Psychological pregnancy… who hasn’t heard of it? The intense desire of a woman who really wants to be a mother can go beyond just wanting—it can actually manifest physically in the body. So psychological pregnancy isn’t just in the mind, it can actually change a woman’s body even when she isn’t truly pregnant. But what triggers a psychological pregnancy and how can you recognize the signs?
Symptoms of Psychological Pregnancy
Some women spend weeks or even months feeling symptoms of a pregnancy that doesn’t physically exist. This can bring on signs such as nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, hunger, missed periods, hormonal changes, and all the other symptoms typical of pregnancy.
In fact, psychological pregnancy is a type of psychological disorder1 and is becoming increasingly common nowadays despite all the information that’s available. Recently, various cases have been reported in the media where the psychological pregnancy was only discovered at the time of supposed childbirth; women can even develop a noticeably enlarged belly as part of this disorder. It’s amazing how much the mind can influence the physical body!
How Can You Have Symptoms Without Being Pregnant?
The development of symptoms starts with stimulation of the pituitary gland, the part of the brain that releases all the body’s hormones, which would explain most of the symptoms—even something like darker nipples, which is very common in real pregnancies. If a psychological pregnancy is confirmed, the doctor can prescribe medication to induce menstruation, and treatment with psychologists may be recommended, and even antipsychotics in more severe cases.
Who Can Develop a Psychological Pregnancy?
Women who have trouble conceiving are more likely to develop psychological pregnancy. Issues like polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, and even unexplained infertility can cause such frustration that a psychological pregnancy may occur.
Emotional imbalance caused by anxiety about getting pregnant, or after a recent miscarriage, can also trigger this type of disorder. That’s why women who are trying to conceive need to try to stay level-headed and understand that not every symptom should automatically be taken as a real sign of pregnancy2.
Being able to tell the difference is crucial to avoid becoming overly anxious. Troubled marriages can also cause psychological pregnancies. Sometimes the idea that a child could save the relationship becomes so strong that it causes psychological pregnancy. Because the symptoms of psychological pregnancy are identical to those of a real pregnancy—all caused by a deep desire to be a mother or even the fear of becoming pregnant—recognizing the real signs of this type of pregnancy is actually quite simple.
To identify a psychological pregnancy, the woman herself or those around her just need to pay attention to notice the absence of a real pregnancy. To find out if the symptoms are from a psychological pregnancy, simple physical exams are enough. Does psychological pregnancy give a positive blood test? No, that’s why a beta HCG test to check for HCG (the hormone that’s only present in pregnancy) and an ultrasound can clear up any doubts as to whether there’s a real pregnancy or not3. If you wish, you can purchase your pregnancy test here in our online store.
A Reader’s Story About Psychological Pregnancy
Reader “Maria,” who prefers not to use her real name, shares her experience with psychological pregnancy at just 22 years old.
“My life was going very well until, after having unprotected sex with my boyfriend, I became convinced I was pregnant. I was so scared that I ended up taking the morning-after pill to avoid pregnancy.
After a week the symptoms really started, and they lasted about 2 months. Even after taking a blood test that was negative, I couldn’t convince myself I wasn’t pregnant.
I always thought it was a wrong result. I went to a doctor who ordered an ultrasound and it was found that even though my belly was sticking out, there was no pregnancy. I was finally relieved, and after 3 or 4 days my period finally came and the symptoms disappeared.”
Just like Maria, many women have symptoms that seem to be pregnancy, but to know for sure, go see a doctor. Investigating is the best way to rule out psychological pregnancy. Family members should give plenty of attention and support to a woman who is going through this, because it’s not easy! Even getting the correct diagnosis can cause suffering and frustration for not being a real pregnancy. All the support and care in the world are not enough during this stage.
