What is a cryptic pregnancy? What causes a stealth pregnancy? And what are the symptoms? Find out everything here
We’ve all heard the story: a woman goes into hospital with stomach pains and comes out with a baby. And, if you’re anything like us, you’ll have wondered aloud "how didn’t she realise that she was pregnant?".
But it’s not because they’re in denial, or because they don’t know how sex works.
In fact, their experiences are a product of what is known as a “cryptic pregnancy” - when a woman doesn’t find out that she’s pregnant until 20 weeks along or later - which affects 1 in 450 women.
What is a cryptic pregnancy?
It is a pregnancy where there is little or no detectable hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the mother’s system.
This is the hormone that makes a home pregnancy test turn positive. A baby that produces a scant amount amount of HCG might go "under the radar," failing the pregnancy test and going undetected by the mother.
Weirdest pregnancy cravings
Pregnancy cravings STACKED
1 of 5Sweet pregnancy cravings
Cravings for sugary foods are probably the most obvious – what with morning sickness, low moods and health problems, you're likely to be feeling a bit run down! Subseqeuntly, you'll be craving foods that'll give you a quick boost: simple carbohydrates like sweets, chocolate or white bread.Protein-rich foods (like eggs, dairy and meat) can help banish sweet cravings; they keep you fuller for longer, which can be great if you're battling long periods of nausea and can't stomach a lot of food. If you really need a sugar fix, though, go for fruit first – frozen berries can be great if you're craving ice cream, and exotic fruit like dried mango can be a good substitute for jelly sweets. If all you can think about is chocolate, go for the dark variety – it contains antioxidants that can boost the immune system, and there's less sugar.
2 of 5Salty pregnancy cravings
Cravings for salt are quite obvious – usually, your body is crying out for some sodium. It can be a sign of stress – if you're stressed out, your body will be producing more adrenaline, and the adrenal glands need minerals to function properly. Salt cravings can also be an indication of low blood pressure, which can be common in the early stages of pregnancy.Plain rice with a tiny bit of soy sauce is a good option, as it's a complex carbohydrate that'll keep you fuller for longer. If you do go for crisps, try the lighter varieties that are lower in saturated fat and salt. As a rule, though, if you can see the grains of salt, there's too much on there!
3 of 5Spicy pregnancy cravings
Spicy food causes the body to release small amounts of endorphins (the same feel-good hormones you release when exercising), so maybe your hormones are making you feel a bit down.Spicy food isn't really bad for you – a vegetable curry, some chicken tikka or maybe a Mexican wrap with hot salsa aren't exactly weight-gain inducing. Just don't overdo it; your digestive system might not forgive you!
4 of 5Sour pregnancy cravings
Sour cravings could be linked to your digestive health, as they cause your mouth to produce a lot of saliva, which kick-starts digestion.Lemons ranked third in a recent study of unusual cravings, so something with a sharp citrus flavour could be just the ticket. Before you reach for the Haribo SourMix, though, try lemon sorbet, which is made with fruit juice and has less than 100 calories per serving. Alternatively, a citrus-based fruit salad or a glass of fruit squash could work wonders for your cravings.
5 of 5Non-specific pregnancy cravings
Sometimes, you just get the urge to eat anything and everything around you. This could be due to feeling down (thanks to yet more hormonal changes) or just feeling bored. Whatever your reasons, we can't vouch enough for knowing the difference between genuine hunger and emotional hunger.If you really need to consume something, try a hot or cold drink first. The temperature might distract your brain for a while, and ice has been a popular craving antidote among pregnant ladies for years – to the extent that, nowadays, ice lollies are the number 1 odd craving among mums-to-be!If there's literally nothing else that'll satisfy your craving, just go for it. Pregnancy is one time not to skimp on calories. In fact, you need an extra 300 calories a day to ensure a healthy baby.The only way you could be harmed by a craving is if you're only eating the food you crave – and therefore depriving your body of other nutrients.
What causes a cryptic pregnancy?
It appears that cryptic pregnancies occur when women suffer from a hormonal imbalance.
This can be due to:
According to some doctors, a cryptic pregnancy can also be caused when the woman is simply stressed out. Apparently, in this case, it's in the foetus's best interest for the mother to be happily oblivious to the fact that she's pregnant.
Why? Well, sometimes, the normal stresses of a pregnancy combined with other stresses in a mother's life can lead to miscarriage. But a 'stealth' pregnancy that uses few resources in a mother's body can actually increase the foetus's chance of survival.
Bleeding or continued periods during a cryptic pregnancy
A vast majority of the women who go through a cryptic pregnancy will continue to have some sort of "period-like" bleeding through the entire pregnancy.
Because she will continue to bleed throughout the entire pregnancy, the hCG is never allowed to build up and secrete into the urine or blood, because some of it is shed every time she bleeds.
This is the cause of so many negative pregnancy tests.
Weight gain or weight loss during a cryptic pregnancy
Some women going through a cryptic pregnancy will gain weight gradually - and (depending on the position of the foetus) not necessarily in a neat bump.
Others, due to food aversion, may lose weight during the first few months.
Take a look at some of the best celeb pregnancy announcements
Best celebrity pregnancy announcements
1 of 14Cheryl
After many months of rumours Cheryl announced her pregnancy 'subtly' in a group photo posted on Instagram.
2 of 14Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna
In April 2016 Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna announced they were expecting with a custom-made emoji.
3 of 14Gaz Beadle and Emma McVey
Gaz Beadle and Emma McVey announced they were expecting earlier this year with a cute photo of the pair holding some tiny shoes.
4 of 14John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
In October 2015 John Legend and Chrissy Teigen took to Instagram to announce they were expecting simply saying, 'John and I are so happy to announce that we are pregnant :)' accompanied by a photo of John with his hand on Chrissy's belly.
5 of 14Jessica Alba and Cash Warren
Dark Angel actress Jessica Alba announced she was expecting for the third time with a photo of her and her two children holding giant balloons with the numbers 1, 2 and 3.
6 of 14Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel announced they were expecting on Justin's birthday. The photo showed Justin kissing Jessica's growing baby bump accompanied by a caption saying, '"Thank you EVERYONE for the Bday wishes! This year, I'm getting the GREATEST GIFT EVER. CAN'T WAIT. #BoyOrGirl #YouNeverKnow #WeDontEvenKnow #WeAreTakingBets' [sic]
7 of 14Jessica Simpson
In December 2012 Jessica Simpson took the opportunity to wish her followers a Merry Christmas as well as announcing she was expecting for the second time.
8 of 14Kelly Rowland
In June 2014 Kelly Rowland took to Instagram with a photo of two pairs of shoes and the caption, 'I'll be stuntin like my daddy.....'
9 of 14Laura Trott
Laura, Britain's most successful female Olympian, and her husband Jason (also an Olympian) announced they were expecting earlier this year with a photo of their bikes next to a kid's bike. The caption was just a heart emoji. ❤ufe0f
10 of 14Russell Brand
Russell Brand took the decision to reveal he and his wife, Laura Gallacher, were expecting with a photo of himself reading a book called 'The Expectant Dad's Handbook'.
11 of 14Michael Phelps
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps announced he was expecting with his fiancée Nicole Johnson with a photo of the couple holding some kid's swimming trunks, with Michael's initials on them.
12 of 14Ore Oduba
In August 2017 former Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba announced his wife Portia was expecting this first child with this photo on Instagram and a very shocked face!
13 of 14Kevin Jonas
American singer and actor Kevin Jonas announced they were expecting their second child in 2016 with a photo of the couple in bed surrounded by snacks, while Kevin is reading a book on 'what to expect'.
14 of 14Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder
American actress Nikki Reed and her husband Lost's Ian Somerhalder announced they were expecting with a photo of Nikki's big bump being kissed by Ian.
What are the signs and symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy?
According to the cryptic pregnancy Support Group, many women going through a cryptic pregnancy will experience the typical symptoms of pregnancy.
These may include:
These symptoms will vary in severity for each individual.
Women going through a cryptic pregnancy may also suffer from the following symptoms:
The pregnancy symptoms may come and go. You may not "feel" pregnant all the time. Frequently during the periods, the pregnancy symptoms will subside.
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How to confirm a cryptic pregnancy?
Ultrasounds don't tend to pick up cryptic pregnancies, because of the positioning of the baby and/or various other reasons (uterine retroversion, bicornuate uterus).
One way to detect a baby during cryptic pregnancy is by using a Doppler and finger pulse, which picks up and monitors the fetal heart rate. You can arrange this with your GP.
What to do if you think you may be going through a cryptic pregnancy
If you are experiencing some pregnancy symptoms but not others, or even if you just “don’t feel right,” you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Visit the cryptic pregnancy Support Group to find out more.
Do you know anyone who has suffered from a cryptic pregnancy? What advice do you have for them? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
PS If you are pregnant, have you started anAmazon Baby Wish List yet? Let your family and friends know what presents you REALLY want when baby arrives! Click here to get started.