Abstract

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) is a pregnancy related disorder that may present as a molar pregnancy or more rarely as malignant disease. A molar pregnancy will not result in a livebirth. Following removal of the molar tissue, women have follow-up monitoring of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) until levels return to normal. In this study we wished to establish a baseline for GTD services in Ireland by performing a survey of all women registered with the National GTD centre. This was the first time that Irish women with molar pregnancy were consulted for their views. Our postal survey of over 500 women achieved a good response with a 43% return rate. Some of the valuable feedback returned in the survey included: the stress of attending an early pregnancy clinic for hCG monitoring after pregnancy loss and the gap in knowledge amongst healthcare professionals about molar pregnancy. The top priority for these women was the return of a speedy hCG result. They also voiced a need for psychological support and bereavement counselling following a molar pregnancy and expressed a desire for a social media forum or self-help group.