Another post so quickly? Crazy! I just wanted to pop on here and (as briefly as possible) update everyone on the pathology results we received on Monday. They had taken a fetal tissue sample during my D&C and were running tests to determine whether or not I had experienced a complete or partial molar pregnancy.

As I mentioned in a previous post, there is a slight risk of cancer with molar pregnancies, because the tissue can grow back even after being completely removed via a D&C. That possibility was terrifying to think about, but surprisingly I didn’t allow myself to go there too often. I never felt as bad as the internet searches claimed I should feel, my levels weren’t that high, and as soon as I had the surgery, all of my pregnancy symptoms vanished. My “baby bump” (more like extreme, extreme bloat) has disappeared. I haven’t been nauseas since the morning before the surgery. Other than the pain and healing needed from being intubated, and just having surgery in general, I have felt great. I was expecting a partial molar pregnancy, which has a less than 1% chance of re-growth/cancer, based on all of this information. I felt positive.

The results were that I did not have a molar pregnancy. Not a partial, not a complete. Essentially, I experienced something called hydropic villi. On an ultrasound, it looks like a complete molar pregnancy, but it is different pathologically so the only way to discover this is by examining the tissue under a microscope. The pathologists did extensive testing after learning the tissue was not molar, to ensure they had the proper diagnosis. Basically, hydropic villi is degenerative tissue, so the pregnancy does not develop pass very early stages; however, the placental tissue continues to grow (like with molar pregnancies). Unlike molar pregnancies, there isn’t a risk of the tissue growing back. My doctor was very excited to deliver this news to me, because it carries with it SUCH good news. Instead of the 6-12 month wait, based on how quickly/slowly my hCG levels dropped, we’re now awaiting ONE period. Which should come within the next 4-6 weeks. AMAZING news.

What does this mean for us trying to conceive again? Even though I didn’t have a molar pregnancy, because of my own personal health history, and the fact that we’ve now had two unsuccessful pregnancies within 6 months, our journey to parenthood is going to look a little bit different. Instead of continuing to try naturally, my OBGYN has recommended that we go through in-vitro fertilization. I’m perfectly healthy reproductively, so there is no medical reason that I cannot carry children. However, we’re having a bit of difficulty getting the healthiest embryos. So, that’s where IVF will come in. As soon as I have had one period, we can begin that process. I’ll share more about our reasons behind choosing this option in another post, but if you have any questions, please ask!

God is good. His plan is perfect. He is showing me that everything is going to be okay, that He’s got this under control.

Please continue to pray for us as we go through this next part of our journey. Though it may not be the easiest way, we know it will all be worth it once we’re holding our sweet baby in our arms.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)