< 1 mn read
A “stealth pregnancy,” also known as a “cryptic pregnancy,” is one that goes undetected until labor begins.
WHY STEALTH PREGNANCIES CAN OCCUR
- HORMONAL CHANGES: Recent pregnancies or births can disrupt hormone cycles, leading to a cryptic pregnancy.
- PERIMENOPAUSE: Irregular hormone cycles during perimenopause can mask pregnancy symptoms.
- BIRTH CONTROL: Pregnancy can occur even with birth control, potentially leading to no symptoms.
- STRESS: High levels of stress can obscure typical pregnancy symptoms.
- LOW BODY FAT: Hormonal imbalances due to low body fat can result in symptomless pregnancies.
- POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS): Irregular hormone cycles associated with PCOS can contribute to a cryptic pregnancy.
- PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: Denial of pregnancy may occur, where a person refuses to believe they are pregnant despite evidence.
WHY A WOMAN MIGHT STILL SEE HER PERIOD DURING A CRYPTIC PREGNANCY
Bleeding or spotting might be mistaken for menstruation but is usually not due to miscarriage. It can occur when the embryo attaches to the uterine wall or due to changes in the cervix.
WHY PREGNANCY TEST RESULTS MIGHT BE NEGATIVE
- HORMONAL IMBALANCE: Low levels of hCG hormone, possibly affected by medications, can lead to false negatives.
- TEST TIMING: Testing too soon after a missed period can yield inaccurate results. Retaking the test a week later and in the morning can provide a more accurate reading.
HOW A CRYPTIC PREGNANCY CAN GO UNDETECTED ON ULTRASOUND
- EARLY DETECTION: Heartbeats are hard to detect before the seventh week of pregnancy. Early detection can be hindered by unusual ovulation or being behind the expected menstrual cycle.
- ULTRASOUND CHALLENGES: Factors such as the uterus’s position or the embryo’s delayed implantation can cause an ultrasound to miss the pregnancy.