Denial of pregnancy: how does it manifest?
Understanding pregnancy denial
THE denial of pregnancy is a complex psychological reality that challenges as much as it disturbs. How can we explain this astonishing phenomenon where a woman, despite all the objective physical signs, is not aware of being pregnant? A term often overlooked and yet present in our society, denial of pregnancy still remains taboo and the source of many questions.
How to explain the denial of pregnancy?
According to experts, pregnancy denial is usually the result of an “emotional lock-in.” In the woman’s mind, pregnancy is unthinkable, often because of a difficult life context or unresolved psychological problems. If the signs of pregnancy are indeed there, the brains of these women interpret them differently. For example, they may attribute weight gain and the cessation of menstruation to other health causes.
Denial of pregnancy and its consequences
In general, denial of pregnancy has major consequences for both the mother and the child. Stories of ‘surprise babies’ are revealed every year, testifying to the shock experienced by these women suddenly discovering motherhood. The surprise and confusion caused by such a discovery can lead, in the most serious cases, to accusations of infanticide. Not having known that they were pregnant, these mothers did not benefit from the necessary medical monitoring during pregnancy, which can have consequences on the health of the child.
Rebuilding yourself after denial of pregnancy
After a denial of pregnancy, the reconstruction process for the woman is often long and arduous. They not only have to deal with the sudden arrival of a child, but also guilt, confusion and sometimes social stigma. It is important for these women to benefit from appropriate psychological support to understand and overcome what they have experienced.
Denial of pregnancy: a subject that is still current
Despite the lack of media visibility, the denial of pregnancy is regularly at the heart of ongoing trials, such as the recent one in Brest. In addition, the subject has inspired works of fiction, such as the drama “The Child I Was Not Expecting” broadcast on France 2.
To conclude, better understand the denial of pregnancy allows better care for the women concerned and to fight against the stigma that still surrounds this confusing phenomenon. It is therefore essential to continue to inform, raise awareness and offer resources to help women affected by pregnancy denial.
Manifestations and symptoms of denial of pregnancy
THE denial of pregnancy is a psychological phenomenon that can affect all women, regardless of their age, their social, family or professional context. It is characterized by a total lack of awareness of the state of pregnancy. The manifestations and symptoms of this denial can vary greatly depending on the individual, with some experiences being more spectacular than others.
Testimonial: “I found out about my pregnancy the day I gave birth”
Some striking testimonies evoke situations where the woman discovers her pregnancy during childbirth. Like a student who, not knowing she is pregnant, suddenly gives birth in a school canteen. Or another woman who finds out she’s pregnant just two hours before giving birth. In these extreme cases, the denial of pregnancy is total and awareness often occurs in dramatic conditions.
How do you know if you are in denial of pregnancy?
Identifying a denial of pregnancy is particularly complex. Indeed, during denial, the woman generally does not present the typical symptoms of pregnancy. Menstruation can continue, the belly does not become visibly rounded and no common signs of pregnancy (nausea, significant weight gain, etc.) are perceptible. Furthermore, although pregnancy is logically accompanied by a positive pregnancy test, in the event of denial of pregnancy, the woman will generally not have the idea of doing such a test.
Does denial of pregnancy have consequences on the child?
THE denial of pregnancy can have consequences for the child, particularly in extreme cases where the woman discovers her pregnancy at the time of delivery. The absence of prenatal monitoring can lead to medical complications. There is also a psychological risk for the unborn child, linked to the destabilization of his or her place in parenthood.
To be well accompanied and supported in the event of denial of pregnancy, it is essential to turn to a health professional as soon as the phenomenon is diagnosed. Likewise, in the event of an unwanted pregnancy, several options exist to avoid denial of pregnancy.
Denial of pregnancy, a poorly understood but very real phenomenon
To conclude, the manifestations and symptoms of denial of pregnancy are often unknown and poorly understood, even by health professionals. Denial of pregnancy is, however, a very real phenomenon, the consequences of which can be serious for the woman and the child. Better knowledge and recognition of this phenomenon are therefore essential to better support it.
Causes and risk factors for denial of pregnancy
Denial of pregnancy: The causes
THE denial of pregnancy is a complex psychological phenomenon where a pregnant woman is unaware of her pregnancy. Elusive both in terms of its cause and its meaning, this phenomenon remains partially unexplained.
Among the possible causes, deep psychological factors are often mentioned, such as trauma previous or intense fear of pregnancy. Denial of pregnancy can be consciously or unconsciously induced by a woman who may not be ready to welcome a child or experience pregnancy. The role of the family and sociocultural context can also be a determining factor.
Risk factors linked to denial of pregnancy
THE risk factors denial of pregnancy are not clearly identified, but certain situations seem more conducive to its appearance. For example, the absence of noticeable body changes, particularly the absence of weight gain and abdominal changes, may contribute to failure to recognize pregnancy.
A girl or woman with a history of body image disorders, eating disorders, or excessive weight control may be at greater risk of pregnancy denial. Additionally, lack of self-awareness, emotional immaturity and psychological dissociation can also play a role.
Symptoms and detection of denial of pregnancy
Denial of pregnancy can be difficult to detect due to the absence of typical pregnancy symptoms. This may include no morning sickness, no periods, or changes in the shape of your stomach.
Some women may even experience “phantom periods”, i.e. bleeding that mimics regular periods, thus reinforcing their belief that they are not pregnant. We also note that denial of pregnancy is often associated with a lack of weight gain, or even weight loss.
Consequences of denial of pregnancy
The consequences of denial of pregnancy can be serious and varied. They can range from surprise and inability to accept the reality of the pregnancy, to more dramatic consequences, such as prenatal depression or even infanticide.
Rebuilding yourself after a denial of pregnancy can require intense psychological support and a therapeutic approach. Without forgetting the potential impact on the child, born without having been expected, or even wanted.
In conclusion, denial of pregnancy is a complex phenomenon, with poorly understood causes and risk factors. Increasingly recognized and studied, it requires adapted psychological care to help the woman accept her pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of the child.
