A lot of women experience this at least once in their life, thinking they are pregnant when they are not. Missed periods are usually what may lead to that thought but there is actually a term that describes the symptoms of pregnancy even when that person is not actually pregnant.
False pregnancy is also known as phantom pregnancy or pseudocyesis with a person exhibiting the symptoms of being pregnant. We tell you ways to identify false pregnancy
Symptoms of false pregnancy
The symptoms are similar to that of actual pregnancy, only there is no fetus. Here is what it may look like:
- Growing baby bump
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Signs of lactation
- Increased hunger
Causes
The exact cause of false pregnancy is unknown and it also varies from person to person. It may happen due to psychological reasons, many doctors have shared that a person who is determined to start a family may observe this due to an endocrinal change.When a woman feels an intense desire to get pregnant, which may be because of infertility, repeat miscarriages, impending menopause, or a desire to get married, their body may produce some pregnancy signs (such as a swollen belly, enlarged breasts, and even the sensation of fetal movement). It could also be due to a change in the nervous system that affects hormonal balance in the body.
Ways to identify false pregnancy
The only way to be sure is by getting tested for pregnancy, You can take a home pregnancy test and if you still have doubts, blood tests can also be done, followed by an ultrasound.
Struggling with the symptoms of false pregnancy can take a toll on your mental health. It is best to seek help if it is interfering with your daily life and relationships.
