molar pregnancy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low Frequency / Specialized MedicalTechnical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “molar pregnancy” mean?
A pregnancy complication characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue, resulting in a non-viable mass resembling a bunch of grapes rather than a normal embryo.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pregnancy complication characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue, resulting in a non-viable mass resembling a bunch of grapes rather than a normal embryo.
A rare medical condition in which a non-cancerous tumor develops in the uterus from tissue that would normally form the placenta. There are two types: complete (no fetal tissue) and partial (some abnormal fetal tissue). It requires prompt medical treatment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical in both varieties. 'Hydatidiform mole' is the formal synonym used equally in UK and US medical literature.
Connotations
Purely clinical, with strong associations of medical urgency, grief, and reproductive health complications.
Frequency
Used exclusively in medical/healthcare contexts. Laypeople may be unfamiliar with the term until encountering the condition.
Grammar
How to Use “molar pregnancy” in a Sentence
The patient HAS a molar pregnancy.The ultrasound confirmed a molar pregnancy.She was diagnosed with a molar pregnancy.Treatment for a molar pregnancy involves...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molar pregnancy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scan findings were consistent with molar change.
- The tissue was confirmed to be molar in origin.
American English
- The pathology report indicated the pregnancy had molared.
- Her hCG levels suggested she might be molaring.
adverb
British English
- The tissue grew molarly, forming characteristic vesicles.
- The pregnancy developed molarly from the outset.
American English
- The cells were behaving molarly, not embryonically.
adjective
British English
- She received molar pregnancy care at the clinic.
- The molar tissue was removed surgically.
American English
- The molar diagnosis was unexpected.
- Post-molar monitoring is crucial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, research papers on obstetrics, gynecology, and oncology.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of specific personal health discussions with medical professionals.
Technical
Core term in obstetrics, gynecologic oncology, and ultrasound reporting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molar pregnancy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “molar pregnancy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molar pregnancy”
- Confusing it with an ectopic pregnancy (which is in the fallopian tube).
- Mispronouncing 'molar' as /mɒˈlɑːr/ (stressing the second syllable).
- Using it as a general term for any pregnancy loss.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most molar pregnancies are benign (non-cancerous), but they are a form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). In a small percentage of cases, they can develop into invasive moles or choriocarcinoma, which are cancerous and require chemotherapy.
Yes, most people can have successful normal pregnancies afterwards. Doctors usually recommend waiting for 6 to 12 months of monitored follow-up to ensure hCG levels return to zero before trying to conceive again.
It is caused by genetic errors during fertilization. A complete mole has no maternal DNA, only duplicated paternal DNA. A partial mole usually has an extra set of paternal chromosomes (e.g., 69 chromosomes instead of 46).
Symptoms can include vaginal bleeding (often dark brown), severe nausea/vomiting, rapid uterine enlargement larger than expected for the dates, early preeclampsia, hyperthyroidism, and very high hCG levels.
A pregnancy complication characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue, resulting in a non-viable mass resembling a bunch of grapes rather than a normal embryo.
Molar pregnancy is usually technical / medical in register.
Molar pregnancy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊlə ˈprɛɡnənsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊlɚ ˈprɛɡnənsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms. The term itself is technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **mole** digging in the uterus (wrong place) creating a **molar** pregnancy (abnormal growth), not a baby.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A GARDEN (a 'seed' implants but grows into a harmful, invasive weed instead of the desired plant).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key diagnostic feature of a molar pregnancy?