pseudopregnancy

American  

[soo-doh-preg-nuhn-see] / ˌsu doʊˈprɛg nən si /

noun

plural

pseudopregnancies

1. Pathology, Veterinary Pathology. false pregnancy.

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pseudopregnancy British  

/ ˈsjuːdəʊˌprɛɡnənsɪ /

noun

1. another name for phantom pregnancy

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Other Word Forms

• pseudopregnant adjective

Etymology

Origin of pseudopregnancy

First recorded in 1855–60; pseudo- + pregnancy

Example Sentences

In late July, the giant panda began sleeping more, eating less, nest building and body licking — behaviors consistent with pregnancy or pseudopregnancy, the zoo said.

From Washington Times • Aug. 21, 2020

According to the San Diego Zoo blog, "a pseudopregnancy occurs when a female exhibits the signs and symptoms of pregnancy when in fact she is not experiencing one."

From National Geographic • Aug. 20, 2015

Officials said they couldn’t tell if she was pregnant or experiencing a pseudopregnancy.

From Washington Post • Jul. 10, 2015

Females can experience a "pseudopregnancy" that causes hormone spikes and changes in behavior, such as reduced appetite and mobility - similar to the symptoms of an actual pregnancy.

From Reuters • Aug. 23, 2013

Since female sufferers who become pregnant usually get relief about the third month, asked Dr. Roger Demers of Quebec, why not try the effects of a pseudopregnancy?

From Time Magazine Archive