What Is Cryptic Pregnancy?

Cryptic pregnancy, also known as a concealed pregnancy, is defined by the complete absence of suspicion during the pregnancy. Therefore, the women discover their pregnancy in advanced stages, frequently at the moment of labor or after giving birth. Cryptic pregnancies are a rare condition, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 475 live births. This lack of recognition of the pregnancy is not due to a denial or deliberate concealment by the woman. Instead, it mostly results from a lack of awareness of possible pregnancy and, additionally, from the absence of symptoms of gestation, weight gain, and fetal movements.

How is it possible not to know you’re pregnant?

There are a number of reasons why a woman might not know she is pregnant. Some of the most common reasons include:

* Irregular periods. Some women have irregular menstrual cycles, so they may not realize that they are pregnant if they miss a period or two.

* Weight gain. Some women do not gain much weight during pregnancy, or they may gain weight in other areas of their body, such as their breasts or thighs, so they may not realize that they are pregnant.

* Lack of morning sickness. Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy, but not all women experience it. If a woman does not have morning sickness, she may not realize that she is pregnant.

* Low levels of hCG. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy. In some cases, women may have low levels of hCG, which can make it difficult to detect pregnancy on a urine or blood test.

* Medical conditions. Some medical conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, can make it difficult to recognize the signs of pregnancy.

If you think you might be pregnant, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to confirm or rule out pregnancy.

It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and there is no one “normal” way to experience pregnancy. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, it is always best to talk to your doctor.