Ask Our Expert - Denying a Pregnancy

May 16, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Denying a Pregnancy

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, Can a woman be pregnant for the whole term and not know about it till she gives birth? — Curious in Canada

ANSWER	October 31, 2000


Dear Curious in Canada, At first, some women who typically have irregular periods may not realize that they're pregnant. Also, women occasionally have some vaginal bleeding during the first few months of pregnancy so they may not notice a change in their menstrual pattern for a while. But once the fetus is moving and the mother's body has changed dramatically, it is very unusual for someone not to recognize that she is pregnant. However, women who are not well adjusted psychologically or who find the notion of pregnancy completely unacceptable seem to be able to deny it (even to themselves) through most or all of the nine months. It is hard to believe that they aren't aware of the pregnancy on some level, but powerful psychological and social forces seem to keep them from knowing the truth. These are rare cases, and these women need help--there is an increased risk of infanticide or suicide when the pregnancy inevitably declares itself. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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