When thinking of pregnancy, one usually thinks that it comes with common signs such as missed periods, morning sickness, or fatigue. However, sometimes, a woman may not experience any of these symptoms and might not even recognize she’s pregnant until much later, or even when labour begins. This rare situation is known as cryptic pregnancy, and people in Singapore are aware of it. 

This type of pregnancy happens when the usual signs are hidden or mistaken for something else, like stress, hormonal changes, or weight gain. Additionally, hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, or being on birth control can also make it harder to identify. While it might sound surprising, it’s imperative to know the possible causes, signs, and risks, especially if you’re romantically involved, so you can take care of your health and avoid unexpected complications.

What are early signs of cryptic pregnancy?

Early signs include light spotting, fatigue, mild nausea, and false-negative pregnancy tests.

Why does a pregnancy test show negative but you are pregnant?

This happens when hCG levels rise slowly, or the test is taken too early.

Can cryptic pregnancy still have periods?

No real periods — but spotting or irregular bleeding can feel like a period.

When should you visit a doctor in Singapore?

If you have irregular bleeding, missed periods, nausea, or doubt about a negative test, visit a GP or gynae for a blood test.

What is a Cryptic Pregnancy

A cryptic pregnancy is also known as a stealth pregnancy. It means a woman is pregnant but does not realize it until late, sometimes even when labor starts. This may happen because there are few to no usual symptoms, such as missed periods, nausea, or weight gain. It is rare and can be associated with hormones, irregular cycles, or female health issues like PCOS.

How Common Is a Cryptic Pregnancy?

Cryptic pregnancy is a rare situation (about 1 in 2,500 pregnancies). Studies suggest that about 1 in 475 pregnancies go unnoticed until about 20 weeks. 

Also Read: Feeling Tired in Pregnancy? Proven Ways to Beat Fatigue in Every Trimester

What Causes a Cryptic Pregnancy?

There are several factors why a woman may not realize she’s pregnant. Some of the reasons are:

• Hormonal Irregularities

Female gynecological conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or thyroid issues can conceal or delay pregnancy signs such as missed periods and nausea. This can make pregnancy less noticeable.

• Slow-Rise in hCG Levels

The pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) stays too low for tests to detect. This leads to false negatives and an unnoticed pregnancy.

• Irregular Periods/Ongoing Bleeding

Some women experience light bleeding or irregular cycles. This can be mistaken for regular periods and an unidentified pregnancy.

• Psychological Factors

Mental factors like stress, trauma, or mental health issues can restrict pregnancy awareness. This causes women to overlook or deny pregnancy symptoms.

• Physical factors 

Factors like body shape, a tilted uterus, a front-placed placenta, or obesity can hide baby bump growth and fetal movements. This delays pregnancy recognition.

Who is at Risk for a Cryptic Pregnancy?

Anyone can develop a cryptic pregnancy; however, females with the following situations may be at higher risk:

• Recent Childbirth or Breastfeeding

Due to recent delivery of breastfeeding periods, ovulation can be delayed or irregular. This makes conception signs difficult to track.

• PCOS

Females with PCOS experience missed or inconsistent periods. This can mask early pregnancy symptoms.

• Use Birth Control

Women who take birth control can wrongly assume pregnancy is impossible and ignore symptoms.

• Perimenopause

Women in their 40s may think you’re too old to get pregnant. Due to unpredictable periods or menopause-like symptoms, they can find it difficult to recognize if they are pregnant or not.

• First-Time Pregnancy

If a woman has never been pregnant before, she may not recognize subtle signs or changes in the body.

Will a Cryptic Pregnancy Show on a Pregnancy Test?

Yes, a cryptic pregnancy can be detected using an at-home pregnancy test when used correctly. However, if used incorrectly, one may get a false negative (meaning you’re pregnant but the test indicates you aren’t).

If there is uncertainty with a home pregnancy test result, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to confirm pregnancy with a blood test.

Also Read: 

Do Women Get Periods in a Cryptic Pregnancy?

No. A cryptic pregnancy is the same as a regular pregnancy. A woman doesn’t get a true menstrual period. But she may experience implantation bleeding/abnormal pregnancy bleeding, and they think it’s their period.

Signs of Cryptic Pregnancy

Signs of a cryptic pregnancy or stealth pregnancy are similar to a normal pregnancy. The key difference is that a woman doesn’t realize pregnancy is causing her symptoms.

Some of the common signs/symptoms of cryptic pregnancy are:

1. Missed period
2. Spotting/light bleeding
3. False negative pregnancy test result (If an at-home pregnancy test is not used correctly)
4. Weight gain or swollen belly
5. Fetal movement

Cryptic Pregnancy Diagnosis

A cryptic pregnancy diagnosis is similar to a normal pregnancy. Some of the ways doctors confirm pregnancy include:

• Ultrasound
• Blood test
• Urine (pee) test

How to Prevent a Cryptic Pregnancy?

The most effective way to prevent a stealth pregnancy is to be aware of your body and romantic encounters. It’s always best to take a home pregnancy test or visit a healthcare provider for a blood or urine test if there is doubt about pregnancy.

Conclusion

Cryptic pregnancy is similar to a normal pregnancy; however, the only difference is the person’s awareness. One woman is aware she is pregnant, whereas the other is not. To prevent such a condition, awareness of the body and understanding of intimate health are important. 

Knowing how to recognize early signs of pregnancy allows you to care for your body and take appropriate actions to prepare if you choose to continue the journey. As a new parent, it’s also important to consider options like stem cell preservation to secure your child’s future, with services provided affordably by Cryoviva Singapore.