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pseudocyesis
pseudocyesis , imaginary pregnancy in women usually resulting from a strong desire or need for motherhood. In the absence of conception, the menstrual periods nevertheless cease, the abdomen becomes enlarged and the breasts swell and even secrete milk, mimicking genuine pregnancy. The uterus and cervix may show signs of pregnancy, urine tests may be falsely positive, and the woman may report sensations of fetal movements. A woman may believe in her pregnancy to the point of delusion and show acute depression when no baby is born. It has been suggested that depression can sometimes alter the activity of the pituitary gland so as to cause hormone level changes that mimic the hormone changes of real pregnancy. |
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"pseudocyesis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "pseudocyesis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-pseudocy.html "pseudocyesis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-pseudocy.html |
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phantom pregnancy
phantom pregnancy or pseudocyesis, is a well-known phenomenon to dog owners. It may be observed also in humans, though rarely. Women with phantom pregnancies stop having periods, have enlarged breasts and a distended abdomen, and may complain of nausea. It may be more common in cultures in which there are especially strong social pressures on women to produce babies.
J. Newsom-Davis |
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Cite this article
COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "phantom pregnancy." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "phantom pregnancy." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-phantompregnancy.html COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "phantom pregnancy." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-phantompregnancy.html |
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pseudocyesis
pseudocyesis (phantom pregnancy) (s'yoo-doh-sy-ee-sis) n. a condition in which a nonpregnant woman exhibits symptoms of pregnancy, e.g. enlarged abdomen, morning sickness, and absence of menstruation. The condition usually has an emotional basis.
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"pseudocyesis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "pseudocyesis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-pseudocyesis.html "pseudocyesis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-pseudocyesis.html |
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phantom pregnancy
phantom pregnancy n. see pseudocyesis.
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Cite this article
"phantom pregnancy." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "phantom pregnancy." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-phantompregnancy.html "phantom pregnancy." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-phantompregnancy.html |
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