Phantom pregnancy is a rare disorder.
TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Phantom pregnancy is especially rare in developed countries where people seekprenatal careearly.
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The symptoms may last a few weeks or for as long as nine months.
The most common signs are changes inmenstruation, as well as changes in breast size and shape.
Researchers have noticed there are certain endocrinologic similarities in people who have phantom pregnancies.
Diagnosis
Several conditions can mimic phantom pregnancy.
The first step in diagnosing a phantom pregnancy is ruling out other conditions that could explain a persons symptoms.
Treatment
There is no universal clinical treatment for phantom pregnancy.
However, more treatment might be necessary to help the person make a complete physical and emotional recovery.
In these situations, the care of a mental health professional is crucial.
In 1940, the rate was one in 250 pregnancies.
By 2007, the rate had dropped to between one and six cases in 22,000 pregnancies.
Rates in Less Developed Countries
In other parts of the world, phantom pregnancy is more common.
For example, in Nigeria, the rate is as high as one in 344 pregnancies.
In Sudan, the condition affects one in 160 people who have undergone fertility treatments.
Phantom pregnancy occurs more frequently in less developed countries.
Coping
Having a phantom pregnancy can be a traumatic experience.
Realizing that you are not pregnant can feel like a devastating loss.
Grief is a common response to learning that you are not pregnant when you believed that you were.
Talk to your doctor about whether medication or psychotherapy would be a helpful part of your recovery.
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2017;15(9):535-542.
Tarin J, Hermenegildo C, Garcia-Perez M, et al.Endocrinology and physiology of pseudocyesis.Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.
2013;11(1):39. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-11-39
Campos S, Link D.Pseudocyesis.The Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
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