False pregnancy refers to psychophysical disorders. This condition is characterized by the presence of a woman’s erroneous belief in her pregnancy, based on a number of endocrine symptoms that resemble a true pregnancy. False pregnancy is typical for women with unstable psychoemotional background. The reason for a false pregnancy in these women may be enlarged mammary glands, cessation of menstruation, an increase in the size of the abdomen or weight. You can recognize this disease with a gynecological examination, ultrasound and a pregnancy test.
This is a fairly rare disorder and it differs in that a woman does not simulate, but really feels all the signs of pregnancy.
The presence of symptoms of false pregnancy can be noted in men whose partners are pregnant. This condition develops due to the strongest empathy of the mother of her unborn child, but only in men who have an infantile-hysterical type. With this disorder, men really feel all the symptoms inherent in the process of bearing a child.
A group of specialists, which includes psychotherapists, endocrinologists and gynecologists, deals with such disorders.
CAUSES OF FALSE PREGNANCY
The exact causes of such an abnormal phenomenon are unknown, but it is assumed that they are based on emotional and psychological factors that provoke somatic, vegetative and endocrine disorders.
Women with this diagnosis have a passionate desire to be in a state of pregnancy. The psychological reason for this may be the pregnancy of relatives or friends, hysteria, psychosis or neurosis.
The most susceptible to this disease are women who suffer from infertility, with unstable psyche and increased excitability.
SYMPTOMS OF A FALSE PREGNANCY
Menstrual cycle delay.
Toxicosis of pregnant women (perversion of food preferences, mood swings, drowsiness, fatigue, vomiting, increased salivation, nausea).
An increase in the volume of the mammary glands, accompanied by the release of colostrum.
Flatulence.
An increase in the volume of the abdomen.
Constipation.
Weight gain.
The sensation of fetal movement.
DIAGNOSIS OF FALSE PREGNANCY
Gynecological examination.
Ultrasound.
Radiography of the abdominal cavity.
Since a false pregnancy can be caused by tumor processes in the pelvic region, frozen or ectopic pregnancy, differential diagnosis is required.
TREATMENT OF FALSE PREGNANCY
In case of false pregnancy, no special treatment is prescribed. In order to eliminate all imaginary feelings, a woman needs to explain the whole situation delicately and competently, and it is better if a gynecologist does it. At this time, a woman needs support from a partner and relatives. After a woman refuses autosuggestion, her menstrual cycle will gradually recover, toxicosis and other pregnancy symptoms disappear.
If a patient is suspected of having endocrine disorders, the participation of a gynecologist-endocrinologist is necessary.
If a woman, despite the objective circumstances and explanations of the gynecologist, continues to believe in her pregnancy, it is necessary to involve a psychotherapist, psychologist and neurologist. Women prone to neurosis-like reactions may show an inadequate attitude to the news of a false pregnancy. Depressive disorders and suicidal tendencies may occur, in which case psychiatric treatment is necessary.
