False pregnancy: What you need to know

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Pham Thi Yen - Obstetrician-Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

False pregnancy is a rare phenomenon in women. This condition often has symptoms that closely resemble a real pregnancy, such as fatigue, nausea, or changes in breast size. False pregnancy is a psychological problem, which can also sometimes be caused by women having certain medical conditions.

Many women who feel nauseous and tired may mistakenly conclude that they are pregnant. For some people, the symptoms associated with pregnancy are so real and persistent that they believe they are pregnant, when in fact this is not the case. This is also known as false pregnancy in women.
Many women have a false pregnancy that can cause menstrual periods to stop and the abdomen to swell due to gas. The body's hormone levels also increase, accompanied by symptoms of breast engorgement, sometimes even secreting colostrum. Additionally, some women also develop pregnancy-related health complications, such as preeclampsia. And yet, a false pregnancy can also lead to dangerous contractions.

In some cases, a physical or mental health problem is completely unrelated to the cause of the false pregnancy.
Causes of false pregnancy can stem from psychological factors. That is, the woman wants to get pregnant so much that her brain has created changes in her body, akin to pregnancy.
In addition, this strange phenomenon can also be caused by trauma, such as multiple miscarriages or emotional shock.

The symptoms of a false pregnancy can closely resemble a true pregnancy, so it often causes considerable misunderstanding. Some common symptoms in women with this condition include: Morning sickness, missed periods, weight gain or an increase in breast size. These symptoms can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis by the physician based solely on the clinical signs listed above.
Here are the signs that women with a false pregnancy may experience, including:
Interruption of the menstrual cycle (accounts for 50-90%) Stomach distended as if pregnant ( (accounting for 60-90%) Tightness and pain in the chest, in addition, there is a change in the nipple leading to colostrum secretion. Notice that the fetus in the abdomen is kicking and moving quite a lot (accounting for 50-75% ) Symptoms of nausea or vomiting such as morning sickness appear Body weight gain In rare cases, signs of false labor appear. You may feel intermittent abdominal pain. This symptom usually occurs when a woman with a false pregnancy thinks she is full term. These symptoms often last for weeks, nine months, or even years if not treated early.

To check if a woman is having a false pregnancy, a doctor usually looks at her and evaluates her symptoms. Simultaneously perform pelvic examination and abdominal ultrasound. In order to accurately assess a false pregnancy, your doctor will monitor some of the physical changes that will occur during pregnancy with an enlarged uterus or softening of the cervix.
In addition, urine tests are also negative if you have a false pregnancy. However, some rare cancers can produce hormones that closely resemble pregnancy hormones, leading to false-positive results.
Besides, some other diseases can also cause women to show symptoms of false pregnancy, such as: Cancer, ectopic pregnancy. The best way, you should go to the doctor and perform tests to diagnose medical conditions, thereby providing early treatment.

False pregnancy is a psychological phenomenon, so treatment will focus mainly on psychological measures for the patient. Therefore, doctors should first gently inform patients of the results, and at the same time use psychological treatments to comfort their spirits when they know "bad news".
In addition, health care professionals should also advise the patient's family members and friends to regularly give encouragement and morale to help them overcome this difficult time with confidence.
If the false pregnancy occurs due to a medical condition, the doctor will specifically diagnose and provide treatment options from the root cause of this strange condition.
Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a program of counseling and health care before pregnancy, helping mothers prepare the best health before pregnancy. With this program, you will receive:
General health examination, especially gynecological examination, to help assess the possibility of conception as well as the health of mother and baby during pregnancy. Vaccination before pregnancy, helps prevent many dangerous diseases, especially Rubella. Genetic counseling helps identify risk factors, helps clients and families make decisions, and prevents occurrence or re-emergence in the family. Screening to detect healthy people carrying disease genes If you need medical examination and advice before pregnancy, please book an appointment directly at the website for service.

Reference source: babycenter.com