Woman Shocked to Discover 'Tumor' Is Actually a Baby

Krista Sciscoe, 33, thought she had a 'huge cancerous mass' but was actually 29 weeks pregnant.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:23am

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Krista Sciscoe, a 33-year-old woman from Indianapolis, Indiana, went to her doctor's appointment expecting to find out she had a tumor or other medical issue causing her symptoms. However, an ultrasound revealed that she was actually 29 weeks pregnant, despite not realizing it. Sciscoe and her husband were shocked by the unexpected news, as they had previously suffered five miscarriages and had given up on the idea of having a child of their own.

Why it matters

Sciscoe's story highlights the phenomenon of 'cryptic pregnancies,' where women are unaware they are pregnant until late in the term. This can be a frightening and stressful experience, as the mother may have unknowingly engaged in behaviors that could harm the developing baby. However, Sciscoe's case also demonstrates the resilience of the human body and the ability of some women to carry a pregnancy to term without realizing it.

The details

Sciscoe had been experiencing symptoms like weight gain and back pain, but attributed them to other medical issues. It wasn't until her OBGYN appointment, when the ultrasound technician spotted the baby's head, that Sciscoe realized she was pregnant. She was shocked to learn she was already 29 weeks along, far beyond the first trimester. Sciscoe and her husband had to quickly adjust their plans and prepare for the baby's imminent arrival.

  • In November 2025, Sciscoe began gaining weight and experiencing back pain.
  • In mid-December 2025, Sciscoe booked an appointment with her OBGYN due to the severe back pain.
  • On January 9, 2026, Sciscoe went in for an ultrasound appointment, where the technician revealed she was 29 weeks and 5 days pregnant.

The players

Krista Sciscoe

A 33-year-old woman from Indianapolis, Indiana, who was unaware she was 29 weeks pregnant until her OBGYN appointment.

Krista Sciscoe's husband

Krista Sciscoe's husband, who was also shocked to learn they were expecting a child after previously suffering five miscarriages.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I had cancer, I never in a million years thought she was going to show me a baby.”

— Krista Sciscoe (Newsweek)

“My husband was in complete shock. We were both under the impression that I was going in to find out if I had a tumor, polyp, cyst, or fibroid. Pregnancy never crossed our mind.”

— Krista Sciscoe (Newsweek)

What’s next

Sciscoe and her husband are now preparing for the arrival of their baby, who is estimated to be 2 lbs and 13 oz based on the latest ultrasound. They have a limited amount of time to get everything ready before the baby's birth.

The takeaway

Sciscoe's story serves as a reminder that unexpected pregnancies can occur, even in cases where a woman has previously experienced multiple miscarriages. Her experience highlights the importance of regular medical check-ups and the need for open communication between patients and their healthcare providers.