Hydatidiform Mole Risk Factors: Age, Ethnicity, History, and Nutrition

A hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy) arises from abnormal fertilization. Key risk factors:

• Maternal age: >35 years (↑ risk); <15 years (↑ risk).
• Ethnicity: Higher incidence in Asian populations (especially Southeast Asian).
• Prior molar pregnancy: Recurrence risk ~1–2% (vs. 0.1% baseline).
• Family history: Suggests genetic predisposition (e.g., NLRP7, KHDC3L mutations in recurrent molar pregnancy).
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low folate, vitamin B12, zinc, carotenoids—associated in some studies.
• Obesity (BMI ≥30): Modestly increased risk.
• Pre-gestational diabetes & hypertension: Associated, possibly via oxidative stress pathways.

Note: Most women with risk factors never develop a mole; most moles occur without identifiable risks. Early ultrasound and hCG monitoring in high-risk pregnancies aid detection.