In this article:
What Is Pseudocyesis?
False pregnancy, or pseudocyesis, is a condition in which you might experience a lot of symptoms of pregnancy, despite not actually being pregnant. In such cases, it is best to opt for pregnancy tests and an ultrasound to confirm the absence of a foetus.Signs And Symptoms Of A False Pregnancy
Here are certain signs and symptoms associated with a false pregnancy:Signs
The symptoms of a false pregnancy are similar to those of a real pregnancy. In some cases, you might even notice abdominal enlargement, but it won’t look or feel the same as a real pregnancy. The symptoms might occur due to gas formation, or too much fat around the belly area, lordosis, or urinary/faecal retention.Period changes are common, ranging from irregular periods to amenorrhoea, which is when your period stops completely.
All these signals are generally believed to be linked to abdominal muscle contractions or uncontrolled muscle movements in your digestive system.
Symptoms
Pseudocyesis often presents with symptoms that closely resemble those of an actual pregnancy. It includes:- Missed menstrual periods
- Swollen belly
- Tender and enlarged breasts
- Visible changes in the nipples
- Sensation of foetal movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight gain
How Common Is Pseudocyesis?
Pseudocyesis is a rare condition, with most cases occurring in women aged 16 to 39. Until reliable pregnancy tests and medication came into existence, handling pseudocyesis was a tough job. It is often reported in societies where women are under pressure to conceive, whether for social or personal reasons.It is impossible to confirm a pregnancy without consulting a healthcare professional.
Lack of education, poverty, childhood sexual abuse, and relationships might play a major role in triggering false pregnancy. Pregnancy delusion is also found in patients having a history of schizophrenia.
Pseudocyesis - Risk Factors
If you have gone through intense distress or pregnancy loss, you are at higher risk of having pseudocyesis.Here are some of the risk factors known to induce this particular condition. You might have pseudocyesis if you have,
- Been trying to conceive for a long time and have a low success rate given your age and reproductive life factors.
- Recently lost a child or a foetus.
- Lost your loved ones or a family member.
- Been using drugs that can induce the illusion of pregnancy in your mind and body.
- Deep insecurity, given your past experiences in life and in terms of relationships.
Psychological factors of false pregnancy
The mind and body connection can be powerful. Healthcare professionals believe that the desire to become pregnant is one of the common causes of experiencing pseudocyesis. If you have a strong desire to be pregnant, then your body might believe that you are pregnant. Other conditions, like depression from miscarriage or infertility, can be a risk factor for false pregnancy.Hormonal factors of false pregnancy
Medical conditions like menopause, uterine tumours, or cancer can bring changes to your hormone levels. These hormonal changes can mimic real pregnancy symptoms like fatigue, missed periods, weight gain, and more. Healthcare professionals might look for possible ways to manage these medical conditions at first before diagnosing pseudocyesis.How Is Pseudocyesis Diagnosed?
The only way you can be sure that you are experiencing a false pregnancy is by taking a pregnancy test or ultrasound, as suggested by your doctor.It is understandable to feel concerned if both tests come back negative, and you still experience pregnancy symptoms. Your doctor may recommend further testing and psychological evaluations to identify any underlying medical or mental health issues that could be causing the false pregnancy symptoms.
In case of a false pregnancy, the ultrasound tests would prove that no baby is growing inside your womb. Healthcare professionals also use urine pregnancy tests to rule out false pregnancy cases.
Treatment For Pseudocyesis
The first step your doctor may take is to help you understand that you're not actually pregnant by pointing out valid medical reasons. This can be a helpful way to reassure you that no foetus is developing in your body. You’ll likely be asked to undergo an ultrasound or imaging tests to confirm a false pregnancy.Your healthcare professional will then discuss ways to manage your symptoms based on your medical condition. For instance, hormone therapy is often recommended to help restart your regular menstrual cycle.
Pseudocyesis is typically considered a psychological condition. Treatment usually involves a combination of behavioural therapy, emotional support, and guidance from a trained counsellor or therapist. It's important to identify the underlying causes that led to the false pregnancy and address them with professional support.
If you have believed you were pregnant for several weeks or even months, it can be emotionally difficult to learn otherwise. Your healthcare expert will use appropriate pregnancy tests to confirm the diagnosis and may recommend psychological support to help you cope. By following their advice, taking prescribed medication if needed, and attending therapy sessions, you can begin your recovery and find relief from the symptoms of false pregnancy.
FAQS on Understanding Pseudocyesis Or False Pregnancy
- How do you know if it’s a false pregnancy or not?
False pregnancy symptoms mimic real pregnancy symptoms, and you might end up experiencing missed period, breast enlargement, weight gain and fetal movement sensations. Undergoing an ultrasound and pregnancy tests will confirm if you have been experiencing a false pregnancy or not. - How to stop false pregnancies?
False pregnancy can be handled by following possible treatments like psychotherapy, clinical tests that can disprove pregnancy, hormonal therapy, and medication. - Can stress cause false pregnancy symptoms?
Yes, long-term or short-term stress can contribute to false pregnancy symptoms. Irregular periods, one of the most common false pregnancy symptoms, happen due to high stress levels. It can further lead to nausea and mimic other pregnancy-related symptoms. False pregnancy can also be experienced due to having medical conditions or a recent pregnancy loss.
