phantom pregnancies
Imagined fetal development
Phantom pregnancies occur when someone experiences pregnancy symptoms—missed periods, nausea, abdominal swelling, even sensation of fetal movement—without actually being pregnant.
The condition, also called false pregnancy or pseudocyesis, can fool the body so thoroughly that hormonal changes occur.
It affects both humans and animals, particularly dogs.
The vet said her swollen belly was just a phantom pregnancy.
Pregnancy symptoms without fetus
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- gynecologyFemale reproductive medicine
- endocrinologyScience of hormonal glands
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
sonogram · blood test · prolactin · hormonal imbalance · pituitary gland · clinical evaluation · differential diagnosis · amenorrhea
Domesticated barking mammal
nesting behavior · spaying · breeding · maternal instinct · veterinarian · animal reproduction · pseudopregnancy · bitch
Persistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- fearEmotional response to threat
- worryTroubled mental state
- delusionStubbornly held false belief
denial · wishful thinking · grief · longing · emotional distress · trauma · depression · coping mechanism
Swollen, expanded state
- amenorrheaLack of menstruation
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- weight gainBody mass accumulation
- lactationMammary gland secretion
morning sickness · fatigue · tender breasts · hormonal changes
pseudopregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms without fetus
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- gynecologyFemale reproductive medicine
- endocrinologyScience of hormonal glands
ultrasound · sonogram · blood test · prolactin · hormonal imbalance · pituitary gland · clinical evaluation · differential diagnosis · amenorrhea · pelvic exam
dog
Domesticated barking mammal
feline · nesting behavior · spaying · breeding · maternal instinct · veterinarian · animal reproduction · pseudopregnancy · bitch · queen
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
delusion · denial · wishful thinking · grief · longing · emotional distress · trauma · depression · coping mechanism · attachment
bloating
Swollen, expanded state
- amenorrheaLack of menstruation
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- weight gainBody mass accumulation
lactation · morning sickness · fatigue · tender breasts · hormonal changes
phantom pregnanciesnatural conception
Pregnancy achieved without fertility treatment
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