Getting Pregnant Without Knowing It? Cryptic Pregnancy And Its Causes

The first day of pregnancy to the delivery of the baby is a happy blur for most women. While most women know they're pregnant from the start, some don't. They find out when they're delivering the baby.

Yes, in some pregnancies, you really wouldn't know if you are pregnant. How bizarre right? And it is termed a cryptic pregnancy.

Cryptic pregnancy, also known as a stealth pregnancy, is a term used to describe a pregnancy that is not diagnosed or confirmed until after the woman has already given birth. For example, in some cases, a woman may not be aware that she is pregnant until the baby is born and she notices the signs of labour.

However worry not, because it is a very rare phenomenon, occurring in only about one in every 475 pregnancies [1].

What Causes Cryptic Pregnancy?

The exact causes of cryptic pregnancy are not known. However, there are several factors that can increase a woman's chances of experiencing this phenomenon [2][3]:

One of the primary causes of cryptic pregnancy is an abnormally functioning reproductive system.

A woman's reproductive system is responsible for producing hormones that signal to the brain when she is pregnant. If the hormones are not functioning properly, the brain may not be alerted to the pregnancy.

Another possible cause of cryptic pregnancy is a change in the woman's body composition or size.

If a woman has a particularly thin body type, or if she has recently lost a significant amount of weight, her body may not be able to support the presence of a foetus. Additionally, if a woman is not paying attention to her body, she may not recognize the physical signs of pregnancy, such as nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue.

Psychological factors can also play a role in cryptic pregnancies.

A woman who is emotionally or mentally stressed, or who is in an unstable relationship, may be less likely to recognize signs of pregnancy. Additionally, certain mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can lead to a woman's unawareness of her pregnancy.

In addition to these possible causes, some women may experience a cryptic pregnancy simply due to the fact that they are unaware of the signs of pregnancy.

Women who have not been educated about how to recognise cryptic pregnancy, or who are not familiar with their own bodies, may be less likely to recognise the signs of pregnancy.

What Are The Signs Of Cryptic Pregnancy?

Because there are no physical symptoms that suggest a woman is pregnant, it can be very difficult to diagnose a cryptic pregnancy. However, there are a few signs that may indicate that a woman is pregnant without her knowing it [4].

• One of the most common signs of a cryptic pregnancy is a missed period. Women who miss a period without any obvious explanation may be pregnant, even if they have no other symptoms.
• Additionally, some pregnant women may experience light spotting instead of a full-fledged period.
• Women who are pregnant may also experience changes in their breasts. This can include tenderness, swelling, or enlarged nipples.

Other signs of cryptic pregnancy may include fatigue, frequent urination, and morning sickness. Many pregnant women also experience food cravings or aversions to certain foods [5].

Women may also experience mood swings during a cryptic pregnancy. This can include sudden episodes of depression, anxiety, or irritability. Some women may also experience an increased sense of smell or a heightened sensitivity to certain smells [6].

What Are The Early Signs Of Cryptic Pregnancy?

Symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy include spotting, nausea, cramping, swollen breasts, and fatigue. However, it is also possible to have no symptoms at all, such as no baby bump at all.

Who Is At Risk Of A Cryptic Pregnancy?

A cryptic pregnancy can occur to anyone. There is a possibility that you may be at greater risk if you fall in the following categories [7]:

• Recently gave birth
• Have a condition like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Use birth control
• Are in perimenopause
• Have never been pregnant

Will A Cryptic Pregnancy Show On A Pregnancy Test?

A cryptic pregnancy should still result in a positive pregnancy test, but you need to use it correctly to get an accurate result. If you don't follow the instructions on the package, you could get a false negative, meaning you're pregnant but the test says you're not. Take an at-home test after several days of missing your period.

Blood testing is always the best way to confirm pregnancy if your symptoms don't match your home pregnancy test results [8].

Do You Get Your Period In A Cryptic Pregnancy?

No. During a cryptic pregnancy, you do not experience a true menstrual period, similar to a regular pregnancy. It is possible, however, to experience implantation bleeding or abnormal pregnancy bleeding and believe that this is your period [9].

How Long Does A Cryptic Pregnancy Last?

Generally, women become aware that they are pregnant about 20 weeks into the pregnancy; however, there are instances when a woman goes to the emergency room with pelvic pain only to discover that she is in labour.

According to some studies, cryptic pregnancies are more likely to result in pre-term birth as a result of inadequate prenatal care, poor nutrition, or lifestyle choices [10].

Do You Get A Belly With Cryptic Pregnancy?

Often, women experiencing cryptic pregnancies do not experience morning sickness and abdominal swelling. They might not gain weight or may gain a small amount of weight and attribute the weight gain to some other factor [11].

Can You Prevent Cryptic Pregnancy?

A cryptic pregnancy can be prevented by being aware of your body and sexual health. If you think you may be pregnant, you should always take a home pregnancy test or visit a healthcare provider for a blood or urine test [12].