Retrospective Study Volume 14 Issue 9 - 2025

A Risk Management Approach to Delusional Pregnancy and Pseudocyesis

Keirstyn A Biggans1, Lisa M Painter2, Richard L Simmons3, Joseph S Sanfilippo4*, Kerri Brooks5 and Chatón T Turner6

1Project Analyst, Corporate Risk Management, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

2Senior Director, Corporate Risk Management, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

3UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

4University of Pittsburgh Physician, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

5Senior Manager, Corporate Risk Management, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

6University of Pittsburgh Physician, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

*Corresponding Author: Joseph S Sanfilippo, University of Pittsburgh Physician, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
Received: July 29, 2025; Published: August 29, 2025



Introduction: This article focuses on strategies that may be adopted by a healthcare system to improve the quality of care provided to patients diagnosed with delusional pregnancy or pseudocyesis.

Background/Objectives: The number of patients who experience delusional pregnancy or pseudocyesis may be more common than reported. This paper discusses the organizational problems inherent in managing delusional pregnancy and the need for a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care to assess patients for emotional, physical, or behavioral needs and initiate referrals as appropriate.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients who exhibited or reported signs and symptoms of pregnancy took place in a large academic center.

Results: There was a statistical difference in management of the delusional pregnancy patient post implementation of the multi-disciplinary team.

 Keywords: Delusional Pregnancy; Phantom Pregnancy; Pseudocyesis

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Joseph S Sanfilippo., et al. “A Risk Management Approach to Delusional Pregnancy and Pseudocyesis”. EC Gynaecology  14.9 (2025): 01-11.