How is this possible
The brain and endocrine system are more closely connected than is commonly thought. Strong emotional stress associated with the topic of pregnancy affects the functioning of the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and, through it, the ovaries. The production of hormones changes, prolactin may rise, menstruation stops, and the breasts swell. A growing belly is often explained not by the growth of the uterus, but by bloating of the intestines, tension in the abdominal wall muscles and fat deposition, and the sensation of movement is due to intestinal peristalsis, which the woman interprets as the movements of the child.
- The influence of the emotional state on the hypothalamus
- Changes in the production of pituitary hormones
- Increased prolactin and cessation of menstruation
- Bloating and abdominal muscle tension
- Peristalsis, perceived as movements
- Increasing attention to bodily sensations
Who is experiencing this condition?
Most often, women with a very strong desire to become pregnant, especially after prolonged infertility, unsuccessful attempts at assisted reproductive technologies, or pregnancy loss. The second group is those who experience a pronounced fear of pregnancy. Family and environmental expectations, cultural pressure, loneliness, anxiety and depressive disorders play a role. The condition has also been described in perimenopausal women, when irregular cycles and vasomotor symptoms can easily be mistaken for signs of pregnancy. Separately, situations are considered when the belief in pregnancy is part of a mental disorder.
- Long-term infertility and unsuccessful attempts
- Past pregnancy loss
- Strong pressure from the environment
- Significant fear of pregnancy
- Anxiety and depressive disorders
- Perimenopause period
- Mental disorders with delusional conviction
Symptoms
The picture is very similar to a real pregnancy, and this is what makes the condition so convincing. Menstruation stops or becomes scanty, the mammary glands swell and ache, and sometimes colostrum is released. Morning sickness, changes in taste preferences, increased fatigue and drowsiness, and frequent urination appear. The stomach gradually increases, the woman feels tremors. Some even note the semblance of contractions at the expected due date. At the same time, the pregnancy test is negative, and the hCG in the blood is within the non-pregnant range.
- Stopping menstruation
- Breast engorgement and tenderness
- Colostrum release
- Nausea and change in taste
- Abdominal enlargement
- Feeling of movement
- Weight gain and fatigue
- Negative pregnancy test
Survey
The doctor’s task is to objectively and delicately confirm the absence of pregnancy and find the cause of cycle irregularities. HCG is determined in the blood: this is more accurate than a home test. They perform an ultrasound examination, preferably together with the woman, showing the image and calmly explaining what they saw. Next, they look for the reasons for the absence of menstruation: check prolactin, TSH, and, if necessary, other hormones, exclude polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure and pituitary tumor. At the same time, the emotional state is assessed and, if necessary, a psychologist is involved.
- blood hCG
- Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries
- Prolactin
- TSH and thyroid hormones
- FSH, LH, estradiol according to indications
- MRI of the pituitary gland with high prolactin
- Anxiety and mood assessment
- Consultation with a psychologist or psychotherapist
What helps
Sharp exposure and reproaches do not help and often increase suffering: the woman really feels everything she talks about. The right way is to calmly show the results of the examination, explain the mechanism of symptoms and offer support. For many, a few meetings with a psychologist are enough to get over the disappointment and return to normal life. Psychotherapy helps with anxiety and depressive disorders; if necessary, the doctor selects medication. Detected hormonal imbalances must be corrected. If pregnancy is desired, an examination plan for infertility is discussed separately.
- Careful and clear explanation of results
- Joint viewing of ultrasound
- Psychological counseling
- Psychotherapy for anxiety and depression
- Treatment of hormonal disorders
- Supporting loved ones without reproaches and ridicule
- Examination and treatment plan for infertility
- Observation until cycle restoration
