You've probably heard stories about women who didn't realize they were pregnant until after they gave birth. Throughout my 31 years of practice as a gynecologist, I have had patients who came to give birth without realizing they were pregnant or realized they were pregnant in the last months. It's hard to believe, you may think how can she not notice the baby she's carrying? Some women may not have regular sexual lives, regular menstrual cycles and do not come to regular doctor check-ups. In this case, they may not be able to realize that they are pregnant.
Some women may have mental health problems and do not realize or accept their pregnancy. Studies have shown that one in 400-500 women can realize that they are pregnant in the 5th month of their pregnancy. One in 2500 women are not aware that they are pregnant until they give birth.
Why Pregnancy May Not Be Understood?
There may be situations that may prevent a woman from noticing the changes in her body:
1. Fear or Stress
For some women, the thought of becoming a mother is so stressful that they deny the pregnancy very deeply and with this deep denial, they cannot realize that they are pregnant. The feeling of rejection is actually a strong defense mechanism. There can be an explanation for every symptom of pregnancy, for example, they may interpret the baby's movements as intestinal gas. A teenage girl may reject or deny pregnancy because she does not want her family to know that she has a sexual life. A married woman may reject the possibility of becoming pregnant from a partner other than her husband. Women with mental health disorders such as bipolar disorders or schizophrenia may also reject pregnancy.
2. Absence of Pregnancy Symptoms
Some women may not experience pregnancy symptoms such as weight gain, morning sickness, heartburn, weakness, fatigue, or these symptoms may be too mild to be noticed.
3. Weight Changes
Women who are overweight or gain and lose weight frequently may not realize that they have gained weight during pregnancy. They may not understand the physical changes felt by women who are not overweight.
4. Menstrual Irregularities
Obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, uncontrolled diabetes, eating disorders, stress, Women who have irregular menstrual periods due to conditions such as the use of birth control medications or epilepsy medications may not realize their pregnancy. When there is a delay in menstruation, they may not think that they may be pregnant.
5. Inability to Feel Baby Movements
Baby movements usually occur in the 18-20th week of pregnancy. It is noticeable within weeks. Sometimes, if the placenta is forward, the baby's movements may not be understood.
Studies have shown that women who reject pregnancy can be good mothers and cope with the problems brought by pregnancy when they adapt to pregnancy. Some women understand and accept when they see their baby for the first time on ultrasound. However, it is recommended that the mental health of women who deny pregnancy be evaluated. This is an important step, especially for women who are denied pregnancy, where child abuse and rejection are common.
Does Not Being Aware of Pregnancy Change Anything?
Women can give birth to a healthy baby even if they do not realize their pregnancy. However, there may be some risks of being aware of pregnancy:
- You may not have the examinations, blood tests and ultrasounds that are required for the health of you and your baby and are performed during pregnancy follow-ups.
- Anemia, which may put you and your baby at risk. Serious conditions such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or disabilities that may occur in your baby are unknown.
- You may not be able to take precautions such as good nutrition, avoiding bad habits such as alcohol and cigarettes, and some potentially harmful drugs, which are important for your baby's growth and development.
Pay attention to the early signs of pregnancy. !
It may not always be easy to determine who is unaware of their pregnancy. If you don't have classic pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period or weight changes, pay attention to other early signs of pregnancy. These are:
- Fullness and tenderness in the breasts
- Frequent urination
- Feeling of fatigue
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Sensitivity to some foods and smells
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