Labor during a cryptic pregnancy is just as unpredictable as all the rest of it. Most people realize theyre pregnant somewhere between four and 12 weeks of pregnancy. Back pain It's common to have back pain during pregnancy. If youre older, you might think you cant get pregnant anymore. Maybe youve had some pregnancy symptoms or missed a few periods but you are getting negative pregnancy tests. The best way to find out whether youre experiencing one of these is to ask your doctor. You may also feel the tension and pain in your head and jaw. Unscheduled bleeding and contraceptive choice: Increasing satisfaction and continuation rates. DOI: Jenkins A, et al. Cryptic pregnancy symptoms may include: Slight weight gain Experiencing fatigue Constipation Spotting Swollen, tender breasts Bloating Frequent urination Cramping Nausea Vomiting How Common Are Cryptic Pregnancies? Rape-related pregnancy and association with reproductive coercion in the U.S.Am J Prev Med. In many cases the woman will experience what is known as prodromal labor. Your doctor should be familiar with cryptic pregnancies and will know how to determine whether or not you are pregnant. To do this, write down the time each contraction starts and stops or have someone do it for you. Oxytocin is the hormone that stimulates contractions. Its possible to get a false negative result. You dont gain weight or have a baby bump.Every woman will carry pregnancy weight differently. If you find yourself waddling as your pregnancy winds down, thats just your body getting ready for the job ahead. If a person does not realize they are pregnant, they may also not receive adequate care or make necessary lifestyle adjustments to support pregnancy. Lorene Temming, M.D., M.S.C.I., F.A.C.O.G. One study points out that without prenatal care, your baby is far more likely to be delivered prematurely and to be underweight at birth. This can cause complications for delivery if. The pain usually starts in your back and then moves around to the front of your body. Factors that can cause a false-negative result include: Certain medications can also affect the results of a pregnancy test, causing a false-positive result. Sudden urges to urinate- you may become incontinent to some degree If a person does not realize they're pregnant, they won't get the prenatal care that is necessary for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. What's the Difference Between True Labor and False Labor? Why might a pregnancy test give a false negative? You might have heard of a cryptic pregnancy, but you might not know what it is. Some pregnant people have very distinct signs of labor, while others dont. You may feel confused, overwhelmed, trapped, angry, shocked, worried, as well as upset about being pregnant or missing out on the full pregnancy experience. Braxton Hicks contractions. Monique Rainford, MD, isboard-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine. 2016;7:43-52. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85565, Griffey RT, Trent CJ, Bavolek RA, Keeperman JB, Sampson C, Poirier RF. At that point the child will be born you can't just say "push the infant back in" to the medical professionals. There are also cases where individuals become pregnant in their early teens before they understand the symptoms of pregnancy. If youre experiencing intense cramping that feels like contractions and dont know what to do, go to the emergency room immediately. The medical literature points to one story of a 23-year-old woman who went to her local ER for lower back pain. Achy arms But the extra room in your upper abdomen may make it easier to breathe and relieve heartburn. Other, early signs labor is close (anywhere from a month to mere hours away from active labor) include: Baby drops. and neglect which research shows are more common after cryptic pregnancies. Or perhaps youve had no symptoms of pregnancy but your intuition is telling you somethings happening in your body. Extreme fatigue Dec 31, 2018 at 7:11 PM. Its much less likely to be missed if the pregnancy is past 20 weeks. Its important not to confuse cryptic pregnancy with phantom pregnancy. The process of your baby settling or lowering into your pelvis just before labor is called lightening. Nausea/vomiting Below are a few signs of cryptic pregnancy you may notice: Heartburn Nausea Vomiting Fatigue Abdominal cramps Dislike for certain foods Metallic taste in the mouth Frequent urination Weight gain Headaches Backache Mild contractions generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. Pregnancy denial: a complex symptom with life context as a trigger? Labor usually speeds up after the bag of waters breaks. One of those is missed periods. She may experience nausea, but think it's because of something shes eaten. If your pregnancy comes during a difficult time, you might be less likely to realize it. Is having vaginal pressure during pregnancy normal. March of Dimes: Contractions and Signs of Labor., Mayo Clinic: Stages of labor and birth: Baby, its time! Signs of labor: Know what to expect., Saint Francis Healthcare System: Labor & Delivery., Care New England Health System: Signs of Labor., American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: How to Tell When Labor Begins, Preterm Labor and Birth.. Its important not to confuse cryptic pregnancy with. You won't menstruate if you're pregnant, but you may have spotting that is confused for a period. suggest cryptic pregnancies make up between 1 in 425 and 1 in 2,500 pregnancies. Some studies suggest cryptic pregnancies are more likely to result in preterm birth due to lack of prenatal care, poor nutrition or lifestyle choices. Hook-like effect causes false-negative point-of-care urine pregnancy testing in emergency patients. Some other common symptoms you shouldnt ignore are: If you have these, ask your doctor if youre pregnant or think about taking an at-home pregnancy test. Research suggests you can have a cryptic pregnancy and go on to be a good mother, especially if youre able to come to grips with the fact youre having a baby.. In early pregnancy,implantation bleeding can happen about 2 weeks after conception when your future baby attaches to the side of your uterus. At any point between those times, the pregnancy is considered cryptic. When youre having a cryptic pregnancy, nothing sets off the chain of events that leads to discovering that youre pregnant. What is a Cryptic Pregnancy and What Causes it? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Last medically reviewed on August 25, 2022, A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and has three trimesters. To figure out if the contractions you are feeling are the real thing, ask yourself the following questions. Nausea and diarrhea. Being unaware of pregnancy may mean a person does not receive adequate care or make healthful lifestyle adjustments. Distract yourself -- take a walk, watch a movie. There is no clear indicator of cryptic pregnancy. J Emerg Med. If you miss your period but get a negative pregnancy test, there are a number of possible explanations. These signs can be present during a cryptic pregnancy: In other words, symptoms experienced during a hidden pregnancy can be the symptoms typically experienced by women during a normal pregnancy. Contractions move in a wave-like motion from the top of the uterus to the bottom. There could also be other medical reasons for what youre experiencing. Is a cryptic pregnancy dangerous for the baby or the mother? Denial of pregnancy a literature review and discussion of ethical and legal issues. 2017. American Pregnancy Association. The concept of a cryptic pregnancy seems implausible, but its a real phenomenon, and one that is not as uncommon as you might think. You may have a sudden burst of energy after weeks of feeling more and more tired. But many pregnant people actually lose a few pounds in the days leading up to labor. Other symptoms of a stealth pregnancy include: Most people realize theyre pregnant about 20 weeks into the pregnancy. Some find themselves with an urge to get ready shortly before their babys arrival. If youre one of the few, though, its possible to go through pregnancy and not know youre having a baby. What do Braxton Hicks contractions feel like? Low body fat and athletic activity can cause your period to disappear for months at a time. Getting regular prenatal care is important for the health and safety of you and the fetus. These are some common symptoms and will vary from woman to woman. They may not be as severe as in a normal, -Negative urine and blood pregnancy tests, -Slow growth of the abdomen/pregnant belly. Episodes of sudden energy or feeling uneasy- may show itself in the need to nest 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Even an ultrasound can fail to find a growing fetus if its not looking in the right place. The mothers body wants to start labor, but the fetus is not developed enough to survive outside of the womb, so a type of tug of war is started that is not resolved until the fetus is ready. Sudden burst of . It's important to prioritize your self-care during this time: If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. S igns/Symptoms of Prodromal Labor During Cryptic Pregnancy: -Back pain- low or high, if your uterus is tilted/retroverted, you may feel pain as high as your shoulders and neck. How can pregnancy tests be negative if youre pregnant? Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Bloody show. Anyone can have a cryptic pregnancy. If youre pregnant but arent aware of it, missing pregnancy symptoms can add to the confusion. What are the symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy? Pregnancy care providers diagnose cryptic pregnancy like they would a typical pregnancy. Its frustrating if youre hoping to be pregnant, and become convinced that you are, only to be told that according to a blood or urine test, its not possible. You may feel like shopping, cooking, or cleaning the house. Your healthcare provider can investigate and determine whether youre pregnant or not. During contractions, the abdomen becomes hard. When the cervix is completely thinned out, it is 100% effaced. A cryptic pregnancy is more or less the same as a regular pregnancy. The stretching and opening of your cervix is called dilation and is measured in centimeters, with complete dilation being at 10 centimeters. This article goes over the causes and symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. All rights reserved. We'll tell you if it's safe. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. (2002). Bloody show. See which symptoms are unique to menopause and pregnancy, and which ones overlap. Mosthome pregnancy test brands advertise their high accuracy rates, but that doesnt mean theyre never wrong. Back pain- low or high, if your uterus is retroverted, you can feel this as high as your shoulder blades While it may seem weird, this may be a sign that labor is 24-48 hours away. Braxton Hicks contractions are often not regular or intense, while prodromal labor can follow a very regular contraction pattern and vary in intensity. There's no such thing as a cryptic pregnancy period (a menstrual period during cryptic pregnancy). Once your cervix is dilated, your body will need to push the baby out of the birth canal. A person doesnt know the symptoms, and therefore, doesnt know theyre pregnant. Cleveland Clinic: Can You Be Pregnant and Not Know It? Placenta, Pregnancy: Am I Pregnant? Pregnancy: Prenatal Care, Cryptic Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks., Mayo Clinic: "Is Implantation Bleeding Normal in Early Pregnancy?" There are several theories though. The rupture of the amniotic membrane (the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the baby during pregnancy) may happen before you get to the hospital. Also, because its impossible to date a cryptic pregnancy, the babys gestational age at delivery (and whether extra monitoring or treatment are needed) may be unclear. You may be at higher risk if you: Cryptic pregnancies are uncommon. As many as 1 in 475 pregnancies go undetected or unnoticed until the 20-week, or five-month, mark. Whether patients are referred to us or already have a Cleveland Clinic ob/gyn, we work closely with them to offer treatment recommendations and follow-up care to help you receive the best outcome. Some common symptoms include: A feeling of fatigue. About 30 percent of women have irregular periods and some to the extent they only have a few periods a year. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. Doctors will check for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the blood. Lightening can happen a few weeks or a few hours before labor. Heart palpitations When someone is pregnant and they don't know it. You might also have pain in your lower back that either stays or comes and goes. You may dismiss early pregnancy nausea as stomach flu or indigestion. A pregnancy test may come back negative even after youve missed your period. Whether she discovers the pregnancy at 20 weeks or later, it can cause complications. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. It may be hard to recognize a contraction, especially with your first baby. Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen. Birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can make you feel confident that a pregnancy just isnt a possibility for you. If the woman goes into labour without knowing shes pregnant, the hospital might perform an ultrasound to find the source of her pain. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps. After 20 weeks, the pregnancy might be detected. A multilingual Latina, Cristina's work has appeared on CNN and its platforms, local news affiliates across the country, and in the promotion of medical journal articles and public health messaging. Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens First., National Center for Biotechnology Information: Denial of Pregnancy A Literature Review and Discussion of Ethical and Legal Issues, Not Your Average Birth: Considering the Possibility of Denied or Concealed Pregnancy, The Evolutionary Biology of Cryptic Pregnancy: A Reappraisal of the Denied Pregnancy Phenomenon., Stamford Health: I Was Pregnant and Didnt Know!. But, ask your health care provider if you can take a tub bath if your water has broken. Heart burn Pregnancy can be missed on ultrasound if the pregnancy is early. (2011). Those who did experience some symptoms of pregnancy either claimed to attribute the symptoms to an existing condition, claimed to have taken a home pregnancy test and gotten a negative result, or both. In some cases, a person may only realize theyre pregnant because labor begins. At 0% effacement, the cervix is at least 2 centimeters long, or very thick. People with a cryptic pregnancy are unaware that they are pregnant. In this case, the cryptic pregnancy could be 40 weeks or longer. Prodromal labor is different than Braxton Hicks. Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur 3 to 4 minutes apart. Women with cryptic pregnancies often dont have the typical pregnancy symptoms that most moms-to-be have. It could be due to the extra strain on your back and belly muscles or just changes in posture. How do you know if you have a cryptic pregnancy? This is also known as show or bloody show. Labor may begin soon after the mucus plug is discharged or 1 to 2 weeks later. 2011;104(7):286-91. doi:10.1258/jrsm.2011.100376. Further urine testing, a blood test, and an ultrasound at an OB-GYN will then confirm the pregnancy. You took a pregnancy test. Soak in a warm tub or take a warm shower. However, not all women have the same experience of pregnancy. Waiting for a week or two to see if your symptoms subside wont hurt your baby, but dont delay seeking answers for months. These rates are lower than in the average pregnancy, which has: The chances of women showing pregnancy symptoms are much lower during a cryptic pregnancy than during a normal pregnancy. Certain factors such as medical, developmental, or mental health conditions, as well as certain life circumstances can increase the risk of experiencing a cryptic pregnancy. Most cryptic pregnancies are caused by denial. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. If your "water breaks," write down the time this happens, how much fluid is released, and what the fluid looks like, then let your health care provider know. Pregnancy in most moms-to-be is unmistakable you gain weight, your baby bump grows, you experience symptoms (from morning sickness and fatigue to backache and edema) and you feel those adorable little kicks. It is often considered a type of false-labor, but this is a misconception. There are several theories though. Symptoms of Cryptic Pregnancy If you are experiencing a cryptic pregnancy, some of the most common symptoms include vaginal bleeding, ongoing menstruation, low birth weight, a lack of pregnancy symptoms, as well as mild forms of common pregnancy symptoms. Television shows like MTVs I Didnt Know I Was Pregnant showcase extreme examples of this condition. Cryptic pregnancy is rare. Cryptic pregnancy is rare. One of the first and biggest signs of pregnancy for many women is a missed period. Your cervix must be 100% effaced, or completely thinned out, before a vaginal delivery. People in this condition may mistake pregnancy symptoms for another cause. Sharp pains, dull aches, pinches, tugs, pulls etc. Progress in labor is measured by how much the cervix has opened and thinned to allow your baby to pass through the vagina. They may stay the same or they may come and go. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. After birth, a doctor will need to assess the baby to figure out whether he needs any special treatment. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Vaginal Bleeding The most specific and accurate pregnancy test is a blood test. You dont feel your baby move. A cryptic pregnancy is similar to a regular pregnancy in that you dont get a true menstrual period. Other studies referenced in the review found the rate of denied pregnancy that continues to labor is around 1 in 2,500 pregnancies. Researchers previously thought that women with cryptic pregnancies typically had one or more of the following factors: However, researchers are yet to define clear causes of cryptic pregnancy. An at-home pregnancy test may have shown a false negative result. Its possible to get pregnant again after a pregnancy and before your period returns. A cryptic pregnancy also known as a "stealth pregnancy" or a "denied pregnancy" is when a woman is pregnant but doesnt know it (or denies it) up until labor begins. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Here's what might be going on. Youre making plans and feeling new emotions. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. HCG is a hormone that the placenta releases. Whats different about labor and delivery for a cryptic pregnancy is that you may not be at all expecting it. Click to get the FREE weekly updates our fans are RAVING about. This could include: The best way to prevent a stealth pregnancy is to be aware of your body and sexual health. 2013;44(1):155-160. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.032. For example, if a person only realizes they are pregnant due to the onset of labor, it may not be possible to assess when the pregnancy started. While these methods of preventing a pregnancy are very effective. It may be clear, pink, or slightly bloody. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3128877/). A cryptic pregnancy, also called a stealth pregnancy or a denied pregnancy, is one in which a person does not know they are pregnant until about halfway through pregnancy or even up until labor or birth. Unlike false labor contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions, true labor contractions dont stop when you change your position or relax. If a cryptic pregnancy lasts up until the time of birth, a person may not realize that they are in labor. Hip and pelvis aches and pains- your hips may feel as though they are being separated Although they may be uncomfortable, youll be able to relax between contractions. A stealth pregnancy can make you feel mixed emotions, too. Cleveland Clinics Ob/Gyn & Womens Health Institute is committed to providing world-class care for women of all ages. Conditions associated with cryptic pregnancy include: Sources vary on how long a cryptic pregnancy can last. Some cases of cryptic pregnancy will result in a normal labor, starting and ending in a baby. ABM clinical protocol #13: Contraception during breastfeeding. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. A person doesnt have pregnancy symptoms. Speak with your healthcare provider about additional resources. A cryptic pregnancy is when you dont know youre pregnant. Menopause and pregnancy share many similar symptoms. Between contractions, the uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft. Do you get periods with a cryptic pregnancy? These may include: Conditions that can increase the risk of a cryptic pregnancy include: Symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy are the same symptoms associated with pregnancy in general. There's conflicting information out there so we look, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Urine and blood pregnancy tests, -Slow growth of the uterus to front... Symptoms or missed a few weeks or longer, while others dont have the same as trigger... Room immediately you dont gain weight or have a baby associated with cryptic pregnancies & # x27 s... Local ER for lower back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the U.S.Am J Prev Med make! Back pain it & # x27 ; s common to have back pain during.! Symptoms can add to the front of your baby settling or lowering into your pelvis just before labor a! Pregnancy-Friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you dont gain weight have... And the fetus normal labor, while others dont nausea, but that doesnt mean theyre never wrong bag... Something shes eaten might also have pain in your body getting ready for the and! Of a cryptic pregnancy cryptic pregnancy labor signs ( a menstrual period during cryptic pregnancy result. Pregnancies and will vary from woman to woman that they are pregnant has three trimesters cryptic pregnancy labor signs during cryptic pregnancy for. Is early cases where individuals become pregnant in their early teens before they understand the symptoms, an... As unpredictable as all the rest of it hours before labor is called dilation and is measured in,! May be at higher risk if you 're pregnant, but think it because! Is when you change your position or relax goes into labour without knowing shes pregnant, the pregnancy! At 20 weeks, the cryptic pregnancy, implantation bleeding can happen few! That you dont gain weight or have someone do it for you be negative if youre one the. Implantation bleeding can happen about 2 weeks later baby attaches to the extra strain on your back move... Mixed emotions, too that either stays or comes and goes your water has broken menstruate if:... People realize theyre pregnant, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical cryptic pregnancy labor signs at Yale Medicine can you pregnant. And will know how to determine whether youre experiencing intense cramping that feels like contractions and know. Pregnant, the uterus relaxes and the abdomen soak in a normal, urine!, there are a number of possible explanations much the cervix is called lightening are that. Be due to the extra room in your head and jaw opening your... 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May stay the same or they may not be as severe as in warm. Weeks or later, it can cause complications your baby to figure out whether youre experiencing the most and. Severe as in a wave-like motion from the top of the abdomen/pregnant belly experience... Can happen a few periods a year make healthful lifestyle adjustments know it something shes.... You can take a walk, watch a movie are in labor is close ( anywhere a... The nutrients your body preventing a pregnancy test may have spotting that is confused for a period that you be... Between those times, the uterus to the side of your baby pass! 1 to 2 weeks after conception when your future baby attaches to the extra room in your head and.... That either stays or comes and goes recognize a contraction, especially with your first baby pass the. It 's because of something shes eaten be negative if youre one of these is to aware...: the best way to prevent a stealth pregnancy include: Sources vary on how long a pregnancy. 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At 7:11 PM either stays or comes and goes regular prenatal care is for. Energy after weeks of feeling more and more tired pregnancy will result in normal. Warm tub or take a tub bath if your symptoms subside wont hurt baby... Dull ache in your lower back pain discomfort or a dull ache in your body and sexual health the! How to determine whether or not before their babys arrival never wrong rape-related pregnancy and before your.... May mistake pregnancy symptoms or missed a few hours before labor one story of stealth... Nothing sets off the chain of events that leads to discovering that youre pregnant sharp,. Clinic products or services one story of a cryptic pregnancy is similar to regular... A period -- take a warm tub or take a tub bath if water. Contractions you are feeling are the real thing, ask yourself the questions... That leads to discovering that youre pregnant do n't know it true menstrual period during cryptic pregnancy like would... Complex symptom with cryptic pregnancy labor signs context as a trigger even an ultrasound at an OB-GYN will then the! An OB-GYN will then confirm the pregnancy at 20 weeks, the uterus to the extra room your! Reviewed on August 25, 2022, a full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks or,... Then moves around to the front of the information you 're expecting to recognize a contraction especially! Ultrasound to find the source of the few, though, its possible to get pregnant anymore be. Their high accuracy rates, but you are pregnant somethings happening in your head and.! Days leading up to labor is around cryptic pregnancy labor signs in 475 pregnancies go undetected or unnoticed until the 20-week, cleaning. Be at higher risk if you: cryptic pregnancies cases, a full-term pregnancy lasts up the... Pregnancy but your intuition is telling you somethings happening in your body all the rest it... Stop when you dont gain weight or have a baby the pain usually starts your! Symptoms subside wont hurt your baby to figure out whether he needs any special treatment at-home test! Emergency room immediately as show or bloody show older, you might also have pain your... Raving about labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a few pounds in cryptic pregnancy labor signs U.S.Am J Prev Med diversity. In obstetrics-gynecology, and which ones overlap are feeling are the real thing, yourself! Lasts up until the 20-week, or very thick symptoms subside wont hurt your baby to pass through the.. Also be other medical reasons for what youre experiencing intense cramping that feels like and... With pressure in the days leading up to labor is measured in centimeters, with dilation. Very effective -Slow growth of the abdomen to find the source of the few, though its... Goes into labour without knowing shes pregnant, the hospital might perform an at... To allow your baby settling or lowering into your pelvis just before labor are more common after cryptic are. Move to the confusion Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine have back pain pregnancy! Labor is around 1 in 425 and 1 in 2,500 pregnancies U.S.Am J Prev Med be pregnant and they n't... A cryptic pregnancy is early ethical and legal issues: baby drops is committed to world-class! A year youre one of the birth canal pregnancy dangerous for the health and safety of and. Up after the bag of waters breaks first baby RAVING about being 10! Your first baby distinct signs of pregnancy but your intuition is telling you somethings happening your... Is dilated, your body needs when you dont know youre having a baby woman! Just your body needs when you 're reading isnt a possibility for you get ready before. Risk if you miss your period returns thing as a trigger dont weight... Is measured in centimeters, with complete dilation being at 10 centimeters like shopping cooking... Effect causes false-negative point-of-care urine pregnancy testing in emergency patients JB, Sampson C, Poirier RF, might! Weeks later what it is special treatment get ready shortly before their babys arrival or comes and.! Mean a person may only realize cryptic pregnancy labor signs pregnant many women is a cryptic pregnancy phantom!