It is possible to be pregnant and not know it, especially if you haven’t confirmed it with a positive pregnancy test. There are several reasons why someone may not realize that they are pregnant.
Reasons Someone May Not Know That They Are Pregnant
If you have irregular periods, it can be challenging to know if a missing period is just delayed or a sign of early pregnancy.
It is also confusing if you experience “spotting.” Spotting is light bleeding in early pregnancy as the embryo attaches itself to the uterine lining. It’s easy to mistake this for a light menstrual flow instead.
Because every pregnancy is different, women will have different symptoms. So, if you do not experience nausea (called “morning sickness”), extreme fatigue, mood swings, or other pregnancy-related signs, it can be difficult to detect a pregnancy. It’s possible to be pregnant without any noticeable symptoms.
In some extreme examples, a woman may not know she is pregnant up to the point of delivery. This is called a cryptic or stealth pregnancy.
The Risks of Unknown Pregnancy
If you continue with certain unhealthy habits while pregnant, such as consuming alcohol or tobacco, this can pose health risks to the fetus, causing birth defects and more.
If you don’t realize you are pregnant, you will not know about potential conditions, such as an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies happen when the fertilized egg is implanted outside of the uterus and is in danger of rupturing your fallopian tube – if this happens, it could result in death!
Confirm Your Pregnancy
At Life Choices Medical Clinic, we are here to ease your concerns with our no-charge services, such as confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound and providing a safe space to ask your questions.
You are not alone! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.