PHANTOM PREGNANCY Meaning and
Definition
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Phantom pregnancy, medically known as pseudocyesis or false pregnancy, refers to a condition in which a person experiences symptoms of pregnancy despite not being pregnant. It is characterized by the presence of physical and emotional signs commonly associated with actual pregnancy, such as missed periods, abdominal swelling, breast enlargement, nausea, weight gain, and even the sensation of fetal movements.
However, in phantom pregnancy, there is no actual presence of a developing baby in the uterus. Instead, the bodily changes and symptoms are believed to be caused by a combination of psychological factors and hormonal imbalance. The exact mechanisms behind phantom pregnancy are not completely understood, but it is thought to be linked to strong desires, beliefs, or expectations of pregnancy, leading the body to mimic the physiological changes that occur during gestation.
Phantom pregnancy predominantly affects women, and may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, history of infertility or miscarriages, and intense desire for motherhood. The symptoms experienced in phantom pregnancy can be distressing and may mimic those of true pregnancy, causing confusion and disappointment. It is important to note that phantom pregnancy is not deliberate deception but rather a genuine belief of being pregnant.
Treatment for phantom pregnancy typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychological counseling, hormonal regulation, and support groups. Understanding and addressing the underlying psychological factors that contribute to the condition are key to therapeutic intervention. With appropriate care and support, most individuals experiencing phantom pregnancy can find relief and overcome this challenging condition.
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False p. due to the formation of a phantom tumor in an hysterical subject.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHANTOM PREGNANCY
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Etymology of PHANTOM PREGNANCY
The term "phantom pregnancy" is derived from two main components: "phantom" and "pregnancy".
The word "phantom" comes from the Greek word "phantasma", meaning an apparition or illusion. It was later adopted into Middle English and Old French as "fantosme" and then into Middle French as "fantôme". Over time, it shifted to the modern English form, "phantom", to refer to something that exists only in the imagination or appears to be real but is not.
The word "pregnancy", on the other hand, has Latin roots. It comes from the Latin word "praegnans", which means "with child" or "heavy with young".
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