Cryptic Pregnancy: i didn't know that i was pregnant until i went into labour

 

Cryptic Pregnancy: i didn't know that i was pregnant until i went into labour

What is a cryptic pregnancy?

A cryptic pregnancy is known as stealth pregnancy is when a pregnant woman does’nt know that she is pregnant In some cases, a woman may only realise they’re pregnant because labour begins.

Most people become aware that they are carrying a child between four and twelve weeks into their pregnancy. This could occur from missing their period or from having pregnancy-related symptoms. Pregnancy can be confirmed by a positive pregnancy test result. Nothing leads a person to believe they are pregnant when the pregnancy is enigmatic. This may be due to the fact that they are not experiencing pregnancy symptoms, misinterpret pregnancy symptoms for a virus, or have an incorrect pregnancy test result.

Who is at risk for a cryptic pregnancy?

Anyone can have a cryptic pregnancy. You may be at higher risk if you are facing these:

  • Recently gave birth: It may take many months for your period to return after giving birth, and you may not ovulate if you're breastfeeding (chestfeeding). This can lead to people believing they are fully secure against pregnancy. It's tough to anticipate when you'll first ovulate and become fertile again while breastfeeding.
  • Have a condition like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): women with PCOS have periods that are unpredictable. Because skipping periods is normal for them, they may not realise they’re pregnant if they miss their period.
  • Use condom : People who use condom may mistakenly think they’re protected from pregnancy. Even when used correctly, there is a potential of failure.
  • Are in perimenopause: women in their 40s may think they’re too old to get pregnant or mistake pregnancy symptoms for menopause symptoms.
  • Have never been pregnant:If you've never been pregnant before, you're less likely to understand how it feels. This means that a pregnancy could go undiscovered for a longer period of time.

What is the prevalence of cryptic pregnancy?

Cryptic pregnancies are rare. According to studies, approximately 1 in 475 pregnancies go missed until around 20 weeks gestation. One in every 2,500 pregnancies goes unreported until the baby is born.

Will a cryptic pregnancy be detected by a pregnancy test?

With a cryptic pregnancy, you should still get a positive pregnancy test. However, the only way to get a reliable result from an at-home pregnancy test is to use it appropriately. If you don't use it appropriately, you can receive a false negative (meaning you're pregnant but the test doesn't show it). Follow the package instructions and wait several days following your missing period to take an at-home test.

If your symptoms do not match the results of your home pregnancy test, it is always preferable to get a blood test performed by a healthcare specialist to confirm pregnancy.

Do you get a period with a mysterious pregnancy?

No. A cryptic pregnancy is comparable to a typical pregnancy in that no menstrual cycle occurs. You may, however, have implantation bleeding or irregular pregnancy bleeding and mistake it for your period.

cryptic pregnancy symptoms

What causes a cryptic pregnancy?

A woman may not recognize they are pregnant for a variety of reasons. Among the signs of cryptic pregnancy are:

  • A home pregnancy test could have produced a false negative result.
  • No signs of pregnancy.
  • A woman either ignores or rejects pregnancy symptoms.
  • Because a person is unaware of the symptoms, they are unaware that they are pregnant.

What are the signs of a  cryptic pregnancy?

The signs of a cryptic pregnancy are the same regular pregnancy. The crucial distinction is that the pregnant person is unaware that pregnancy is causing their symptoms. For example, people may believe they are queasy because they ate a particular cuisine or that they are sleepy because they need to sleep more.

  • Missed period: While most people are aware that they are pregnant because they do not receive their period, this is not always the case. If your periods are always erratic, you may miss your period due to pregnancy and not know it
  • Spotting or light bleeding: Some people experience light spotting in early pregnancy and think it for a period.
  • False negative pregnancy test result: This means that someone is pregnant but their test shows that they aren't. You may receive an incorrect result if you do not utilize an at-home pregnancy test appropriately. It's always a good idea to confirm a pregnancy with a healthcare provider.
  • Weight gain or swollen belly: Some people may not realize they've gained weight when pregnant, or they may attribute an excessively bloated stomach to consuming a certain cuisine.
  • Fetal movement: Most women do not notice fetal movement until around halfway through their pregnancy. The placenta is in the front of your tummy if you have an anterior placenta. This can make it difficult to feel kicks. This could explain why you don't recognize you're pregnant if you have a cryptic pregnancy.
  • Not knowing symptoms of pregnancy: If you are very young or have cognitive impairments, you may be oblivious to common pregnancy symptoms such as a missed menstruation, painful breasts, or nausea.

How long is a mysterious pregnancy?

Most women discover they are pregnant about 20 weeks into their pregnancy. However, a woman can be pregnant for the full 40 weeks of her pregnancy. There have been reports of people going to the ER with pelvic pain only to find out they're in labor.

According to some research, cryptic pregnancies are more likely to result in premature birth because to a lack of prenatal care, poor nutrition, or lifestyle choices.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is it diagnosed?

Pregnancy care practitioners identify cryptic pregnancy in the same way that they would any other pregnancy. Among the methods used by providers to certify pregnancy are:

Management and Treatment

How is a cryptic pregnancy treated?
Treatment for cryptic pregnancy is dependent on when you become pregnant. If you're still months away from giving birth, a pregnancy care provider will try to catch you up on any missed prenatal treatment. This may include:

  • Blood and urine tests.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Measuring fundal height.
  • A physical exam.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle counseling.

Prevention

Can you prevent cryptic pregnancy?

The best way to prevent a cryptic pregnancy is to be aware of your body and sexual health. If you suspect you could be pregnant. Then make a home test or go to doctor for blood or urine test 

Outlook / Prognosis

What are complications of a cryptic pregnancy?

The complications of a cryptic pregnancy are caused by not knowing you're pregnant. Among the complications are:

  • No pregnancy care: Because you are unaware that you are pregnant, you have not sought prenatal care. This indicates that you did not receive the essential bloodwork, dietary advice, ultrasounds, or other support for a successful pregnancy. Not knowing you're pregnant may also entail going into labor without the assistance of a professional healthcare expert.
  • Changes in lifestyle: Smoking and drinking alcohol are both dangerous during pregnancy. Because you are unaware that you are pregnant, you may consume these substances or take medications and supplements that are normally dangerous for pregnant women.
  • Higher risk of medical conditions:  You will not obtain the attention or tests required to diagnose illnesses such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
  • Higher risk of congenital conditions: Because you did not obtain genetic tests or other examinations that aid in the diagnosis of birth issues, the fetus is at risk for congenital conditions..

A Note From  New concept clinic

It is possible to be pregnant without realising it. A person may be pregnant for several months or the entire pregnancy in a cryptic pregnancy. If you're sexually active, the best thing you can do is learn the indications of pregnancy and get a pregnancy test from a healthcare provider if you have any doubts. Regular prenatal care is essential for your and the foetus's health and safety.

Read More

Relaxing Sex positions During pregnancy: images

Sex positions for getting pregnant