Pseudocyesis: What Is a False or Phantom Pregnancy?
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Kecia Gaither, MD, is an ob-gyn and the director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health+Hospitals/Lincoln in New York City. Additionally, Gaither is an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology with Cornell Weill Medicine. She earned her medical degree from SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse.
Carly Snyder, MD, is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist in New York City. She received her medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine and completed a general psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center.
Pituitary Function in Pseudocyesis, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), July 1976
Endocrinology and physiology of pseudocyesis, Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, May 2013
Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
