what is cryptic pregnancy

A cryptic pregnancy, also known as a stealth pregnancy or denied pregnancy, occurs when a pregnant person is unaware of their pregnant state and discovers this late in pregnancy or when labor starts. It is a rare phenomenon, with studies estimating that 1 in 400 to 500 women are 20 weeks into pregnancy before realizing it, and 1 in 2,500 women go all the way to delivery before realizing they’re having a baby. This condition can be caused by both physiological factors, such as the absence of recognizable symptoms of pregnancy, and psychological problems, such as denied pregnancy, where a woman is mentally unable to accept that she is pregnant. The causes of cryptic pregnancies can also be due to intermittent bleeding misinterpreted as menstruation, irregular periods due to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or other factors associated with infertility. The lack of typical pregnancy signs and symptoms can lead to a delayed realization of pregnancy. If you suspect you might be experiencing a cryptic pregnancy, it's important to look for signs and seek medical attention for confirmation and appropriate prenatal care. Cryptic pregnancies can lead to challenges such as late or non-existent antenatal care, which can result in non-detection of pregnancy problems and the possible dangers of unassisted delivery. Therefore, it's crucial for individuals experiencing a cryptic pregnancy to seek medical care as soon as they become aware of their pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby