Concealing a pregnancy can have major consequences for both mother and baby, however the idea that only teenagers choose this path is simply not true, Irish researchers have said.

A concealed pregnancy refers to a situation where a woman actively hides her pregnancy, keeping it a secret from those around her, including sometimes family and friends.

According to researchers in Trinity College Dublin, a concealed pregnancy can have major implications for all involved. Women can experience severe psychological distress, embarrassment and isolation, while delayed or absent antenatal care may lead to serious pregnancy-related complications, such as pre-eclampsia.

Specific risks for the infant include a failure to detect foetal anomalies that could otherwise have been treated, prematurity, low birth weight and birth injuries.

However, the researchers insisted that ‘the notion that only teenagers conceal their pregnancies is incorrect'.

In fact, research suggests that there is no clear ‘type' and women can come from all social classes, with varying levels of education.

"Women who conceal a pregnancy range primarily from 18 to 26 years, but may be older or younger, married or single," they noted.

The researchers said that reasons for concealment are complex and can include taking time to weigh up options, fears over financial insecurity, complicated family or relationship situations, stigma and religious beliefs about abortion.

"Keeping a pregnancy secret can be a coping strategy that enables women to maintain control over the outcomes of a pregnancy," they pointed out.

The researchers insisted that this is a ‘public health issue of national and international significance'.

"Concealed pregnancy is not rare and impacts on maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is important that women who are in such situations have access to supportive care," they added.

The researchers, Sylvia Murphy Tighe, a doctoral midwifery student, and Joan Lalor, an associate professor of midwifery, both from Trinity's School of Nursing & Midwifery, made their comments in Forum, the Journal of the Irish College of General Practitioners.

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