False pregnancy

False pregnancy is a rather rare and complex mental phenomenon. Thus, this condition is characterized by the presence of certain symptoms. Basically, they consist of the absence of menstruation, as well as the presence of nausea in the morning. In other words, the symptoms appear, but there is no embryo. This is simply an illusion. Most often, young girls make mistakes, but adult women are not immune from this phenomenon.

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Causes of false pregnancy

The main risk group is women who are suspicious and sensitive by nature. Ladies with strong mental and emotional shocks are prone to this condition. They are very sensitive to everything that happens. Especially if pregnancy is the meaning of life. The desire to become a mother is so high that symptoms begin to appear even in cases where they are completely inappropriate.

Emotional jumps are mostly experienced by ladies aged 35 and over. In particular, those who have been trying to get pregnant for a long time. A woman wants to have a child so much that she begins to be bothered by symptoms of false pregnancy. This phenomenon is especially common with a strong desire to have a child, when the baby is able to save the relationship, when there are only young mothers around.

The reasons for pregnancy may also be the approaching menopause. Rarely, but still, the phenomenon occurs with a terrible unwillingness to have children. The fear of getting pregnant is so high that the woman constantly imagines conception. Physical abnormalities can also affect this condition. Often, problems with the endocrine system and the presence of a tumor in the ovaries cause such a condition.

Pathogenesis

There are still no definitive reasons for this condition. More precisely, they have not been fully studied. Today, the leading role is given to the presence of psychological factors that develop against the background of vegetative, somatic and endocrine disorders. Most often, the problem affects women who have a strong desire to become a mother. Their faith is so strong that changes actually begin to occur in the body. But this is more likely due to self-hypnosis.

The development of a false process can occur against the background of hysteria, as well as psychosis. Emotionality, severe anxiety and overexertion often lead to the appearance of certain signs. Even hormonal imbalance can affect this. Most often, the pathology develops in women over 35 years old, especially in cases where they have not managed to have a child.

The problem is prone to women who have disorders and are mentally unstable. What is most interesting is that such ladies can not only convince themselves that they are pregnant, but because of obsessive ideas, they can lose a real pregnancy.

Symptoms

False pregnancy got its name due to the similarity of symptoms. It is not always easy to confuse a real conception with an imaginary one. But all doubts are dispelled as soon as a woman visits a gynecologist. The most typical signs are slight discharge, which is somewhat similar to menstruation or its complete absence. A woman may notice an increase in mammary glands. To all this, morning sickness and even vomiting are added. Based on these symptoms, women make their own "diagnosis". Despite the fact that it is still far-fetched. What is most interesting is that with a false pathology, even weight and belly growth are possible. Over time, a typical curvature of the spine appears. It is enough to simply think about how strong the girl's faith is that such specific signs begin to appear.

In rare cases, a woman even feels the fetus moving. Her mood often changes, she becomes moody and extremely tired. It should be noted that with a false pathology, a woman is not deceiving anyone. She really feels the symptoms described and considers herself pregnant. Therefore, it is still worthwhile to conduct diagnostic tests and confirm or refute conception.

False frozen pregnancy

This condition is generally somewhat strange. It is worth noting that the woman considers herself pregnant and is really bothered by certain symptoms. She may feel weak, nauseous and fatigued. Over time, the body adapts to this and gives a new portion of symptoms. The curvature of the spine changes, weight and belly begin to grow. It is difficult to fight this condition, because not all girls can distinguish true symptoms from false ones. It is important to see a doctor. But what to do if the "imaginary" pregnancy also stopped?

This condition is characterized by the same symptoms. However, the woman understands that something is wrong with her. Additional symptoms begin to appear, indicating a frozen pregnancy. In this case, we mean the appearance of bloody discharge, pain in the lower abdomen and general malaise.

In this case, it is enough to simply visit a doctor and find out about your own condition. Of course, it is enough to conduct a regular test at home. But taking a blood test for hCG is the most reliable way to find out the truth.

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First signs

A pseudo-pregnancy begins in the same way as a real one. A woman begins to feel hormonal changes in her body. That is why the signs begin to determine an interesting situation. Gradually, the breasts increase in size, colostrum is released from the nipples. Menstruation may completely stop, and only occasional spotting may be observed.

In the mornings, the fair sex is plagued by unbearable nausea, which is typical of toxicosis. The mood constantly jumps, the woman becomes irritable and quickly gets tired. A large amount of gases appears in the intestines, there is a feeling of fetal movement.

The girl does not simulate pregnancy, but really feels it. This is the main danger. A falsely pregnant woman can observe a number of basic signs. What is most interesting is that sometimes even a pregnancy test can confirm the interesting situation. A gynecologist will help dispel all illusions. It is enough to just go to one appointment.

Consequences

It is important to understand that this condition is a serious pathology. It not only worsens a woman's mental health, but can also be a harbinger of a serious illness. There is one very interesting symptom, in which a representative of the fair sex allegedly feels the fetus move. In fact, this may be due to the presence of an ovarian tumor. Therefore, a visit to a gynecologist is a mandatory measure.

The consequences of such a condition can be really severe. Thus, this negative moment can be stored in memory for a long time. This is especially dangerous for women with a sensitive psyche. The development of disorders that will require certain treatment is not excluded. As mentioned above, the worst thing is a tumor. Therefore, you should not ignore a visit to the doctor. He will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and give basic recommendations.

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Complications

Who would have thought, but after a false pregnancy there can also be complications. And they are not so harmless. The simplest is a shaken mental state. Usually the problem is eliminated with the help of special sedatives. Under the supervision of an experienced specialist, it will not be difficult to return a woman to her usual way of life. Mental disorder can be of varying intensity.

The most serious complication is a malignant tumor in the ovaries. This is the reason why some women feel fetal movements. The disease is treated by means of removal and chemotherapy. This state of affairs can negatively affect, again, the mental state of the woman. Therefore, you should not trust your own symptoms and desires. An hCG test and a visit to the gynecologist will help confirm the presence of pregnancy. It is highly recommended not to neglect your own condition. The tumor is easiest to remove at the first stage.

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Diagnosis of false pregnancy

The first thing a woman should do is take a pregnancy test. But there are cases when, with a false positive, the test shows a positive result. This may be due to the presence of a serious process in the female genital organs. It is recommended to take several tests and still visit a gynecologist. The second stage of diagnostics involves an examination by a specialist. Based on the examination, conclusions are made about the patient's condition.

An important diagnostic method is to give blood for hCG. Depending on the week of pregnancy, this indicator gradually increases. Usually, thanks to it, conception is confirmed. If there are some doubts, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is performed. This will allow you to see the presence of an embryo. With the help of all these methods, it is easy to determine pregnancy. Usually, they are used in combination. It is too early to draw conclusions based on just one test and sensations.

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Tests

Usually, the doctor prescribes two types of tests, blood and urine. They are necessary to view the level of the main indicators and compare it with the norm. Thus, during pregnancy, a strong load is placed on the cardiovascular system.

Urine analysis is the most common of all and is taken during the first visit to the gynecologist. Urine is taken for examination. It is important to know the functionality of the kidneys, because they are subject to a strong load. Based on the first analysis, possible deviations and even minor disturbances in the functioning of the pelvic organs can be identified.

In addition to urine, a blood test is taken. This is necessary to determine the man's Rh factor, as well as his blood type. It will also allow you to notice the presence of malignant changes. Naturally, the hCG level is also checked, which is used to determine a possible pregnancy. The tests are of particular importance. If pregnancy is confirmed, they will have to be taken quite often.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics includes several basic methods. These are ultrasound, Dopplerography, Carditocography. There are also invasive diagnostic methods. These include amnioscopy, chorionic biopsy, amniocentesis, cordocentesis.

• Ultrasound. This is the only safe way to determine pregnancy. In addition, thanks to it, it is possible to see any pathologies. It is possible to conduct dynamic observation of the fetus from the earliest stages.
• Dopplerography. This method allows to evaluate the functional state of the fetus. Naturally, in case of false pregnancy there is no point in this method, or rather in its application.
• Carditocography. This method allows to study the functional state of the fetus in the ante and intranatal periods. Monitoring is carried out using special devices.
• Amnioscopy. This is a visual examination method. It is performed by examining the lower pole of the fetal bladder. Choriobiopsy. The method allows you to see possible fetal pathologies in the early stages.
• Amniocentesis. The procedure allows examining the amniotic membrane. Cordocentesis. The method is a puncture of the umbilical cord vessels to obtain blood. This will allow for a detailed examination. If a false pregnancy is suspected, use only ultrasound.

Differential diagnostics

The first thing to do is measure your basal temperature. The fact is that a sharp increase in the hormone progesterone can affect the thermoregulation center, which is located in the hypothalamus. During the first three months, it will stay around 37 degrees. A woman needs to measure it. But this is far from the most important indicator.

In addition, the properties of cervical mucus are examined. The fact is that it is also affected by progesterone. During pregnancy, there is no so-called "pupil". This is due to the fact that the cervical canal is less than 2 mm. If you dry the secretion from the cervical canal, it will not contain crystals.

This is all good, but the most reliable way to determine pregnancy is to take tests to determine the level of hCG. This is quite enough to determine the presence or absence of pregnancy. Differential and instrumental diagnostics do not work separately from each other. Therefore, a diagnosis must be made based on all the results.

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Treatment of false pregnancy

First of all, a woman should visit a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and psychologist. You can choose one. The main thing is that the person receives truly qualified help. False pregnancy greatly affects the emotional state of a woman, it is important to support her at this time. Relatives can provide such support, but it is still important to visit a specialist.

In some cases, sedatives are prescribed. These may be Sedafiton, Florised, Valerian and Motherwort. Hormonal therapy is also sometimes used. It is used in cases of hormonal imbalance in women, due to which she cannot really get pregnant. Duphaston, Puregon are suitable for this.

Basically, treatment is limited to a consultation with a gynecologist. But it is still necessary to see specialists, including an endocrinologist. This will allow us to discuss the possible causes of this phenomenon and begin planning a real pregnancy.

Medicines

It is not necessary to take medications. But much depends on the patient's condition. After consulting a psychotherapist, it is recommended to take a course of sedatives. These include Sedafiton, Florised, Valerian and Motherwort.

• Sedafiton. The product is based on herbal ingredients. You need to take one tablet 3 times a day. The therapy is 2 weeks. The dosage and duration of treatment can be adjusted by the doctor. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: fatigue, weakness, apathy, nausea, allergic reactions.
• Florised. This product is based on herbal ingredients and includes motherwort and valerian. Take one tablet 3 times a day. If you have problems with sleep, use the drug 30 minutes before bedtime. The duration of treatment is adjusted by the doctor. Contraindications: childhood, hypersensitivity. Side effects: weakness, apathy, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions.
• Valerian. It can be taken both in tablets and drops. 2 tablets or 15 drops 3 times a day are enough. The product has a cumulative effect, so the necessary therapeutic effect is achieved 2 weeks after the start of administration. Contraindications: hypersensitivity. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, possibly depressed mood.
• Motherwort. Taken as a tincture for 2 weeks. Like valerian, it has a cumulative nature. 15-20 drops 3 times a day are enough. The dose is adjusted by the doctor. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, childhood. Side effects: apathy, weakness, drowsiness.

If the problem lies in the woman's hormonal background, then special medications are prescribed. These can be Duphaston and Puregon.

• Duphaston. This drug increases the level of the hormone progesterone. It should be taken from the 11th to the 25th day of the cycle, preferably for 6 cycles. This will not only increase the level of progesterone, but also lead to a real pregnancy. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, liver disease. Side effects: bleeding is extremely rare.
• Puregon. The drug is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The dosage and duration of therapy are prescribed by a doctor. You should never use the drug on your own. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, hormone-dependent tumors, ovarian cysts. Side effects: swelling, pain syndrome, allergic reactions, possible thromboembolism.

Folk remedies

Traditional methods of treatment are used only to bring the woman's mental state into full order. Many proven recipes are used for this.

Recipe 1. Take the root of Manchurian aralia and pour 70% alcohol over it. It is advisable to stick to a ratio of 1 to 5. Let the tincture sit for a while. Take 10-15 drops 2 times a day. It has an incredible effect on the nervous system.

Recipe 2. Take 2 tablespoons of crushed gentian grass and roots. Pour a glass of boiling water over it and boil for 10 minutes. Then the remedy can be used half a glass 3 times a day half an hour before meals. This remedy will not only improve your nerves, but will also help you avoid a loss of strength.

Recipe 3. Take a liter of vodka and pour this amount over 10 grams of dried lemon balm leaf, 1 gram of lemon peel, angelica root and a pinch of nutmeg. For effectiveness, add 2 dried cloves. The remedy should be infused for 2 weeks. Then filter through a thick cloth and take in small doses with tea.

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Herbal treatment

Herbs have always been valued and have been a source of energy and health. However, it is not advisable to take them on your own. Because not all of them can help. Some herbs are poisonous, which can lead to serious consequences.

Recipe 1. Take the root of the zamaniha and pour 70% alcohol over it. It is necessary to maintain a ratio of 1:10. The remedy should be taken 30-40 drops 2-3 times a day before meals.

Recipe 2. To prepare, take 3 tablespoons of chopped straw and pour a couple of glasses of boiling water. The resulting remedy should be infused and drunk within 24 hours. It has a tonic and general strengthening property.

Recipe 3. Take a tablespoon of chamomile aster flowers and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Then let it cool and strain. Take the remedy one tablespoon 3-4 times a day. It has a general strengthening effect. The duration of use depends on the condition.

Homeopathy

In case of false pregnancy it is not always accepted to take medications, in particular homeopathic ones. It is important to simply calm the patient, tell her everything about the condition that has occurred and support her, this will be quite enough. Homeopathic remedies are used to calm the nerves.

Thus, the drugs Hahnemann and Organon are widely used. The dosage is prescribed by the attending homeopathic physician. The drugs are able to strengthen the nervous system and reduce the risk of developing serious mental disorders.

Treatment with homeopathic remedies may be complicated by intolerance to some components. The fact is that homeopathic remedies do not undergo clinical trials. Therefore, it is difficult to say how they will affect a woman's body. It is necessary for a woman to be constantly under the supervision of a doctor. In no case should you use the drugs on your own. After all, a woman's condition may be due to the presence of serious pathologies.

Surgical treatment

Surgical intervention is not used to "eliminate" a false pregnancy. The fact is that it is of no use in such a matter. The woman's condition is caused by a certain fabrication. In most cases, the patient wants to have a child so much that she begins to "see" the main symptoms. In this case, it is enough to simply visit a psychiatrist and get his advice.

If the problem is caused by an ovarian tumor, then surgical treatment is a forced measure. If there is a neoplasm, a woman can feel the movements of the fetus, which is not actually there. This is a serious disease that requires not only surgical intervention, but also a course of rehabilitation, including chemotherapy. Usually, the tumor itself is removed, in extremely severe cases, the entire ovary is removed. The operation is not complicated, but responsible. It is important to remove the affected area.

Prevention

In order to avoid possible consequences, and in general the development of a false pregnancy, it is necessary to resort to preventive measures. First of all, you should stop constantly thinking about pregnancy. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can occur at any time, and a woman will really feel the symptoms inherent in pregnancy.

It is important to eliminate hormonal disorders in a timely manner. In this case, we mean dysfunction of the ovaries, pituitary gland, endometrium, and anterior renal glands. This will eliminate the likelihood of aggravation of the condition and lead to a real pregnancy.

Heavy physical exertion should be avoided. This can undermine women's health. A similar requirement applies to psycho-emotional stress. A consultation with a psychotherapist and psychologist should be constantly present if a woman suffers from some mental disorders. Finally, a gynecologist should be visited at least twice a year.

Forecast

This condition is characterized by a favorable course. If a woman does not resist and visits a gynecologist in time, this will allow her to return to her usual life in a short time. The fact is that in most cases the situation is caused by a woman's strong desire to get pregnant. It is important to carry out all diagnostic measures and send the patient to see a psychotherapist. The specialist should cover all aspects of her current condition and provide her with the necessary assistance. This will help avoid mental disorders, and the prognosis will be favorable.

As mentioned many times, the problem can be caused by the presence of an ovarian tumor. The prognosis depends on the stage of the malignant neoplasm and how quickly the treatment began. Often, the prognosis is still favorable. Everything depends on the operation itself and the rehabilitation period. Therefore, it is impossible to make a clear conclusion.

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ICD-10 code

Class 15 Pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

O30-O48 Medical care for the mother in connection with the condition of the fetus, amniotic cavity and possible difficulties during delivery.

• O30 Multiple pregnancy.
• O31 Complications specific to multiple pregnancy.
• O32 Medical care for mother in case of known or suspected malpresentation of fetus.
• O33 Maternal care for known or suspected fetal-pelvic discrepancy.
• O34 Maternal care for known or suspected pelvic anomaly.
• O35 Medical care for mother in cases of known or suspected fetal abnormalities and injuries.
• O36 Maternal care for other known or suspected pathological conditions of the fetus.
• O40 Polyhydramnios
• O41 Other disorders of amniotic fluid and membranes.
• O42 Premature rupture of membranes.
• O43 Placental disorders.
• O44 Placenta previa.
• O47 False contractions.
• O48 Post-term pregnancy