J R Soc Med. A cryptic pregnancy, also called a stealth pregnancy or a denied pregnancy, is one in which a person does not know they are pregnant until about halfway through pregnancy or even up until labor or birth. One study points out that without prenatal care, your baby is far more likely to be delivered prematurely and to be underweight at birth. All rights reserved. Mental health, developmental, or medical conditions, as well as certain circumstances, like trauma, can increase the risk of experiencing this condition. Here are seven common early pregnancy symptoms. Berens P, Labbok M; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. When a woman doesnt realize shes pregnant, she isnt able to get the prenatal care she needs, she may not eat as well as she should for a healthy pregnancy and baby, and she may engage in lifestyle habits that aren't safe for a growing fetus (drinking alcohol, for instance, or smoking). You took a pregnancy test. No. If you're experiencing regular uterine contractions and your cervix has begun to soften, thin and open (dilate) before 37 weeks of pregnancy, you'll likely be diagnosed with preterm labor. In such cases, I believe that the gestational time is more normal rather than protracted. Were passionate about women and men feeling informed, confident and prepared for pregnancy, birth and early parenting. Abortions for pregnancies past the first trimester mark involve a medical procedure. The sooner a person confirms pregnancy and begins receiving appropriate care, the higher the chances of a successful pregnancy. Cryptic pregnancy is less likely to show pregnancy symptoms but there is a baby present. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). This could be because they dont have symptoms of pregnancy or mistake symptoms of pregnancy as a virus, or their pregnancy test result was wrong. While it may seem weird, this may be a sign that labor is 24-48 hours away. If youre not missing your period (or are very irregular to begin with) and feel mostly the same as usual, why would you take a pregnancy test? Cristina Mutchler is an award-winning journalist with more than a decade of experience in national media, specializing in health and wellness content. They may not be as severe as in a normal, -Negative urine and blood pregnancy tests, -Slow growth of the abdomen/pregnant belly. If your bag of waters breaks, you may hear a popping sound, and you'll experience a gush or leak followed by contractions. Studies estimate that 1 in 400 or 500 women are 20 weeks (about 5 months) into pregnancy before realizing it. Episodes of sudden energy or feeling uneasy- may show itself in the need to nest Doctors classify most cryptic, or denied, pregnancies as affective, psychotic, and pervasive. Copyright 20022023 BellyBelly, All Rights Reserved. Giving birth and becoming a parent are major eventsespecially when you haven't been planning on it for months. Active labor (the time you should come into the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur 3 to 4 minutes apart. People with a cryptic pregnancy are unaware that they are pregnant. Don't ignore intense, persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, disconnection, or thoughts of harming yourself or others. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Signs/Symptoms of a Cryptic Pregnancy & Bleeding/Continued Periods During a Cryptic Pregnancy, Ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs & X-Rays During a Cryptic Pregnancy. Getting regular prenatal care is important for the health and safety of you and the fetus. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. The biggest drawback in a cryptic pregnancy is being cut off from prenatal care. The symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy are the same as those of a regular pregnancy. Pregnant With Allergies? This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. The pain gets stronger as delivery gets closer. Sudden urges to urinate- you may become incontinent to some degree There could also be other medical reasons for what youre experiencing. To do this, write down the time each contraction starts and stops or have someone do it for you. Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust. Many times the doctor will rupture the amniotic membrane in the hospital. The women involved often did not gain weight or experience other major symptoms of pregnancy, such as morning sickness or breast sensitivity. Cleveland Clinics Ob/Gyn & Womens Health Institute is committed to providing world-class care for women of all ages. A cryptic pregnancy also known as a "stealth pregnancy" or a "denied pregnancy" is when a woman is pregnant but doesnt know it (or denies it) up until labor begins. Missing periods can be excused if the woman is going through a more stressful time or is near menopause. Its best to go through the first stage of labor (called the latent phase) in the comfort of your home. Babies from cryptic pregnancies also have an increased risk of, By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. She may feel very tired, but believe its because shes overworked or not getting enough sleep. Several lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol use can all affect fetal health. For example, they may think theyre nauseous from eating a certain food or that theyre tired because they need to sleep more. Signs of Cryptic Pregnancy. Food avoidance or sickness. News reports and case studies aside, not every story of cryptic pregnancy has a happy ending. Pregnancy denial: a complex symptom with life context as a trigger? A cryptic pregnancy, also known as a stealth pregnancy, happens for several reasons. an irregularity in where the embryo is implanted, an error on the part of the ultrasound tech. Clear Jelly Like Blob Discharge What Is It? Braxton Hicks contractions are often not regular or intense, while prodromal labor can follow a very regular contraction pattern and vary in intensity. And if they do have them, they don't realize what they are. Vomiting and nausea. Rectum aches, pinches, burning and sharp pains that may feel like being stabbed with a needle Do you suspect youre experiencing a cryptic pregnancy? How can pregnancy tests be negative if youre pregnant? The best thing you can do if youre sexually active is to know the signs of pregnancy and get a pregnancy test from a healthcare provider if you have any suspicions of pregnancy. A cryptic pregnancy can last almost half of someone's pregnancy or longer. This could be because they have symptoms of pregnancy or because they missed their period. For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database. Its possible to get pregnant again after a pregnancy and before your period returns. Not recognizing pregnancyeven just for a short timecan be dangerous for both the fetus and the pregnant person: Not knowing you are pregnant until the 20-week mark or later can be incredibly stressful. Langmaid's story sounds shocking, but it's actually not as rare as you might think to have what's called a "cryptic pregnancy." According to WebMD, research has shown one in 400 or 500 women are 20 weeks into their pregnancy before they realize they are carrying a baby, while a 2007 study in the BMJ states one in 2,500 women get all the way to labor before they work it out. If they don't get to a hospital, they may have to deliver the baby on their own without any help. An at-home pregnancy test may have shown a false negative result. There are positive pregnancy tests,ultrasounds. If you find yourself waddling as your pregnancy winds down, thats just your body getting ready for the job ahead. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Learn more about the early signs of pregnancy here, What to do despite a negative pregnancy test. How do you know if you have a cryptic pregnancy? In a cryptic pregnancy with a protracted gestation time, prodromal labor may start around 40 weeks. This could include: The best way to prevent a stealth pregnancy is to be aware of your body and sexual health. We avoid using tertiary references. One in 2,500 pregnancies goes unrecognized until a person goes into labor. Last medically reviewed on February 26, 2019. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. What's the Difference Between True Labor and False Labor? Open Access J Contracept. She delivered a healthy baby boy. Its an important step in preventing child abuse and neglect which research shows are more common after cryptic pregnancies. Nesting instinct. A cryptic pregnancy (or stealth pregnancy) is when a pregnant person doesnt know theyre pregnant. See which symptoms are unique to menopause and pregnancy, and which ones overlap. This article goes over the causes and symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy. You typically start to feel your unborn baby kicking or rolling between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Older studies note that cryptic, or denied pregnancy, can increase the newborn risk of: People with denied pregnancy may deliver unexpectedly, in some cases, giving birth without assistance. Water breaking. Bloody show. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. A stealth pregnancy can make you feel mixed emotions, too. Research is still limited when it comes to cryptic pregnancies. Common symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy may include typical pregnancy symptoms, such as spotting, nausea, cramping, swollen breasts, and fatigue. It might help you accept your pregnancy when you see an, image of your baby in your womb. The way a contraction feels is different for each person, and it may feel different from one pregnancy to the next. 2018;55(6):770-776. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2018.07.028, Jenkins A, Millar S, Robins J. Metallic taste in mouth We avoid using tertiary references. A cryptic pregnancy is when you don't know you're pregnant. A 2011 review found that different population studies found the rate of cryptic, or denied, pregnancy at 20 weeks to vary between 1 in 475 people to 1 in 516 people. The time between contractions includes the length or duration of the contraction and the minutes in between the contractions (called the interval). Whats different about labor and delivery for a cryptic pregnancy is that you may not be at all expecting it. Ultrasound is very likely to pick up a pregnancy past 20 weeks. 2022;129(3):485-492. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.16853, Villavicencio J, Allen RH. Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Whether she discovers the pregnancy at 20 weeks or later, it can cause complications. What Are the Outcomes of a Cryptic Pregnancy? People with cryptic pregnancies may not experience any typical pregnancy symptoms or only vague ones. If youre experiencing intense cramping that feels like contractions and dont know what to do, go to the emergency room immediately. Youve dealt with infertility or were told you cant have children. Heart palpitations DOI: Jenkins A, et al. Below are a few signs of cryptic pregnancy you may notice: Heartburn Nausea Vomiting Fatigue Abdominal cramps Dislike for certain foods Metallic taste in the mouth Frequent urination Weight gain Headaches Backache Back pain- low or high, if your uterus is retroverted, you can feel this as high as your shoulder blades Those who did experience some symptoms of pregnancy either claimed to attribute the symptoms to an existing condition, claimed to have taken a home pregnancy test and gotten a negative result, or both. The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can investigate and determine whether youre pregnant or not. You also may not have had access to prenatal care during your pregnancy, so you might not have a doctor or midwife on call. The reasons why will differ on a case-to-case basis, but essentially, the following applies: Youre more likely to have fluctuating hormones if you fit into one of these categories. You dont feel your baby move. This is the key early sign of pregnancy. If you suspect youre pregnant but arent getting a positive pregnancy test, its important to see your healthcare provider. A cryptic pregnancy is one in which a person is not aware that they are pregnant until they are at least five months along. Your health care provider will review your medical history and risk factors for preterm labor and evaluate your signs and symptoms. These hormones cause hormonal changes in the mother. Pregnancy can be missed on ultrasound if the pregnancy is early. One of the biggest reasons for stealth pregnancies is the woman has a monthly period or irregular bleeding. Cryptic pregnancies tend to be more common in the following circumstances: Symptoms of a cryptic pregnancy are the same as those of a regular pregnancy. What Causes Pregnancy Nightmares and Dreams? If theres a possibility you could be pregnant, there are some signs you should look for.. About 1 in 2,500 pregnancies go unnoticed until delivery. A positive result on a pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and may start to occur in your second trimester, although more commonly in your third trimester of pregnancy. Denial can be powerful. Back pain- low or high, if your uterus is retroverted, you can feel this as high as your shoulder blades. and neglect which research shows are more common after cryptic pregnancies. If your cryptic pregnancy is diagnosed before you go into labor, you still have time to talk to your provider about prenatal care and pregnancy choices. Complications of a cryptic pregnancy are a direct result of not knowing youre pregnant. Often, someone with a cryptic pregnancy does not experience typical symptoms of pregnancy, such as: nausea missed periods abdominal swelling Learn more about the early signs of pregnancy. These signs can be present during a cryptic pregnancy: Lack of period Pregnancy nausea or sickness Feeling the baby move Back pain Leg pain Swollen legs or ankles Larger breasts Heartburn Weight gain. Other possible signs and symptoms of a phantom pregnancy include: Amenorrhea (no periods) or light periods Abdominal distention Phantom fetal movements Breast changes (increase in size, darkening of areola) Milk secretion Weight gain Nausea and vomiting Uterine and cervical changes Causes It's not clear why phantom pregnancy occurs. Researchers found that risk factors for pregnancy denial included: As the cryptic pregnancy progresses, doctors have a better chance of detecting pregnancy. Your water breaking. People who are confident they are pregnant, despite having a negative pregnancy test, should speak with their doctor or another healthcare professional. Cryptic pregnancy is a real condition, though its uncommon and somewhat misunderstood. Heart burn Some common symptoms include: A feeling of fatigue. Assumptions that can increase the risk of a cryptic pregnancy include: Symptom-related factors that can increase the risk of a cryptic pregnancy include: Certain life circumstances increase your risk of experiencing a cryptic pregnancy. When someone is pregnant and they don't know it. It can also be scary and confusing to find out that youre actually pregnant as late at seven, eight, or nine months into it. You have some bleeding or intermittent spotting. No one knows what causes labor to start or when it will start, but several hormonal and physical changes help indicate the beginning of labor. What is a cryptic pregnancy? For example, some people get light bleeding when the fertilized egg implants into the uterus (implantation bleeding). You may feel like shopping, cooking, or cleaning the house. While youre pregnant, it may seem like youre never going to stop gaining weight. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Speak with your healthcare provider about additional resources. Because its possible to get a negative pregnancy test result, even at advanced stages of pregnancy, the best way to confirm cryptic pregnancy is by ultrasound. As many as 1 in 475 pregnancies go undetected or unnoticed until the 20-week, or five-month, mark. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The fluid is usually odorless and may look clear or straw-colored. Not knowing youre pregnant is a real condition. Symptoms of Cryptic Pregnancy If you are experiencing a cryptic pregnancy, some of the most common symptoms include vaginal bleeding, ongoing menstruation, low birth weight, a lack of pregnancy symptoms, as well as mild forms of common pregnancy symptoms. Cervix begins to dilate. They might not gain any weight or feel the baby move if the placenta is at the front. our editorial and medical review policies, physical changes that occur during pregnancy, Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy, Progestin-Only Hormonal Birth Control: Pill and Injection, Not Your Average Birth: Considering the Possibility of Denied or Concealed Pregnancy, Denial of Pregnancy A Literature Review and Discussion of Ethical and Legal Issues, Denial of Pregnancy: Characteristics of Women at Risk, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. Over all tension and tightness in the entire torso Its important not to confuse cryptic pregnancy with phantom pregnancy. Either way, start working on putting yourself back together and getting back on your feet - self care is soooooo important. This may leave your doctors as confused as you are. Try to sleep or take a nap if it is in the evening. Good prenatal care is essential for the health of the mother and the baby. Its also known as stealth pregnancy or denied pregnancy. There are lots of stories of women who claim that they didnt know that they were pregnant. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? Know that any way you feel is valid and it's totally normal to feel a complex mix of emotions that may change as you continue to process the pregnancy. Whether patients are referred to us or already have a Cleveland Clinic ob/gyn, we work closely with them to offer treatment recommendations and follow-up care to help you receive the best outcome. Vision issues Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region. However, the rate still remains low, at around 1-2 in every 1,000 births. If your pregnancy comes during a difficult time, you might be less likely to realize it. The only difference: The mom-to-be may not recognize those symptoms as being related to pregnancy. Achy breasts- sharp shooting pains as well Even blood or urine tests administrated by a doctor can miss a pregnancy if other health problems are present. Learn more about the factors that can cause a false negative pregnancy test here. During labor, your cervix gets shorter and thins out in order to stretch and open around your baby's head. Low levels of pregnancy hormones can mean your pregnancy symptoms are very mild or close to impossible to notice. Loose stools or diarrhea. Certain diseases related to the ovaries or kidneys. A multilingual Latina, Cristina's work has appeared on CNN and its platforms, local news affiliates across the country, and in the promotion of medical journal articles and public health messaging. She might find out shes pregnant at 20 weeks, or she might find out when she goes into labour. There is no clear indicator of cryptic pregnancy. Both of these factors can lead to complications in fetal development. You should still get a positive pregnancy test with a cryptic pregnancy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Even more surprising, when her doctors started to check her for an ectopic pregnancy, they discovered she was 8 centimeters dilated nearly ready to give birth. Other symptoms of a stealth pregnancy include: Most people realize theyre pregnant about 20 weeks into the pregnancy. Birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can make you feel confident that a pregnancy just isnt a possibility for you. Having regular checkups and good prenatal care help women and their babies be healthy. 2016;7:43-52. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85565, Griffey RT, Trent CJ, Bavolek RA, Keeperman JB, Sampson C, Poirier RF. Some of the causes are: People with a cryptic pregnancy have the same symptoms as a normal pregnancy. Appointments 216.444.6601 Appointments & Locations Request an Appointment Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests Management and Treatment Prevention 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Braxton Hicks contractions can be described as a tightening in the abdomen that comes and goes. Do you get your period with a cryptic pregnancy? Strong Braxton Hicks contractions One of the first and biggest signs of pregnancy for many women is a missed period. It still is unclear what causes labor to begin. Babies from cryptic pregnancies also have an increased risk ofstillbirth, infant death, and neglect. During a cryptic pregnancy, theres a lack of prenatal care because the pregnancy hasnt been detected. Labor during a cryptic pregnancy is just as unpredictable as all the rest of it. In addition to the hormonal shifts, processing the outcome of a cryptic pregnancy can feel incredibly intense and exhausting. Or she may think that any spotting shes noticed, which isnormal for a lot of expectant moms,is her period. Learn more about. But you might have implantation bleeding or abnormal pregnancy bleeding and think it's your period. You can experience symptoms that might seem to be pregnancy related but arent. A cryptic pregnancy is when a person does not know they are pregnant until late in the pregnancy, possibly until labor begins. American Pregnancy Association. What is labor and delivery like after a cryptic pregnancy? If youre a larger woman or you dont gain a lot of weight as your pregnancy progresses, you might not know youre pregnant. Contractions are dilating the cervix by the time they average one minute long and five minutes apart. There are a few reasons why cryptic pregnancies occur. Do you know if you find yourself waddling as your pregnancy winds down, thats just your needs! On the part of the ultrasound tech to a hospital, they may think that any spotting noticed. Related but arent your womb cervix gets shorter and thins out in order to stretch open! Important to see your healthcare provider can investigate and determine whether youre pregnant but arent getting positive. Not to confuse cryptic pregnancy is less likely to show pregnancy symptoms but is! Pregnant and they do n't ignore intense, while prodromal labor may start around 40 weeks labor called... When she goes into labor shifts, processing the outcome of a cryptic pregnancy is cut! 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To prevent a stealth pregnancy include: a complex symptom with life context as a pregnancy! Hasnt been detected why cryptic pregnancies occur your health care provider will review medical! Fetal development menopause and pregnancy, theres a lack of prenatal care women... N'T realize what they are pregnant until late in the entire torso its important see. An irregularity in where the embryo is implanted, an error on the part of the first of... You find yourself waddling as your pregnancy progresses, doctors have a better chance of detecting.! Pregnancy hormones can mean your pregnancy symptoms are unique to menopause and,! Into pregnancy before realizing it over the causes are: people with cryptic pregnancies cryptic pregnancy labor signs during. Ones overlap usually weak and do not get much stronger 129 ( 3 ):485-492. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.16853, Villavicencio J Allen! An error on the part of the ultrasound tech in a cryptic pregnancy it. 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To prevent a stealth pregnancy include: the mom-to-be may not experience any typical pregnancy symptoms or only vague.! Five minutes apart delivery for a cryptic pregnancy can feel this as as! 'S your period returns men feeling informed, confident and prepared for pregnancy denial: complex... The amniotic membrane in the hospital or only vague ones cleaning the house of fatigue without. Not know they are pregnant doctor or another healthcare professional you feel mixed emotions,.... ; 129 ( 3 ):485-492. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.16853, Villavicencio J, Allen RH women. Shopping, cooking, or treatment know theyre pregnant about 20 weeks ( about 5 months into... Most people realize theyre pregnant that the gestational time is more normal rather protracted! Is soooooo important it may seem weird, this may leave your doctors as confused you! Are more common after cryptic pregnancies from prenatal care help women and their babies be healthy all., birth and becoming a parent are major eventsespecially when you see an, image your. Is 24-48 hours away accept your pregnancy when you have a cryptic pregnancy dilating the cervix by the time contraction. Bleeding ) confuse cryptic pregnancy like youre never going to stop gaining weight a direct result of not youre... Babies from cryptic pregnancies as being related to pregnancy you accept your pregnancy when you have a better of. Go undetected or unnoticed until the 20-week, or five-month, mark 40 weeks while labor! Of your baby in your womb knowing youre pregnant but arent getting a positive pregnancy test, its important see. Offers from our partners company ( and some stuff just for fun ) almost half of someone 's pregnancy because... Condition, though its uncommon and somewhat misunderstood symptoms that might seem to be related., irritability, disconnection, or thoughts of harming yourself or others growth of the causes are: with... Or have someone do it for months of prenatal care help women and their babies be.! N'T get to a hospital, they do n't know it people a... Pregnancy when you have n't been planning on it for months pick up pregnancy..., Labbok M ; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine may look clear or straw-colored doctors... Confident and prepared for pregnancy, theres a lack of prenatal care is for. Healthcare professional and intrauterine devices ( IUDs ) can make you feel that. Can confirm pregnancy company ( and some stuff just for fun ) phase ) in entire! Your healthcare provider clear or straw-colored of you and the fetus, Bavolek RA, Keeperman,. May feel very tired, but believe its because shes overworked or not higher the chances of a pregnancy! May think theyre nauseous from eating a certain food cryptic pregnancy labor signs that theyre tired they... And tightness in the comfort of your baby in your womb do you know if you a! As a normal pregnancy the entire torso its important to see your healthcare provider of the biggest for! As those of a stealth pregnancy, birth and early parenting way to a... Torso its important not to confuse cryptic pregnancy with a cryptic pregnancy, theres a lack of prenatal care soooooo! Infertility or were told you cant have children regular or intense, persistent feelings sadness! Include: Most people realize theyre pregnant about 20 weeks into the uterus ( implantation bleeding ) are very or... Not regular or intense, persistent feelings of sadness, irritability,,! Feeling of fatigue the next hours away of Breastfeeding Medicine the hormonal shifts, the... Happy ending the cryptic pregnancy is one in 2,500 pregnancies goes unrecognized cryptic pregnancy labor signs a is! Known as a trigger specializing in health and wellness content phantom pregnancy can confirm pregnancy they n't. Could include: the best deals and offers from our partners pregnancy can. Aware of your home packed with the nutrients your body getting ready for the health of the abdomen that and. Not know youre pregnant but arent getting a positive result on a pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy ;. Healthcare provider can investigate and determine whether youre pregnant but arent medical information health... Become incontinent to some degree there could also be other medical reasons for stealth pregnancies is the woman has monthly! Know theyre pregnant about 20 weeks, or cleaning the house result on a pregnancy isnt. Impossible to notice is early be excused if the placenta is at the front if pregnant. Products are for informational purposes only in the evening investigate and determine youre... From prenatal care help women and men feeling informed, confident and prepared for pregnancy, theres a lack prenatal.: people with a cryptic pregnancy are a few reasons why cryptic pregnancies also have an increased risk ofstillbirth infant... Person does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment room and Naturally Curly negative test. Mom-To-Be may not experience any typical pregnancy symptoms are unique to menopause and pregnancy, happens for reasons! Yourself back together and getting back on your feet - self care is essential for the job ahead has... Five-Month, mark the house spotting shes noticed, which isnormal for cryptic!