Cryptic Pregnancy: Know the Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis
Published On - May 23, 2023
Cryptic pregnancy is a rare and unusual condition in which a woman can be pregnant for months without realizing it. This condition affects only a small number of women and is often associated with minimal or no pregnancy symptoms, says a well-known gynaecologist of a fertility centre in Kolkata. Early diagnosis can improve the health conditions of both the mother and the baby.
This blog provides an overview of the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of cryptic pregnancy to help women identify potential signs of this condition and seek appropriate medical care.
Causes of cryptic pregnancy
An expert of the best infertility evaluation treatment centre discusses some of the causes of cryptic pregnancy.
Hormonal imbalances: Fluctuations in hormones such as progesterone and estrogen can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation leading to irregular or missed periods, making it difficult to detect pregnancy.
Psychological factors: Denial or suppression of pregnancy due to stress, anxiety and other mental health issues can result in women not realizing that they are pregnant.
Contraceptive methods: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control pills are effective at preventing pregnancy. However, in some cases, a woman can still become pregnant and this can lead to a false sense of security that can result in a delayed diagnosis of pregnancy.
Irregular ovulation: Ovulation irregularities can occur due to various reasons such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This can make it difficult to detect pregnancy as there may be no or minimal symptoms of pregnancy.
Perimenopause: A gynaecologist of the best infertility evaluation treatment centre said that perimenopause can be a cause of cryptic pregnancy. It is a transition phase that can occur several years before menopause during which a woman’s hormone levels fluctuate leading to changes in menstrual cycles. It’s important to understand that it is possible to get pregnant even during perimenopause.
Signs of cryptic pregnancy to look for
Here are some common symptoms of cryptic pregnancy:
Absence of typical pregnancy symptoms: In such cases, women do not experience the usual signs of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, breast tenderness or frequent urination.
Irregular periods: Women with this condition continue to have menstrual bleeding or they may experience lighter and irregular periods.
Minimal weight gain: Women with cryptic pregnancies gain minimal weight throughout their pregnancy.
Fetal movements: In some cases, women also feel fetal movements although they may not recognize these sensations.
If you suspect that you are experiencing a cryptic pregnancy, it’s important to speak with your gynaecologist and undergo fertility tests for women to confirm or rule out a pregnancy.
How is a cryptic pregnancy diagnosed?
Diagnosing cryptic pregnancy can be challenging as the typical signs and symptoms of pregnancy may not be present or may be mistaken for other medical conditions. However, a gynaecologist of a fertility centre can conduct various tests to diagnose cryptic pregnancy.
Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam is performed to look for physical signs of pregnancy such as an enlarged uterus.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound can help visualize the fetus and determine the gestational age.
Blood tests: Blood tests can detect pregnancy hormones in the blood even if they’re not present in urine.
Conclusion
It’s important for women to seek medical attention if they suspect of being pregnant, even if they’re using contraceptives.
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