Molar pregnancies take place when there is an issue with a fertilised egg, meaning a baby and placenta do not develop the usual way
Tink Reading has undergone emergency surgery after suffering an incredibly rare ‘molar pregnancy’. The former Love Island star, 27, said she’d never heard of the condition that occurs in ‘less than 1%’ of pregnancies and spoke out about her ordeal on Instagram.
“Last Wednesday morning, I found out that I was experiencing something called a ‘molar pregnancy’,” she told her 29,300 fans. “I for one, had never heard of this before and every friend/family member I have spoken to since hadn’t either. This is because less than 1% of pregnancies end up becoming a molar pregnancy. Less than 1%!!!!!!”
She then continued: “By Thursday morning, I had to be rushed in for emergency surgery to remove the ‘tumours’ as I was told it has to be treated sooner rather than later. I had less than 24 hours to process the information I had just been given, and prepare for the fact the only treatment available for this is to be put to sleep. I was nothing but petrified.”
A molar pregnancy takes place when there is an issue with a fertilised egg, meaning a baby and placenta do not develop in the usual way beyond conception. In such instances, a baby sadly cannot survive and pregnancies often end with a miscarriage, according to the NHS.
“If this does not happen, it’s usually treated with a procedure to remove the pregnancy,” the health service adds. “You’ll usually be given a general anaesthetic before the procedure, so you’ll be asleep. Sometimes you might be able to take medicine to end a molar pregnancy.”
Two types of molar pregnancy
Crucially, there are two main types of a molar pregnancy. The first, referred to as a ‘complete molar pregnancy’, occurs when there is no sign of a baby, but abnormal cells grow in the womb after conception.
Meanwhile, a ‘partial molar pregnancy’ takes place when there are some early signs of a baby, but the foetus cannot survive. Unfortunately, instances of both generally happen by chance, though they are more common among teenagers, those over 45, and people of Asian heritage.
While it may initially seem like an ordinary pregnancy, several concerning symptoms may arise in the first trimester. Cleveland Clinic suggests this can include the following:
- Sometimes grapelike cysts that pass from the vagina
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Dark brown to bright red bleeding from the vagina during the first three months
- Severe nausea and vomiting
Beyond the first three months, sufferers may also experience:
- A uterus developing rapidly and being too large early in the pregnancy
- Preeclampsia — a condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine — before 20 weeks of pregnancy
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Ovarian cysts
“A molar pregnancy can have serious complications, including a rare form of cancer,” the clinic adds. “A molar pregnancy requires early treatment.”
Thankfully, Tink told fans that her surgery ‘went as planned’ and she is now awaiting the results. On Instagram, she continued: “Waiting for the results from the tumours and what the follow-up care plan will be. The start of what’s going to be a very long road.
“It’s safe to say, I wouldn’t have got through the past couple of weeks without the support of my loved ones. Mostly, thank you to my boyfriend for always showing me love, holding me up when I couldn’t stand, making me laugh when I wanted to cry and looking after me when I couldn’t look after myself.”
For emotional support, call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website.
The Miscarriage Association also host monthly Zoom support for many individuals affected by molar pregnancy, but don’t require treatment. Contact juanita@miscarriageassociation.org.uk for further information.
