It’s not uncommon for women to experience unexpected pregnancies. However, imagine going through an entire pregnancy without ever knowing you were expecting.

That’s exactly what happened to a woman in Colorado who gave birth to a healthy baby boy without having any idea she was pregnant.

The Shocking Discovery

The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, had no signs or symptoms of pregnancy throughout her entire term. According to reports, she attributed her weight gain to stress and her lack of periods to menopause, as she was in her mid-40s.

It wasn’t until she went to the hospital for what she thought were kidney stones that doctors made the shocking discovery. An ultrasound revealed that she was, in fact, full-term and ready to give birth.

Obstetrician’s Perspective

Dr. Judy Banks, an obstetrician at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado, was the attending doctor during the woman’s delivery. She told CNN that while rare, surprise pregnancies like this one do happen from time to time.

“There are women who are in denial that they’re pregnant. They just can’t get their head around it,” Dr. Banks said.

Pregnancy Denial

Pregnancy denial, also known as pseudocyesis, is a psychological condition where a woman believes she is pregnant, even though she is not. This can happen for various reasons, including stress, anxiety, and underlying medical conditions.

While the exact cause of pregnancy denial is unknown, it is believed to be associated with hormonal imbalances and psychological stress.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, it can be difficult to diagnose, as many of the symptoms are similar to those experienced during a real pregnancy.

The Delivery

Despite being unaware of her pregnancy, the woman gave birth naturally without any complications. According to Dr. Banks, the woman was shocked and in disbelief when she found out she had just delivered a baby.

“She had a lot of questions. ‘How did this happen? How could I not know?’ She was incredulous,” Dr. Banks said.

The Baby’s Future

The baby boy, who was born weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces, was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit for observation, but doctors reported that he was healthy.

It’s not yet clear what the mother’s plans for the child are, but she has reportedly received a lot of support from friends and family.

Unexpected Pregnancies

While rare, surprise pregnancies like this one do happen. In fact, in 2015, a woman in Massachusetts gave birth in a toilet stall at work without realizing she was pregnant.

And in 2016, a woman in Texas gave birth in the front seat of her car after feeling what she thought were menstrual cramps.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in every 475 pregnancies are unknown to the mother until delivery.

Conclusion

The story of the Colorado woman who gave birth without knowing she was pregnant has left many people shocked and amazed.

While pregnancy denial is a rare condition, it’s important to recognize that it does happen and to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Whether planned or unexpected, pregnancy is a life-changing experience that requires love, support, and care. We hope that this woman and her baby boy receive all the support they need to thrive and grow.