Cryptic Pregnancy

can nexplanon cause a false negative pregnancy test
can nexplanon cause a false negative pregnancy test

What is a cryptic pregnancy?

A cryptic pregnancy (or stealth pregnancy) is when a pregnant person doesn’t know they’re pregnant. In some cases, a person may only realize they’re pregnant because labor begins.

Most people realize they’re pregnant somewhere between four and 12 weeks of pregnancy. This could be because they have symptoms of pregnancy or because they missed their period. A positive result on a pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy. With a cryptic pregnancy, nothing triggers a person to believe they’re pregnant. This could be because they don’t have symptoms of pregnancy or mistake symptoms of pregnancy as a virus, or their pregnancy test result was wrong.

Who is at risk for a cryptic pregnancy?

Anyone can have a cryptic pregnancy. You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Recently gave birth: After you give birth, it may take several months for your period to return, and you may not ovulate if you’re breastfeeding (chestfeeding). This can give people the false impression that they’re completely safe from pregnancy. It’s difficult to predict when you’ll first ovulate during breastfeeding and become fertile again.
  • Have a condition like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): People with PCOS have periods that are unpredictable. Because skipping periods is normal for them, they may not realize they’re pregnant if they miss their period.
  • Use birth control: People who use birth control may mistakenly think they’re protected from pregnancy. Even when you use it correctly, there’s a small chance of failure.
  • Are in perimenopause: People in their 40s may think they’re too old to get pregnant or mistake pregnancy symptoms for menopause symptoms.
  • Have never been pregnant: If you’ve never been pregnant before, you’re less likely to know what being pregnant feels like. This means a pregnancy could go unnoticed for longer.

How common is a cryptic pregnancy?

Cryptic pregnancies are uncommon. Studies suggest about 1 in 475 pregnancies go unnoticed until about 20 weeks gestation. About 1 in 2,500 pregnancies go unnoticed until delivery.

Will a cryptic pregnancy show on a pregnancy test?

You should still get a positive pregnancy test with a cryptic pregnancy. However, using an at-home pregnancy test correctly is the only way to get an accurate result. If you don’t use it correctly, you may get a false negative (meaning you’re pregnant but the test says you aren’t). Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and wait several days after your missed period to take an at-home test.

If your symptoms don’t agree with your home pregnancy test result, it’s always best to have a healthcare provider confirm pregnancy with a blood test.

Do you get your period in a cryptic pregnancy?

No. A cryptic pregnancy is similar to a regular pregnancy in that you don’t get a true menstrual period. However, you may experience implantation bleeding or abnormal pregnancy bleeding and think it’s your period.

This post was last modified on December 13, 2024 11:33 am