A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.
Discharge Instructions for Hydatidiform Mole (Molar Pregnancy)
You have been diagnosed with a hydatidiform mole (also called molar pregnancy). It's the overgrowth of tissue around a fertilized egg. The mole could become cancer. So it's important to have treatment as soon as possible. You and your doctor have decided on a dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedure to remove the mole. This procedure will remove the abnormal tissue. Here are guidelines to follow at home after the procedure.
Activity
-
Take it easy. Don't do any strenuous activity. Get plenty of rest for 2
days after surgery, or as directed by your doctor.
-
Return to your normal activities after 48
hours. You may also go back to work at that time.
-
Don’t drive for 24
hours after the procedure.
-
Talk to your doctor about when it's safe to do activities such as exercise, housework, and sports.
Other home care
-
Eat a normal diet.
-
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever for pain, as directed by your doctor.
-
It's common to have bleeding for about a week after the procedure. The amount of bleeding should be similar to a normal period.
-
Don't have sex or use tampons or douches until your doctor says it's okay.
-
Don't get pregnant for a year after the molar pregnancy. It's important that you choose a reliablebirth control method.
-
Ask for help if you feel sad or depressed. Many women believe they're pregnant for several months before they're diagnosed. The feelings of grief and loss can be overwhelming. Get help if you're feeling sad or depressed, or if you feel you might harm yourself or others. If you are experiencing a crisis or just need someone to talk to, call or text 988. Free and confidential counseling is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Follow-up care
-
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your doctor.
-
Keep your follow-up appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may order follow-up blood tests. This is to make sure that all of the molar pregnancy has been removed and has not become cancer.
-
Follow-up blood tests for pregnancy hormone (beta-hCG) will be done at regular intervals for a year or more after a molar pregnancy until the levels return to normal.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if you have:
-
Bleeding that soaks more than one sanitary pad in 1 hour.
-
Severe belly pain or cramps.
-
A fever of 100.4
°F ( 38
°C ) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.
-
Chills.
-
Vaginal discharge that has a bad odor.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN Online Medical Reviewer:
Robyn Zercher FNP Online Medical Reviewer:
Vinita Wadhawan Researcher Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
