormal way. Instead of forming a normal placenta and baby, the tissue grows quickly and forms clusters of fluid-filled sacs (cysts), giving a “grape-like” appearance inside the uterus.

This abnormal placenta produces very high levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which can cause more intense pregnancy symptoms and other health issues.

Types of Molar Pregnancy

There are two main types:

1. Complete Hydatidiform Mole

  • Occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg that does not contain the mother’s DNA.
  • All the genetic material comes from the father (two sets of paternal genes).
  • No fetus forms—only abnormal placental tissue develops.
  • hCG levels are usually very high, and symptoms may be more severe.

2. Partial Hydatidiform Mole

  • Occurs when a sperm fertilizes a normal egg, but there are two sets of DNA from the father (often because two sperm fertilize the same egg).
  • A fetus may begin to develop, but it is abnormal and cannot survive.
  • There is a mixture of some normal placental tissue and some molar (abnormal) tissue.

Both types are considered gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and require careful follow‑up.

Causes and Risk Factors

The Cause Is Usually Unknown

In most cases, doctors cannot identify a specific cause. Anyone who becomes pregnant can develop a molar pregnancy. However, certain factors can increase the risk:

Risk Factors for Molar Pregnancy

  • Age
    • Younger than 20 years
    • Older than 40 years
  • Previous molar pregnancy or GTD
    • About 1 in 100 women who have had one molar pregnancy will have another.
  • Asian ethnicity (rates are higher in some Asian populations)
  • Nutritional deficiencies
    • Low folate
    • Low beta‑carotene
    • Low protein

In Grand Rapids, where access to nutritious food can vary between neighborhoods, your provider may also discuss overall nutrition and prenatal vitamins, especially in the winter months when fresh produce and vitamin D levels can be lower.

Symptoms of a Molar Pregnancy

Many symptoms of molar pregnancy look similar to a normal pregnancy or miscarriage, which is why medical evaluation is important. Possible signs include:

Common Symptoms

  • Vaginal bleeding
    • Not related to your normal period
    • May occur in early pregnancy or continue longer than expected after a miscarriage or birth
  • More severe pregnancy symptoms than usual, such as:
    • Extreme nausea and vomiting (severe “morning sickness”)
    • Rapidly growing uterus (the womb may be larger than expected for your stage of pregnancy)
  • Abnormally high hCG levels on blood tests
  • High blood pressure in early pregnancy (which can lead to preeclampsia)
  • Signs of anemia, such as:
    • Fatigue
    • Weakness
    • Shortness of breath
    • Dizziness and fast heartbeat
  • Ultrasound abnormalities, including:
    • No visible fetus (in complete mole)
    • Abnormal-appearing uterine cavity
    • Ovarian cysts

Rare but Possible: Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

Because hCG can stimulate the thyroid, some women develop symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid, including:

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Shakiness or tremors
  • Sweating
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling anxious or irritable
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you notice these symptoms in early pregnancy—especially combined with heavy nausea, bleeding, or a rapidly enlarging belly—contact your Grand Rapids provider or urgent care promptly.

How Molar Pregnancy Is Diagnosed

A molar pregnancy is often suspected based on:

  • Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy
  • Ultrasound showing abnormal tissue instead of a normal pregnancy
  • Very high hCG levels compared with how far along the pregnancy should be
  • Symptoms like severe nausea, high blood pressure, or signs of anemia

Confirming the Diagnosis

A molar pregnancy can be definitively diagnosed only when the pregnancy tissue is examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

  • After a miscarriage, D&C, or delivery, tissue is sometimes sent to a lab.
  • If tissue is not sent for testing, a molar pregnancy may be missed.
  • In Grand Rapids hospitals, your OB‑GYN or midwife will usually decide whether tissue should be tested based on your symptoms, ultrasound, and blood tests.

Treatment of Molar Pregnancy

In most cases, a molar pregnancy does not continue as a normal pregnancy. The abnormal tissue either:

  • Passes on its own (similar to a miscarriage), or
  • Needs to be removed with a surgical procedure.

Main Treatment: Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

The standard treatment is:

  • Dilation and curettage (D&C)
    • Also called suction curettage or evacuation of the uterus
    • Performed in a hospital or surgical center under anesthesia
    • Abnormal tissue is gently removed from the uterus

In Grand Rapids, this procedure is commonly performed at:

  • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital / Blodgett Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health facilities

Your provider will discuss the procedure, recovery, and what to expect afterward.

Why Ongoing Monitoring Is Essential

Persistent GTD / GTN

In about 10% of all molar pregnancies, some of the abnormal cells remain and continue to grow after the D&C. This is called:

  • Persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), or
  • Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN)

The risk of persistence is:

  • 15–25% for a complete mole
  • 0.5–4% for a partial mole

If untreated, these cells can:

  • Invade deeper into the uterus
  • Rarely spread via the bloodstream to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, or brain

hCG Monitoring

To detect persistent GTD early, you will need regular blood tests to measure your hCG level:

  • After the D&C, your hCG should steadily fall to normal.
  • If your hCG stops falling, plateaus, or rises again, it may mean some molar tissue is still present.
  • Monitoring often continues even after hCG returns to normal, for a period recommended by your specialist.

In Grand Rapids, your follow‑up may be coordinated through:

  • Your OB‑GYN or family doctor
  • A gynecologic oncologist at a major health system
  • Laboratory services at local hospitals or outpatient clinics

Avoiding Pregnancy During Follow‑Up

It is very important to avoid becoming pregnant until your hCG levels:

  1. Have returned to normal, and
  2. Have remained normal for the full monitoring period recommended by your provider.

A new normal pregnancy would also produce hCG, making it impossible to tell whether the hormone is coming from healthy pregnancy tissue or from persistent molar cells.

Contraceptive Options

Discuss safe and effective birth control options with your Grand Rapids provider. These may include:

  • Birth control pills
  • IUDs (intrauterine devices)
  • Implants
  • Injections
  • Condoms (often used alongside another method)

Your doctor will help you choose a method that is appropriate during your recovery.

Chances of Another Molar Pregnancy

Most women who have had a molar pregnancy go on to have normal, healthy pregnancies in the future.

  • The risk of another molar pregnancy is about 1 in 100 (1%).
  • This is higher than the general population, but still means 99 out of 100 women will not have another molar pregnancy.

Planning Future Pregnancies

When you are ready to try again:

  1. Inform your Grand Rapids OB‑GYN or midwife as soon as you think you are pregnant.
  2. Your provider may recommend an early ultrasound to confirm a normal pregnancy.
  3. About six weeks after the birth of a baby conceived after a molar pregnancy, an hCG blood test is often recommended to ensure no molar disease has returned (this is rare).

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Living in Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan area can influence your overall pregnancy health:

  • Cold winters and icy conditions can increase fall risk in pregnancy—use caution when walking outside.
  • Seasonal mood changes and reduced sunlight in winter can affect mental health; consider discussing mood, support, and vitamin D with your provider.
  • Access to quality prenatal and specialty care is strong in Grand Rapids through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Emotional Support After a Molar Pregnancy

A molar pregnancy is both a medical and an emotional experience. Many women and families in Grand Rapids describe feelings of grief, confusion, or anxiety about future pregnancies.

Support options include:

  • Counseling or therapy through local health systems or private practices
  • Support groups for pregnancy loss or infertility (often available through hospital programs or community organizations)
  • Faith‑based and community support resources common in West Michigan

Ask your provider for referrals if you are struggling emotionally after your diagnosis or treatment.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you think you may have symptoms of a molar pregnancy, or you have been diagnosed and need follow‑up care, contact:

Local Medical Providers

  • Your GP / Primary Care Provider

    • Can evaluate symptoms, order initial blood tests, and refer you to an OB‑GYN or specialist.

  • OB‑GYN and Women’s Health Clinics in Grand Rapids

    • Corewell Health OB‑GYN practices
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids OB‑GYN
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Women’s Health
    • Mercy Health women’s health clinics

  • Gynecologic Oncology Services

    • Available through major hospital systems for persistent GTD/GTN or more complex cases.

Public Health and Community Resources

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Offers reproductive health services, pregnancy testing, and referrals.
    • Website: search “Kent County Health Department women’s health”

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids

    • Links to local clinics, mental health resources, and family support services.

  • Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

    • Planned Parenthood and other local clinics offer contraception counseling and pregnancy testing.

  • Cancer Support Organizations (for GTN or cancerous forms of GTD)

    • Local cancer centers within Grand Rapids health systems
    • State and national cancer support hotlines and online communities

If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or fainting, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

Key Takeaways

  • A molar pregnancy is a rare complication where abnormal placental tissue grows instead of a normal pregnancy.
  • It is usually treated with D&C and requires careful hCG monitoring afterward.
  • Most women in Grand Rapids who experience a molar pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future.
  • Avoid pregnancy until your provider confirms your hCG has been normal for the recommended time.
  • Local resources in Grand Rapids, MI, including major hospital systems and public health services, are available to support you medically and emotionally.