False pregnancy

About False pregnancy

A person who thinks she is pregnant when she is not. Despite not being pregnant the patient may experience many of the symptoms of pregnancy. The medical term is pseudocyesis. This disorder is rare and the cause is not known.

Symptoms

Symptoms similar to pregnancy: lack of a period, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, tender breasts.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. A blood and/or urine HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) will be measured to rule out pregnancy.

Conventional treatment summary

Treatment includes observation or psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Medical specialties

Psychiatry · Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of False pregnancy.