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What are cryptic pregnancies and how common are they?
USA Today • • health
Key Points:
- Cryptic pregnancies occur when women are unaware they are pregnant until late in the pregnancy or even until delivery, with about 1 in 2,500 pregnancies going unnoticed until birth, according to Cleveland Clinic data.
- Factors contributing to cryptic pregnancies include irregular periods, mistaken menopause or perimenopause, breastfeeding, lack of typical pregnancy symptoms, and false negative pregnancy tests.
- Prenatal care is crucial for identifying and managing fetal abnormalities and maternal health conditions, but women with cryptic pregnancies often miss early care, potentially increasing risks for both mother and infant.
- Women experiencing cryptic pregnancies may face emotional and practical challenges adjusting to unexpected parenthood, and counseling is recommended to support them through the transition.
- Despite initial shock, many women who discover cryptic pregnancies embrace their pregnancies positively once they adjust to the news.
