Phantom pregnancy

She was ecstatic when she started experiencing the usual symptoms of pregnancy: missed periods, morning sickness, weight gain and tenderness in her breasts. But Astrid's excitement was ruined by her husband's refusal to believe she was pregnant until she began to show.

Even when a 'baby' bump made its appearance, he was even more adamant he did not want the baby and they almost broke up. In fact, this phantom pregnancy ultimately cost Astrid more than just her baby - it almost completely destroyed her marriage too. Her husband, who did not want children, had undergone a vasectomy years before they had met but had never told her. He realised he could not be the father of the child she was clearly carrying.

Astrid's marriage was ripped apart - her husband accused her of an affair - which she of course denied - and the whole truth about his vasectomy came out. The terrible truth about the Phantom Pregnancy left Astrid utterly devastated. She had wanted children for as long as she could remember and felt betrayed both by her husband and her body.

After extended counselling, Astrid and her husband pieced their lives back together and are still together eight years later.

What should you do if you think you are experiencing a Phantom Pregnancy?
The first thing to do is visit your GP or antenatal clinic and they will do a urine sample to confirm your pregnancy. It is essential that you do this as soon as you have the usual symptoms of pregnancy - a missed period, enlarged breasts, or if you experience morning sickness - so that you get the best medical advice as quickly as possible.

Who can help?
London Medical Centre:
144 Harley Street, London W1G 7LD
Telephone: 020 7935 0023

National Childbirth Trust: 0870 444 8707

Care Confidential Pregnancy and Post Abortion Helpline: 0800 028 2228

NHS Direct: 0845 4647 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week)

Miscarriage Association Helpline: 01924 200 799