FALSE PREGNANCY Meaning and
Definition
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False pregnancy, medically known as pseudocyesis, is a condition in which a person believes themselves to be pregnant, displaying symptoms of pregnancy despite the absence of a fetus. It is a rare and complex psychosomatic disorder that may occur in women of childbearing age. The belief of being pregnant is rooted in a strong desire or longing to become a mother, which can lead to a misinterpretation of bodily sensations or changes.
False pregnancy can manifest with typical signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy, including missed periods, abdominal enlargement, weight gain, breast enlargement and tenderness, menstrual-like cramps, nausea, and even changes in fetal movements. Some individuals may also experience mood swings, changes in appetite, and the development of a linea nigra (a dark line on the abdomen).
The cause of false pregnancy is multifactorial and not yet fully understood. Psychological factors, such as a history of infertility, emotional trauma, or intense desire for pregnancy, are often associated with this condition. Hormonal imbalances and elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone involved in milk production, may also contribute to the development of false pregnancy.
Diagnosing false pregnancy requires ruling out other possible causes of the symptoms, including gynecological conditions or underlying psychological disorders. A thorough medical examination, including physical and laboratory tests, is crucial. Treatment mainly involves psychotherapy, counseling, and support to address any emotional or psychological factors contributing to the condition.
In conclusion, false pregnancy is a psychological disorder characterized by the belief of being pregnant despite the absence of a fetus. It involves the manifestation of various symptoms associated with pregnancy and is typically related to psychological and hormonal factors.
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Enlargement of the uterus with some of the signs of p., due to the growth of a tumor or false mole.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FALSE PREGNANCY
- dalse pregnancy
- calse pregnancy
- valse pregnancy
- galse pregnancy
- talse pregnancy
- ralse pregnancy
- fzlse pregnancy
- fslse pregnancy
- fwlse pregnancy
- fqlse pregnancy
- fakse pregnancy
- fapse pregnancy
- faose pregnancy
- falae pregnancy
- falze pregnancy
- falxe pregnancy
- falde pregnancy
- falee pregnancy
- falwe pregnancy
Etymology of FALSE PREGNANCY
The word "false pregnancy" is a compound term consisting of the word "false" and "pregnancy".
The word "pregnancy" can be traced back to the Latin word "praegnantia", which means "being with child". From Latin, the term entered Old French as "pregnance", and then Middle English as "pregnaunce", and eventually "pregnancy" in the 16th century.
The word "false" also has Latin roots and originates from the Latin word "falsus", meaning "deceitful" or "wrong". It entered Old French as "faus", and Middle English as "false" in the 13th century.
Therefore, "false pregnancy" combines the adjective "false" with the noun "pregnancy" to describe a condition where a person experiences symptoms similar to pregnancy, but without an actual embryo in the womb.
Similar spelling words for FALSE PREGNANCY
