Experts assert that a human pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks (10 months) and cannot exceed 42 weeks, as the placenta’s function declines, which can lead to the death of the fetus if the pregnancy lasts beyond this period.
-Claims of pregnancies lasting years, such as the recent case of an eight-year pregnancy, are debunked by health professionals who emphasize that such cases are due to menstrual irregularities, psychological conditions, or medical issues, not prolonged pregnancies.
-Conditions like ovarian tumors, pseudocyesis (false pregnancy), and gestational trophoblastic disease (molar pregnancy) can cause abdominal swelling, mistaken for pregnancy, or can persist for years without leading to a live birth.
-Myths and misunderstandings rooted in cultural beliefs can fuel extraordinary claims about prolonged pregnancies, often exacerbating health risks when proper medical care is delayed or avoided.
-Maternal health experts advocate for better education on pregnancy timelines, antenatal care, and myths surrounding pregnancy to improve health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare.
Peoplesmind
