Woman Discovers Pregnancy, Delivers Baby in 17 Hours
Charlotte Summers, a 20-year-old woman from Australia, recently made headlines for experiencing one such cryptic pregnancy. She gave birth just 17 hours after learning she was pregnant. Before that moment, she had no idea she was pregnant.
Although Charlotte had noticed some changes in her body such as her jeans becoming tighter and requiring her to go up two clothing sizes she attributed them to everyday weight fluctuations. “I just assumed it was stress or a bit of happy relationship weight,” Charlotte shared in a video on TikTok.
What Is a Cryptic Pregnancy?
A cryptic pregnancy, also known as a stealth or denial pregnancy, is a rare condition where a woman is unaware she is pregnant until the very late stages or even until labor begins. Despite the growing baby, there may be few or no obvious symptoms typically associated with pregnancy. Some women continue to have bleeding that mimics menstrual periods, gain little weight, and may not feel fetal movement.
No Typical Signs of Pregnancy
Charlotte explained that she was still purchasing clothes in her usual size and had no noticeable baby bump. At the time, she was in a stable relationship and had continued using birth control. She also reported having what appeared to be regular periods.
Adding to the confusion, Charlotte mentioned she had been under significant personal stress, which further distracted her from recognizing any signs of pregnancy.
How She Found Out
Charlotte’s pregnancy came to light unexpectedly during a doctor’s visit on June 6. She had booked the appointment to check for possible gluten sensitivity. As part of routine checks, the doctor asked her to take a pregnancy test which came back positive.
The initial assessment suggested she was in the early stages of pregnancy. However, things took a dramatic turn when an ultrasound, arranged later that day with her boyfriend’s family, revealed she was 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant just days away from full term.
Immediate Hospitalisation and Delivery
The hospital scan also showed that there was no amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, a condition that can pose risks and often requires urgent medical attention. Doctors advised that she may need to be induced immediately.
Incredibly, just two hours later, Charlotte went into labor. “I pushed for seven minutes and then my son was here,” she recalled. The entire experience was so sudden and overwhelming that she said she “blacked out” emotionally during the process.
Why She Didn't Know She Was Pregnant
One key reason Charlotte may not have noticed the pregnancy was the position of her placenta, which was located at the front of the uterus. Known as an anterior placenta, this can cushion fetal movements, making kicks and movements less noticeable.
Combined with continued birth control use, what seemed like regular periods, and her general stress, Charlotte had little reason to suspect she was carrying a baby.
Conclusion
Charlotte Summers’ story highlights how cryptic pregnancies, though rare, are very real. They often go unnoticed due to a combination of physical, hormonal, and psychological factors.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
