What Is a Cryptic Pregnancy?

A cryptic pregnancy is when you are pregnant without realizing it. Sometimes, people don’t know they are pregnant until labor begins.

This article explains cryptic pregnancy (sometimes called stealth or denied pregnancy), including why it happens, who is at risk and more.

Why Do Cryptic Pregnancies Occur?

People commonly discover they are pregnant between four and 12 weeks of pregnancy. Often, a missed period followed by a positive pregnancy test is the evidence.

However, with a cryptic pregnancy, nothing causes you to think you might be pregnant. You may have no noticeable symptoms, dismiss symptoms as being caused by something else or simply be unfamiliar with the signs of pregnancy. In addition, some people experience implantation bleeding or abnormal pregnancy bleeding and think it is their period.

You might also take a pregnancy test but experience a false negative result, meaning that you are pregnant, but the test incorrectly indicates you aren’t.

Cryptic Pregnancy Risk Factors

Cryptic pregnancies are uncommon, with just 1 in 475 going unnoticed until 20 weeks and only 1 in 2,500 going undetected until delivery. However, you may be more likely to have a cryptic pregnancy if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

• You have unpredictable periods due to a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• You recently gave birth or are using birth control and believe you can’t get pregnant.
• You have never been pregnant and do not know what it feels like.
• You are in perimenopause and believe you can’t get pregnant or mistake pregnancy indicators for menopause symptoms.

Do Cryptic Pregnancies Cause Positive Pregnancy Test Results?

A cryptic pregnancy is like any other, except the person doesn’t know they are pregnant. So, an at-home pregnancy test should give a positive result. We say it “should” because although these tests have a 99% accuracy rate when used correctly, they can give false negative results under certain circumstances.

For example, a pregnancy test taken too soon after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus can give a false negative. You might also get that result from diluting your urine by drinking lots of fluids before taking a test, if the test is expired or if you do not follow the directions.

In addition, people with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications have higher chances of false positives. You can even get a false negative if you’re pregnant with multiples.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Cryptic Pregnancy?

The main consequence of not knowing you’re pregnant is that you don’t get the prenatal care that can help your baby be healthy. You might also continue behaviors that aren’t good for your baby, including things like drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. In addition, the lack of genetic testing prevents you from detecting congenital conditions in your unborn child.

Your health can also be affected. For example, you might experience issues like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes and not understand why.

Get Help With a Cryptic Pregnancy From Baptist Health

While not common, cryptic pregnancies happen. If you experience this condition, you shouldn’t be embarrassed about your circumstances. As soon as you suspect you’re pregnant or a pregnancy test confirms that you are, contact your doctor. They can determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and develop a care plan for you and your baby.

Our online provider directory is an excellent resource for finding a Baptist Health physician if you don’t have one. If you are pregnant or planning to be, learn about our mother and baby care services.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Can Twins Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test?
How Soon Will a Pregnancy Test Read Positive?
Fact or Fiction? Pregnancy Myths Answered
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?