Your breasts have been sore, you’re nauseous every morning and you could swear a baby is moving inside you. Your gut tells you you’re pregnant. But to know for sure, you’d need a positive pregnancy pregnancy test or an ultrasound performed by a medical professional. Without this type of confirmation, you could continue to believe you’re expecting—even if you’re not. That’s the case with a phenomenon called phantom pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about this confusing and often frustrating condition.

In this article: What is a phantom pregnancy?
How common is phantom pregnancy?
What causes phantom pregnancy?
Phantom pregnancy symptoms
Phantom pregnancy treatment

What Is a Phantom Pregnancy?

A phantom pregnancy, also known as pseudocyesis, is a condition where someone believes they’re pregnant and exhibits signs of pregnancy, but isn’t actually expecting, explains Carly Snyder, MD, a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who helps women struggling with emotional symptoms throughout their reproductive years. The terms "phantom pregnancy," "fake pregnancy," and "hysterical pregnancy" are often used interchangeably, but refer to the same psychological and physical phenomenon, she adds.

How Common Is Phantom Pregnancy?

Pseudocyesis is considered rare, though exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint due to its complex nature, says Snyder. “It’s more commonly reported in societies where there’s significant social or personal pressure to conceive.” Plus, she adds, rates may be higher in areas with more limited medical care. After all, if a woman doesn’t see a healthcare provider for a definitive test, she won’t learn she’s not actually pregnant.

What Causes Phantom Pregnancy?

Psychological factors tend to be the main cause, with hormonal issues sometimes playing a role, notes Kecia Gaither, MD, director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health+Hospitals/Lincoln in New York City. Stress, intense desire, fear of pregnancy and underlying mental health conditions can contribute, adds Snyder. Specifically, experiences with infertility, miscarriage, sexual abuse, depression or emotional trauma can make women more susceptible to experiencing a phantom pregnancy.

Hormone abnormalities are generally considered a secondary cause, says Snyder. Imbalances, particularly those involving the pituitary gland, can mimic pregnancy symptoms, she explains. According to a literature review on the condition, published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, hormonal issues or disorders may cause very short or missed periods, stomach distension, milky nipple discharge, the sensation of fetal movements, labor pains, and more.

Phantom Pregnancy Symptoms

“Symptoms mirror those of a real pregnancy,” points out Gaither. These include:

Missed periods
Weight gain or an enlarged stomach
Breast changes and tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Food cravings and aversions
A false sensation of fetal movement or labor contractions

Even though you might be experiencing these symptoms, you need a pregnancy test or ultrasound to confirm whether there’s an actual pregnancy.

Phantom Pregnancy Treatment

Pseudocyesis is typically treated as a psychological condition, notes Gaither. “Counseling or therapy can help address the underlying emotional and psychological issues that may have contributed to the condition,” adds Snyder. Providers might also prescribe medication to address hormonal imbalances.

Even though pseudocyesis is rare, it’s a real phenomenon with psychological and physical symptoms, says Snyder. That’s why it’s so important to get help from medical professionals. While an ob-gyn can confirm a pregnancy isn’t real, a psychiatrist can help you understand and navigate the condition with compassion.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Couvade Syndrome: Can Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms?

What Are the Chances of a False Positive Pregnancy Test?

Can You Get a False Negative Pregnancy Test?

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