A 22-year-old woman from Buckingham, England, has discussed her fears after experiencing a cryptic pregnancy.
Tawana Musvaburi reportedly had no pregnancy symptoms, a bump, or morning sickness. However, she was told she was eight months pregnant after visiting the hospital because of fatigue. She said she felt like she was dying.
"I was living my life as a normal 20-year-old at the time — going out drinking and partying the whole time, completely unaware that I was pregnant," Musvaburi told Metro.
Musvaburi was initially booked in for an MRI scan to ascertain where her sudden symptoms had come from. Medical staff asked her if there was any chance she could be pregnant.
Although she said no, the nurse arranged an ultrasound which revealed a fully formed foetus. The then-20-year-old was only a few weeks away from becoming a parent.
"When the nurse told me, I just kept thinking ‘this can’t be my baby,’” she added.
"I didn’t think I wanted to have children, so I was absolutely terrified."
This is known as a cryptic pregnancy which, although rare, Musvaburi told BBC News that doctors said "it’s more common in the black community" to have one.
"[I was told] it's because of our hip and bone structure, the baby doesn't grow outwards, it grows inwards, and we're more likely to become breech," she said.
On February 27, 2023, Musvaburi gave birth to her baby girl, River, exactly four weeks and four days after discovering he was pregnant.
So what is a cryptic pregnancy and what causes it?
What is cryptic pregnancy?
A cryptic pregnancy, also known as a stealth pregnancy or denied pregnancy, is a rare phenomenon where a person is unaware they are pregnant until they are well into the pregnancy or until they give birth.
Despite typical signs and symptoms of pregnancy being present, such as missed periods, weight gain, and even foetal movements, the person may not recognise these as indications of pregnancy.
Cryptic pregnancies can present challenges in terms of prenatal care and preparation for childbirth due to the unexpected nature of the situation.
Some cases are associated with a period of stress masking the usual signs of pregnancy, said Helen Cheyne, professor of midwifery at the University of Stirling.
BBC News reported that one in 2,500 births is a "cryptic birth", which equals roughly 300 in the UK annually.
What causes cryptic pregnancies?
Various factors, both psychological and physiological, can cause cryptic pregnancies.
Here are some possible causes:
Psychological factors:
- Denial or lack of awareness: Some people may consciously or subconsciously deny or fail to recognise the signs and symptoms of pregnancy. This can be influenced by factors such as fear, stress, trauma, or a desire to avoid pregnancy.
Physiological factors:
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Women with irregular menstrual cycles may not notice changes in their menstrual patterns that could indicate pregnancy.
- Obesity: In some cases, excess weight can mask physical changes associated with pregnancy, such as a growing abdomen or fetal movements.
- Contraceptive use: Continued use of contraceptives, such as birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs), can lead to a lack of awareness of pregnancy symptoms.
Medical conditions:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS can cause irregular periods and hormonal imbalances, making it difficult to detect pregnancy.
- Perimenopause: Women approaching menopause may experience irregular periods or changes in menstrual patterns, which could delay recognition of pregnancy symptoms.
Substance use: Substance use disorders, including alcohol or drug abuse, can impair judgment and awareness, potentially leading to a delayed recognition of pregnancy symptoms.
Limited prenatal care: If regular prenatal care is not sought, opportunities to confirm pregnancy through medical tests may be missed, prolonging the period of unrecognised pregnancy.
Cryptic pregnancies are rare and can vary widely in their causes and circumstances. They highlight the complexity of human reproductive health and the importance of awareness and timely medical care during pregnancy.
