We’ve probably all heard of women who didn’t know they were pregnant until the labour pains kicked in and they gave birth. As unbelievable as it sounds, some women really do go through the full pregnancy term without showing signs of pregnancy or knowing that they are pregnant.
Hidden or cryptic pregnancy, also known as a stealth pregnancy or denied pregnancy, is a rare condition in which a woman is pregnant but is unaware of it until late in the pregnancy or until she goes into labour.
This condition occurs when a woman does not exhibit typical pregnancy symptoms or has irregular periods, making traditional pregnancy detection methods ineffective.
There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate a hidden pregnancy, although they are not always reliable or specific to this condition. Most women with hidden pregnancies might experience such symptoms but they often don’t connect them with pregnancy and assume they are caused by other factors.
Some potential signs of a hidden pregnancy may include:
Missed Periods.
Missing monthly periods is one of the most common signs of pregnancy because the body produces hormones that prevent monthly ovulation and uterine lining shedding, which normally occurs during menstruation.
However, some women may have irregular periods, making it difficult to determine if they have missed a period.
Additionally, some women may also experience bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, which may be mistaken for a period
Weight Gain.
As the baby grows pregnant women often gain weight and it is one of the signs of pregnancy. However, some women may attribute weight gain to other factors, such as stress or a change in diet.
Nausea And Vomiting.
Morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy, but not all women experience it. Some women with hidden pregnancy may experience nausea or vomiting, but assume it is due to other causes.
Fatigue.
Pregnancy can cause fatigue and it can be a sign of hidden pregnancy. However, many women attribute their tiredness to other factors, such as stress or a busy schedule.
Changes In Appetite Or Cravings.
During pregnancy, women may experience changes in their appetite or develop cravings for certain foods. Some women, however, may not recognize these changes as pregnancy-related and may ignore them.
Mood Swings.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause mood swings, however, they can also be attributed to other external factors and women with hidden pregnancies might ignore these symptoms.
Breast Changes.
Pregnancy can cause changes in breast size, shape, and sensitivity. Some women may, however, not notice the changes or they may attribute these changes to other factors.
What To Do If You Suspect You Are Pregnant.
If you suspect you are pregnant, the first step is to use a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. You can use a home pregnancy test or visit a healthcare provider for a blood or urine test.
If the pregnancy test comes back positive, the next step is to make an appointment with a healthcare provider for a prenatal checkup. This will help you determine how far along in your pregnancy you are, and your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on how to have a healthy pregnancy.
In addition, you should begin taking care of yourself by:
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoiding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.
- Taking a folic acid-fortified prenatal vitamin.
- Exercising regularly (with the approval of your healthcare provider).
Last but not least, you should also think about your childbirth options and begin making preparations for your new baby, such as finding a healthcare provider, selecting a birth plan, and developing a budget for the costs associated with having a child.
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