Symptoms, Causes And Assumptions Of Cryptic Pregnancy
By Egbodo Peter
Signs You’re Pregnant But Don’t Know It
Medically referred to as a cryptic pregnancy
What is a Cryptic Pregnancy?
According to Cleveland clinic a cryptic pregnancy (or stealth pregnancy) is when a pregnant person doesn’t know they’re pregnant. In some cases, a person may only realize they’re pregnant because labor begins. Most people realize they’re pregnant somewhere between four and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Hidden pregnancy signs may include typical pregnancy symptoms, such as spotting, nausea, cramping, swollen breasts, and fatigue. You may not notice these symptoms because you don’t think you could be pregnant, or you may think your symptoms are caused by something else. It’s also possible to have no symptoms at all.
Mental health or medical conditions, as well as trauma, can increase the risk of experiencing an undetected pregnancy
This article goes over the causes and symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy.
Read More: Why-vaginal-discharge-may-bleach-your-underwear-explained: Symptoms, Causes And Assumptions Of Cryptic PregnancySymptoms: What Are “Hidden” Pregnancy Signs?
Symptoms of a hidden pregnancy can sometimes be attributed to factors like birth control use, recent travel, work exhaustion, and/or diet or exercise changes. Early pregnancy symptoms may include:
- Slight weight gain
- Experiencing fatigue
- Constipation
- Spotting or light bleeding, but no periods
- Swollen, tender breasts
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Some people say their vivid dreams are an early sign of pregnancy. This may be because hormonal balances and body changes can alter the way you sleep, making you more likely to remember your dreams.
How Far Along Can You Be With an Undetected Pregnancy?
As many as 1 in 475 pregnancies go undetected or unnoticed until the 20-week, or five-month, mark. That’s roughly half of someone’s pregnancy. One in 2,455 pregnancies goes unrecognized until a person goes into labor.
What Causes Hidden (Cryptic) Pregnancy?
Research is still limited when it comes to hidden pregnancies. However, experts think some of the following factors contribute to a person not realizing they are pregnant:
- Assumptions, meaning individuals don’t believe they could become pregnant.
- Unexpected symptom experience, meaning individuals don’t experience what is generally expected when it comes to pregnancy symptoms.
- Life circumstances, such as age, family history, and/or past or ongoing trauma.
- Conditions, including mental, developmental, and medical conditions.
Assumptions
Assumptions that can increase the risk of a hidden pregnancy include:
Intermittent spotting: Bleeding and spotting that can occur during pregnancy can easily be mistaken for a light period.
Inaccurate Pregnancy Test Results: Pregnancy tests are usually very accurate, but errors do happen—especially if a person does not test the right way or at the best time. It is possible for a pregnancy test to be negative even when a person is actually pregnant.
Early Menopause: Pregnancy symptoms can be similar to early menopause symptoms. If you’re between the ages of 45 and 55, which is the range menopause typically begins, you may attribute the symptoms to menopause, instead of pregnancy.
Fertility: If you’ve struggled with getting pregnant in the past, you may find it hard to believe that you could be pregnant.
Birth Control Use: Even when used correctly, it’s possible to become pregnant when using birth control. People using contraception may not think they could be pregnant and might ignore the signs.
Recent Pregnancy: Ovulation can occur sooner than you’d think after you’ve had a baby. That said, the early signs of pregnancy may not be as clear in someone who recently gave birth and signs may be associated with the previous pregnancy and recovery.
Life Circumstances: Certain life circumstances increase your risk of experiencing a hidden pregnancy. These may include:
Young Age: Research suggests that being young in age is a risk factor for a denied pregnancy in certain individuals.
Family History: Research suggests that individuals with a family member who has experienced a cryptic pregnancy were more at risk for also experiencing one.
Trauma: About one third of individuals who experience a rape-related pregnancy have cryptic pregnancies and don’t know they’re pregnant until the second trimester. In many cases, the perpetrator was someone the survivor knew.
I hope this is article is helpful.
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