Molar Pregnancy - 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.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
October 29, 2007
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