Often Unnoticed, Recognize the Signs of Hidden Pregnancy (Cryptic/Stealth Pregnancy)

Often Unnoticed, Recognize the Signs of Hidden Pregnancy (Cryptic/Stealth Pregnancy)

Pregnancy is usually marked by a number of fairly obvious symptoms, such as late menstruation, morning sickness, and other physical changes. However, in some cases, women may not realize that they are pregnant for quite a long time. This phenomenon is known as "hidden pregnancy" or "cryptic pregnancy" . The incidence is rare, with about 1 in 475 pregnant women not realizing their pregnancy until the gestational age of up to 20 weeks, and 1 in 2500 pregnant women not realizing until labor/delivery. Here are some signs of pregnancy that are often not realized:

1. Irregular or Ongoing Menstruation

One of the most common signs of pregnancy is a missed period. However, in some cases, women may still experience light bleeding that is similar to menstruation. This is often mistaken for an irregular or lighter than usual menstrual cycle, so they do not suspect that they are pregnant.

2. Symptoms Similar to PMS

Early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness, mood swings, or abdominal cramps, often mimic premenstrual syndrome (PMS). As a result, women may mistake these symptoms as part of their menstrual cycle rather than as a sign of pregnancy.

3. No significant weight gain

Not all women experience significant weight gain during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Some may even experience small fluctuations in weight that they do not suspect are due to pregnancy.

4. Fetal Movement Not Felt

Fetal movements are usually felt between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. However, in some women, these movements are not so obvious or are felt as bowel movements or gas. If women are not sensitive to these changes, they may not be aware of the pregnancy until later in pregnancy.

5. No Morning Sickness

Not all women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, known as morning sickness. In an undetected pregnancy, these symptoms can be very mild or absent, leaving women unaware that they are pregnant.

6. Fatigue Perceived as Stress

Excessive fatigue is one of the early symptoms of pregnancy. However, due to various other factors such as work stress or daily activities, many women may not consider this fatigue as a sign of pregnancy.

7. Ignored Breast Changes

During pregnancy, breasts often become tender, enlarged, or even painful. However, some women may dismiss this as part of the normal hormonal changes that occur before menstruation, thus ignoring this sign.

8. Urinate More Frequently

Pregnancy can put pressure on the bladder, especially as the uterus begins to enlarge. Frequent urination is often thought to be due to drinking too much water or a minor urinary tract infection, and is therefore not recognized as a symptom of pregnancy.

9. Psychological Rejection

In some cases, psychological factors can cause women to "deny" the possibility that they are pregnant. This denial can be caused by various factors, such as emotional stress, fear, or an unplanned pregnancy. This can cause the body to psychologically ignore the physical signs of pregnancy.

10. Use of Contraceptives

Women who use birth control such as birth control pills or IUDs may feel convinced that they cannot get pregnant. As a result, if they experience pregnancy symptoms, they tend to ignore them or blame them on the side effects of the contraceptive.

Why Does Unrecognized Pregnancy Occur?

Unrecognized pregnancy can be caused by various factors:

  • Lack of knowledge : Some women may not fully understand the signs of pregnancy or its symptoms.
  • Health conditions : Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other hormonal disorders can cause irregular periods, leaving women unaware of pregnancy.
  • Just gave birth: After giving birth, it takes a few months for menstruation to return, especially if the mother is breastfeeding. With exclusive breastfeeding alone, the effectiveness is still 98%, meaning there is still a chance of pregnancy, especially for mothers who do not exclusively breastfeed, the chance of pregnancy will be even greater.
  • Use of contraception : Women who use contraception may feel confident that they cannot get pregnant.
  • Perimenopause age : People tend to assume that pregnancy is no longer possible at the age of 40 and above, when in fact this is not the case.
  • Never been pregnant before : This condition is mainly due to ignorance or lack of experience, so that the pregnancy is realized too late.
  • Psychological factors : Mental rejection of the possibility of pregnancy can also cause a woman to be unaware of her pregnancy.

What are the possible risks of complications ?

If a mother does not realize that she is not pregnant, then:

  • It is possible that mothers and babies do not receive the maternal and pregnancy health services that they should have received from the start of pregnancy.
  • There is a possibility that childbirth may occur outside of appropriate health facilities.
  • Due to lack of access to services during pregnancy, the possibility of premature birth, low birth weight, and even fetal death can increase.

What to Do If You Suspect You're Pregnant?

If a woman suspects that she is pregnant but is unsure because of vague symptoms, the first step is to take a home pregnancy test. If the result is positive or there is uncertainty, it is advisable to immediately consult a gynecologist for confirmation and proper treatment.

Conclusion

Unrecognized pregnancy is a phenomenon that can occur due to mild symptoms, irregular menstruation, or even psychological factors. Knowing the characteristics of unrecognized pregnancy can help women be more sensitive to changes in their bodies. If there is any doubt or suspicious signs, it is important to immediately take a pregnancy test and consult a doctor.

Reference

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