Phantom pregnancy

A phantom pregnancy is really more a state of mind where someone believes themselves to be pregnant, despite evidence to the contrary...


I recently discovered that I was pregnant which was confirmed by my GP.

I had to change my GP due to travelling difficulties and once registered was told that I was not pregnant.

I was then sent for a blood test and scan; both showed that I was not pregnant.

Please can you explain what could have happened and what exactly a phantom pregnancy is?


It must have been distressing for you to think that you were pregnant, and then find out it was not so.

I do not think this was a phantom pregnancy though.

A phantom pregnancy is really more a state of mind where someone believes themselves to be pregnant, despite evidence to the contrary, they then behave as if they are.

Their stomach can swell, sometimes due to posture, and perhaps due to change in bowel habit and gas in the stomach. Counselling is often needed.

You don't say if you had a pregnancy test, whether it was repeated, and when.

You also don't say when your last period was, so is difficult for me to be precise in my explanation.

What may have happened is that you were pregnant, enough to produce some of the hormones that can be detected by the very sensitive tests now available.

If the egg does not implant properly, then the pregnancy does not progress, the hormone levels drop and you are no longer pregnant. It is almost like having a very, very early miscarriage.

This happening does not mean anything is wrong with you, it's just that for some reason conditions were not quite right this time.

It is good that you have had blood tests and a scan, which should make sure there is no other problem.

You don't say if you have had a period yet, but one should come along soon. I don't think you should try and get pregnant again for a couple of months so everything can settle down.

If you do not have a period in the next few weeks - there may be a delay before you start again – then tell your doctor.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

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