False or “phantom” pregnancy clinically known as Pseudocyesis occurs when a person manifests many of the physical and subjective signs of pregnancy despite not actually carrying a fetus. Affected individuals may experience missed menstrual periods, nausea or vomiting, weight gain, abdominal swelling, breast enlargement or tenderness (sometimes even lactation), changes in nipple appearance, and other typical pregnancy-like symptoms. In some cases, they might even perceive sensations resembling fetal movement or have false labor pains.
Because diagnostic tests including pregnancy hormone assays (hCG) and ultrasound imaging always rule out a real pregnancy, pseudocyesis can be deeply distressing, requiring careful emotional and psychological support. Although the exact cause remains unclear, recent research supports a complex interplay of psychological, social, neuroendocrine and…
