“Contrary to what many people believe, false pregnancy is not only found in women but men as well. When a man suffers a false pregnancy, it is usually called Sympathetic Pregnancy.  This is more common when his significant other is pregnant and is dealing with the normal aches and pains that are associated with pregnancy. The medical term when men experience this is called Couvade.  Pseudocyesis is extremely rare in both men and women so doctors are still trying to piece together the root cause of the condition.”

American Pregnancy Association

The risk of phantom pregnancy is higher in women who have depression or who have:

• Lost a pregnancy
• A history of infertility
• A history of abuse or current abuse
• Relationship instability

Phantom pregnancy symptoms

Phantom pregnancy symptoms are primarily the same as for pregnancy, including:

• Menstrual changes (no period or irregular cycle)
• Weight gain, swollen belly
• Enlarged and tender breasts
• Sensation of fetal movements
• Gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Food cravings

Phantom pregnancy treatments

If a woman has a phantom pregnancy, her caregiver will:

Provide evidence. This can be devastating to a woman who thought she was pregnant, but her caregiver will show her (with test results and/or an ultrasound if necessary) that she isn’t pregnant. The caregiver should strive to be empathetic. She might assure the patient that her belief that she was pregnant was understandable given the symptoms, for example.

Address other medical conditions. After determining that a woman has a phantom pregnancy, her caregiver will want to rule out – or address – other medical conditions that may be causing the pregnancy symptoms.

Reduce symptoms. If the woman isn’t having menstrual periods, for example, the caregiver may restore them with the use of hormonal intervention, if necessary. She might also help address symptoms such as nausea and fatigue.

“A woman’s intuition is a funny thing. Most women know they are pregnant before they are even far enough along to take a test; we know our bodies and when something is different we can just feel it. What about a phantom pregnancy? There are times when even a woman’s intuition is off and our body tells us we are pregnant when in fact, we are not. This is a phenomenon called Pseudocyesis or a false pregnancy.”.

American Pregnancy Association – https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/false-pregnancy/

A phantom pregnancy happens when a woman believes she’s pregnant and has pregnancy symptoms, but isn’t pregnant. It’s also called a false pregnancy or pseudocyesis. (People once also referred to it as an hysterical pregnancy or fake pregnancy.)

A phantom pregnancy or false pregnancy happens when a woman has pregnancy symptoms but isn’t pregnant. Phantom pregnancy is rare, and experts don’t know exactly what causes it, but it’s probably a combination of psychological and hormonal factors. In a phantom pregnancy, the pregnancy test comes back negative and an ultrasound shows that there’s no baby. A woman who has a false pregnancy will need plenty of support from her caregiver to deal with symptoms, any medical condition causing the phantom pregnancy, and the psychological aftermath.

Phantom pregnancies are rare. Estimates vary but range from 1 to 6 cases per 22,000 births in the United States. False pregnancies were more common in the past, before the widespread use of ultrasounds. Interestingly, they’re more common in cultures where motherhood and fertility are emphasized. In Africa, for example, the rates of phantom pregnancy are estimated at about 1 in 160.

Eighty percent of women who experience a phantom pregnancy are married, and most are between the ages of 20 and 44. It can happen at any age, though, including childhood or in the senior years. A woman can have a phantom pregnancy more than once. It can even (very rarely) happen to men. This is called a sympathetic pregnancy or Couvade syndrome.

No, a false pregnancy and a delusion of pregnancy aren’t the same. With a delusion, women don’t experience symptoms. Women who have a delusion of pregnancy are mentally ill and believe that they’re pregnant, even though they have no symptoms. It’s important for doctors to distinguish between the two because a delusional pregnancy requires different psychiatric treatment than a phantom pregnancy.

We don’t know what causes phantom pregnancy, though experts suggest that both psychological and hormonal factors are at play. (Because it’s such a rare condition, there’s not much data, and studies are largely based on individual case reports.) Basically, the body is tricked into thinking it’s pregnant. An increase in hormones such as estrogen and prolactin lead to pregnancy symptoms.

What causes this diagnsosis?

A psychosomatic condition. Because of intense pressure or desire to be pregnant, a woman’s brain triggers hormonal changes that cause pregnancy symptoms. This may happen when a woman has struggled with infertility or had a miscarriage or loss of an infant, or another traumatic event. It also sometimes happens to women who have an intense fear of pregnancy.

Some experts theorize that abdominal growth, the sensation of feeling fetal movement, and the experience of labor pain may be due to increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system (the body’s “fight or flight” system).

Another medical condition. Sometimes a completely unrelated illness can cause elevated hormonal levels or other physical reactions that lead to pregnancy symptoms. These conditions include ovarian tumors, severe depression, cancer, obesity, and ectopic pregnancy. Even weight gain, constipation, or gas – when paired with psychological factors – can cause abdominal distention that a woman may interpret as pregnancy. In one recent study, more than 16 percent of cases of phantom pregnancy were linked to medical conditions.

Major depressive disorders. Women with severe depression or severe stress may have changes in reproductive hormones. In addition, antipsychotic medications can cause some pregnancy-like symptoms, such as weight gain, loss of menstruation, and breast tenderness.

“Rabbits are the most common small mammal kept as pets in the US other than dogs and cats. Rabbits are typically sociable animals. Keep the rabbit in good health through proper management and veterinary care.  It is very important that rabbits are handled and held properly. A rabbit’s hind legs are so powerful that if the animal kicks when it is not properly supported, the force can actually break its back! Rabbits can be kept outdoors, but it is recommended that pet rabbits be kept indoors to protect them from attack and disease transmission from wildlife. Rabbits are extremely heat sensitive . Ventilation and temperature control of the rabbit’s environment are very important at all times.Rabbits are extremely heat sensitive . Ventilation and temperature control of the rabbit’s environment are very important at all time.”.

wormsandgermsblog.com

Rabbits are clean and for the most part there are very few health risks involved with sharing our lives with them. However, some people may experience problems and it is always wise to know what signs to look out for and steps to take to try and prevent any problems occurring. It should be stressed that health problems from people contracting things from rabbits are rare, and owners should not lose sleep over them!

“There is no standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Treatment for each person with Parkinson’s is based on his or her symptoms.

Treatments include medication and surgical therapy. Other treatments include lifestyle modifications, like getting more rest and exercise.”

Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment)

“Parkinson’s disease destroys neurons in the brain that are essential for controlling movement. As a result, people may have shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time.”

National Institute of Health/NIH Research Matters (https://www.nih.gov)

“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.  Parkinson’s Disease has stages”.

MAYO CLINIC