CRYPTIC PREGNANCY
What is a Cryptic Pregnancy?
A Cryptic Pregnancy is a pregnancy, where the feotus is hidden or camouflaged in its natural environment; due to no HcG hormone being produced by the placenta and/or by difficulty in finding with ultrasound devices.
The easiest way to define one, is by looking at the origins of the words. The origin of the word Cryptic is from the early 17th century, from late latin crypticus, from Greek kruptikos, from kruptos 'hidden'. The origin of the word Pregnant is from Late Middle English: from Latin praegnant-, probably from prae 'before' + the base of gnasci 'be born'. (From the Oxford Dictionary).
Therefore the origins of Cryptic Pregnancy are 'hidden' 'before' 'be born'.
What is the Medical definition of a Cryptic Pregnancy?
The medical defintion of a Cryptic Pregnancy is a condition in which a pregnant person is unaware of her pregnancy until reaching labour. Reasons the woman may be unaware of the pregnancy may include the woman being on weight-affecting medication, having regular menstrual bleeding, a lack of symptoms, and the fetus being unusally small.
Are you experincing a cryptic pregnancy?
Currently it's difficult to ''medically'' determine if you are experiencing a Cryptic Pregnancy. There is no checklist, if you tick 5 of the 7 symptoms this means you are pregnant. Woman experiences a variety of pregnancy symptoms in a ''normal'' pregnancy and the same is true for a Cryptic Pregnancy.
The most common indicator of a Cryptic Pregnancy is feeling like you are going insane. You experience similar symptoms to a 'normal' pregnancy and mostly they are more subtle. The home pregnancy tests are negative or a faint line and the visit to the GP, verified these negative tests with a blood and/or urine test, and ultrasound. Despite this, the symptoms still persisted.
Below are a list of Symptoms for Cryptic Pregnancy and Pregnancy. With a Cryptic Pregnancy there are specific symptoms, which also include the Pregnancy Symptoms.
Signs of a Cryptic Pregnancy
Signs of a Pregnancy
Negative HcG blood and urine test (some women report having readings of less than 5 HcG test). Occassional faint positive pregnancy test.
Negative transvaginal and/or transabdominal ultrasound
Baby movement: flutters, kicks, movement, and movement is a lot less than a ''normal'' pregnancy. The first trimester movements in the tummy is usually flutters: If you have previously had a baby, you know this feeling. If this is your first pregnancy, it may be a little more difficult to recognise. The flutters can have you wondering if that was gas or wind passing through, if that was your necklace hitting your tummy (even though it isn't near the area), you may even feel a quick roll or turn of something in your stomach. In the second trimester it is small or bigger movements: As all cryptic pregnancies are unique this is only a guideline. It varies from person to person. Some experience very little movement and some more.
Menstrual cycle:
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Women who have had their menstrual cycle consistent before pregnancy, will notice a change in their menstrual cycle during pregnancy. It will most likely half in the number of days in length, usually 1-2 days. It will vary between a bright red pink and a dark red, blood clots and sometimes spotting. Occasional months may not you may not have a menstrual cycle. This is unusual for these women who have their menstrual cycles consistently each month.
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Women who do not experience their cycle consistently: You may have similar symptoms to the above. Though due to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), endometriosis, or other outstanding issues in the body, your periods were never consistent or you haven't had them in years, there is unlikely to be a change in this.
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Some women will not experience any period during this time, following the classical pregnancy
Menstrual cycle: The blood colour can vary from bright pink red, purple, blue, black, orange, brown, pinkish brown and red. These are all colours either completely this colour or tinged into your blood.
Uterus: In the scans the doctors will say you have no sac or baby, it is normal size too. Many women tend to have a retroverted uterus, which makes this difficult to see the baby. See Article : Facing Our Mistakes
Body shape: changes around the abdomen. Stomach becomes harder and presents a ''pregnancy'' shape. It has a different shape to the typical pregnant stomach. Usually smaller, as the baby is nestled more towards the back and spine.
Positive HcG blood and urine test
Positive transvaginal and/or transabdominal ultrasound
Nausea with or without vomiting
Bachache
Increased urination
Food Aversion or cravings in the first trimester and later on in the pregnancncy
Extreme tiredness and fatigue in the first trimester and returns to normal sleeping patters in the second trimester.
Metallic taste in mouth, dry mouth, and bad breath
Body shape: changes around the abdomen. Stomach becomes harder and presents a ''pregnancy'' shape.
Weight Loss: Many women experiencing Cryptic Pregnancies say they have lost weight in the first trimester due to food aversions.
Unique Signs of a Cryptic Pregnancy
Unique skin blemishes. Dimples or spots under the breast in a symetrical formation.