False pregnancy

False pregnancy (or pseudocyesis, from the Greek pseudes "false" and kyesis "pregnancy")^[1] is the appearance of clinical or subclinical signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy although the individual is not physically carrying a fetus.^[2] The mistaken impression that one is pregnant includes signs and symptoms such as tender breasts with secretions, abdominal growth, delayed menstrual periods, and subjective feelings of a moving fetus.^[2] Examination, ultrasound, and pregnancy tests can be used to rule out false pregnancy.^[1]

False pregnancy has a prominent psychiatric component as well as physical manifestations of pregnancy.^[2] It can be caused by trauma (either physical or mental), a chemical imbalance of hormones,^[2][3] and some medical conditions.^[1] Contributing psychological factors include a strong desire for pregnancy or misinterpretation of objective bodily sensations.^[2][3] Although rare,^[1] men can experience false pregnancy symptoms,^[2] called Couvade syndrome or "sympathetic pregnancy", which can occur when their significant other is pregnant and dealing with pregnancy symptoms.^[3] Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy with antidepressants or antipsychotics, hormonal therapy, and uterine curettage are sometimes needed as treatment.^[1]

While extremely rare in the United States because of the frequent use of medical imaging, in developing regions such as India and sub-Saharan Africa, the incidence of false pregnancy is higher.^[2][3] Rural areas see more instances of false pregnancy because such women are less often examined by a health care professional or midwife during the duration of believed pregnancy.^[2]