Cryptic Pregnancy Support Group & The Gilmour Foundation
  • About
  • What is a Cryptic Pregnancy and What Causes it?
  • Signs/Symptoms of a Cryptic Pregnancy & Bleeding/Continued Periods During a Cryptic Pregnancy
  • What to Expect with a Cryptic Pregnancy
  • Cryptic Pregnancy vs. Phantom Pregnancy
  • Ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs & X-Rays During a Cryptic Pregnancy
  • Cryptic Pregnancy Labor
  • Reccommended Reading and Viewing
  • Contact
CRYPTIC PREGNANCY VS. PHANTOM PREGNANCY 

Phantom Pregnancy or Pseudocyesis:   A psychological disorder that may mimic many of the symptoms of pregnancy, including enlargement of the uterus/abdomen; cessation of menstruation; 
morning sickness; feeling of fetal movement and even labor pains.

Pseudocyesis is extremely rare, occurring at a rate of only .07%, and when they do occur, it is normally to a woman who already suffers from a severe mental condition such as Borderline Personality Disorder or Schizophrenia.  There are cases where the woman is suffering from the loss of a previous pregnancy, a child, or they are experiencing difficulty conceiving.  

The symptoms of a Pseudocyesis are:
*Stopping of menstrual period
*Swollen abdomen
*Enlarged and tender breasts, changes in the nipples and possible lactation
*Feeling of fetal movements
*Nausea and vomiting
*Weight gain



THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CRYPTIC PREGNANCY AND A "PHANTOM PREGNANCY"

In a case of "Phantom Pregnancy", there WILL NOT BE A HEARTBEAT.  The doctor may find some of the physical changes that occur during pregnancy, such as an enlarged uterus and softened cervix. Urine and blood pregnancy tests will always be negative in these cases, with the exception of rare cancers that produce similar hormones to pregnancy. 

During a cryptic pregnancy, if a doppler is used, A HEARTBEAT WILL BE FOUND.  This is how the majority of the women experiencing a Cryptic Pregnancy will get confirmation for themselves.   
 
During a cryptic pregnancy the mother DOES NOT STOP HAVING HER PERIOD, like during a phantom pregnancy.  She will continue to experience "odd periods" until delivery.  


****The Administrator/owner of this page/website, and any associates working with the management of this page, are not responsible for your healthcare, birth choices, or the outcome of your pregnancy, birth or post-partum. The administrator/owner and associates, disclaim any liability in connection with the use of information contained on this website****





Cryptic Pregnancy Support Group & The Gilmour Foundation
Copyright 2014 Suzanne H. Wheat
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