What is a Phantom Pregnancy?

Cessation of menstruation, nausea, weight gain … A phantom pregnancy symptoms identical to those of a real pregnancy. In one detail: no child is to come. An update on this rare disorder.

Phantom pregnancy: What is it exactly?

The phantom pregnancy, also known as scientific “pseudocyesis,” is a very rare psychological disorder whose causes have not been established beyond a reasonable doubt. It is reflected by the appearance of pregnancy symptoms (nausea, weight gain, cessation of menstruation …) while there was no design.

“Pregnancy is a nervous sort of compromise between two opposing tendencies: on the one hand, a strong desire to have a child and, on the other, physically unable to conceive,” says Irene Bleton, a psychoanalyst who looks at issues surrounding pregnancy for over 20 years. In some cases, this impossibility is obvious – no sex or menopause – and yet the person is convicted of being pregnant. Also, a woman who is terrified of falling pregnant while feeding inside a strong desire to conceive a child might develop a false pregnancy. “In both cases, there is a conflict tearing around the idea of ​​pregnancy may give birth to this mental disorder,” says psychologist Ludmila Girvan.

Phantom pregnancy: a rare phenomenon

Neither business has seen a case of false pregnancy in the course of his practice. No wonder according Bleton Irene: “These women do not consult a doctor or psychologist in the months during which their disorder. They remain in this state of waking dream. “Rather, in presenting to the hospital to give birth that these women will hit there never was a baby, which can be very traumatic for them. This is why “they need unconditional support,” said Ludmila Girvan. “Anyone who develops symptoms such dramatic needs psychotherapy,” Irene believes Bleton.

An estimated one to six pregnancies nerve for 22 000 pregnancies effective. It is therefore an extremely rare disorder. However, it is more common for women trying to get pregnant for some time feel of mini symptoms like breast tenderness and nausea, and they interpret these sensations in the direction of their desire. “It’s very different from a phantom pregnancy because these women will test to see if they are pregnant,” says Irene Bleton. Indeed, they will not stay in the illusion of a possible pregnancy. “They accept the fact that there was no design despite their disappointment, and will continue to try to have a baby,” says Ludmila Girvan.