False pregnancy

False pregnancy
Other namesPhantom pregnancy, hysterical pregnancy, pseudocyesis, delusional pregnancy
SpecialtyPsychiatry

False pregnancy (or pseudocyesis, from the Greek pseudes "false" and kyesis "pregnancy")[1] is the appearance of clinical or subclinical signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy although the individual is not physically carrying a fetus.[2] The mistaken impression that one is pregnant includes signs and symptoms such as tender breasts with secretions, abdominal growth, delayed menstrual periods, and subjective feelings of a moving fetus.[2] Examination, ultrasound, and pregnancy tests can be used to rule out false pregnancy.[1]

False pregnancy has a prominent psychiatric component as well as physical manifestations of pregnancy.[2] It can be caused by trauma (either physical or mental), a chemical imbalance of hormones,[2][3] and some medical conditions.[1] Contributing psychological factors include a strong desire for pregnancy or misinterpretation of objective bodily sensations.[2][3] Although rare,[1] men can experience false pregnancy symptoms,[2] called Couvade syndrome or "sympathetic pregnancy", which can occur when their significant other is pregnant and dealing with pregnancy symptoms.[3] Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy with antidepressants or antipsychotics, hormonal therapy, and uterine curettage are sometimes needed as treatment.[1]

While extremely rare in the United States because of the frequent use of medical imaging, in developing regions such as India and sub-Saharan Africa, the incidence of false pregnancy is higher.[2][3] Rural areas see more instances of false pregnancy because such women are less often examined by a health care professional or midwife during the duration of believed pregnancy.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference Azizi2017 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Cite error: The named reference Tarin2013 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference Seeman2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).