Cryptic pregnancy

Cryptic Pregnancy

Cryptic pregnancy (pronunciation: /ˈkrɪptɪk 'prɛgnənsi/), also known as stealth pregnancy, is a condition where a woman is unaware of her pregnancy until she is in advanced stages, often not realizing she is pregnant until labor begins. The term originates from the Greek word "kryptos" meaning hidden and the Latin word "praegnans" which means pregnant.

Definition

A Cryptic pregnancy is a pregnancy that conventional medical testing methods may fail to detect. Cryptic pregnancies occur in approximately 1 in 475 cases, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Women with cryptic pregnancies do not experience typical pregnancy symptoms for the first few months, which can lead to a lack of awareness that they are pregnant.

Causes

The causes of cryptic pregnancy are not fully understood. However, it is believed that hormonal imbalances, such as low levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), can contribute to the condition. Other factors may include recent pregnancy, menopause, stress, and certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Symptoms

Symptoms of cryptic pregnancy are often subtle and can be easily mistaken for other conditions. They may include weight gain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and changes in menstruation. However, these symptoms are often not recognized as signs of pregnancy due to their mild nature and the negative results of pregnancy tests.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cryptic pregnancy can be challenging due to the lack of typical pregnancy symptoms and negative pregnancy test results. In some cases, the pregnancy may not be detected until an ultrasound is performed for other reasons.

Treatment

Treatment for cryptic pregnancy focuses on prenatal care once the pregnancy is discovered. This can include regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful substances. It is also important for women to receive emotional support, as the unexpected discovery of a pregnancy can be stressful.

Related Terms

• Pregnancy
• hCG
• Ultrasound
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• American Pregnancy Association

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cryptic pregnancy
• Wikipedia's article - Cryptic pregnancy

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