What is pseudopregnancy?

Pseudopregnancy refers to a condition where a female exhibits physiological and behavioral signs typical of pregnancy, despite not being pregnant. This condition is observed in several species, including dogs and rodents, and is a result of hormonal fluctuations that mimic the pregnant state. The female may show signs such as nesting behavior, alterations in appetite, and physical changes that are commonly associated with gestation.

The other options do not accurately describe pseudopregnancy. A long-term pregnancy without fertilization does not align with biological principles, as pregnancy inherently involves fertilization. A medical condition focusing on ovarian health pertains to disorders affecting the ovaries, and fails to encapsulate the specific signs and hormonal activity involved in pseudopregnancy. Lastly, failed embryo implantation involves a specific reproductive failure scenario, not the broad mimicry of pregnancy that characterizes pseudopregnancy. The correct definition highlights the condition’s complexity and its behavioral implications, making it a critical aspect of understanding reproductive physiology in laboratory animals.