It began like any typical birth story—a woman rushed to the hospital, clutching her belly as labor pains intensified, family and nurses in a flurry of anticipation around her.
Surprise in the Delivery Room
When the doctor made the final push and prepared to deliver the “baby,” the entire room was stunned. Instead of a tiny newborn, the doctor pulled out an enormous 10-pound ovarian cyst—a balloon-like, benign mass that had been silently growing inside her for months. The woman had no idea this mass was there, believing she was about to give birth.
How Could She Not Know?
It may sound incredible, but this type of story is more common than people think. Ovarian cysts and certain tumors can develop with few or no symptoms, especially since their growth can resemble pregnancy: weight gain, abdominal swelling, bloating, and missed periods. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 10% of women will experience ovarian cysts in their lifetimes. While most cysts are small and harmless, some, like in this woman’s case, can grow to shocking proportions.
Real Cases, Real Shock
Similar surprises are reported in medical literature. In one 2018 case in Mississippi, doctors removed a whopping 37-pound ovarian tumor from a woman who thought she was having her third child. In Texas, a woman fearing a miscarriage was instead found to have a cluster of benign fibroids weighing over 15 pounds.
The Science Behind Phantom Pregnancies
Doctors have a name for this phenomenon: pseudocyesis, or false pregnancy. It’s when someone experiences all the signs of pregnancy—including nausea, abdominal swelling, and even labor-like pains—but is not actually pregnant. Hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, and the presence of tumors or cysts can all contribute, tricking both the brain and body.
Regular Checkups Are Essential
The takeaway? Don’t skip regular doctor’s visits. If your abdomen is growing for reasons you can’t explain (and it’s not the result of an extra helping at dinner), an ultrasound or checkup can prevent much bigger surprises—maybe even a headline-worthy event. Support the women in your life when they voice health concerns, and remember: for medical professionals, intuition and diligence can mean the difference between a healthy delivery and an unexpected find.
Expect the Unexpected
Medicine constantly reminds us that the human body holds countless mysteries. While most delivery stories end with the cry of a newborn, sometimes life delivers a cyst-erious twist. The next time you hear of someone going into labor, keep in mind: the surprise in the delivery room may be something no one saw coming.