Umeora Ouj1. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. oujair@yahoo.com
Abstract
CONTEXT: Pseudocyesis is uncommon and probably under reported among the African population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the incidence and presentation of false pregnancies in a Nigerian rural population. METHODS: This involved a review of prospectively collected data on all patients who were diagnosed with pseudocyesis over a four-year period in a Mission hospital. RESULTS: Pseudocyesis occurred at a frequency of 1 in 344 pregnancies. The mean age was 33.6 years and the condition was found more commonly among poorly educated women. Amenorrhea was common among the subjects and 54% claimed they felt fetal movement. Ultrasound studies confirmed the absence of pregnancies in all cases. Management included counseling and referral to specialist clinical psychologists. CONCLUSION: Pseudocyesis is more common among the African population than in developed countries. Gynaecologists in these regions should have a high index of suspicion to diagnose this and assess the mental status of the subject and the precipitating factors.
CONTEXT: Pseudocyesis is uncommon and probably under reported among the African population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the incidence and presentation of false pregnancies in a Nigerian rural population. METHODS: This involved a review of prospectively collected data on all patients who were diagnosed with pseudocyesis over a four-year period in a Mission hospital. RESULTS: Pseudocyesis occurred at a frequency of 1 in 344 pregnancies. The mean age was 33.6 years and the condition was found more commonly among poorly educated women. Amenorrhea was common among the subjects and 54% claimed they felt fetal movement. Ultrasound studies confirmed the absence of pregnancies in all cases. Management included counseling and referral to specialist clinical psychologists. CONCLUSION: Pseudocyesis is more common among the African population than in developed countries. Gynaecologists in these regions should have a high index of suspicion to diagnose this and assess the mental status of the subject and the precipitating factors.
Authors: Irene Marete; Constance Tenge; Carolyne Chemweno; Sherri Bucher; Omrana Pasha; Umesh Y Ramadurg; Shivanand C Mastiholi; Melody Chiwila; Archana Patel; Fernando Althabe; Ana Garces; Janet L Moore; Edward A Liechty; Richard J Derman; Patricia L Hibberd; K Hambidge; Robert L Goldenberg; Waldemar A Carlo; Marion Koso-Thomas; Elizabeth M McClure; Fabian Esamai Journal: Reprod Health Date: 2015-06-08 Impact factor: 3.223