It's not unusual to hear about women giving birth who didn't realize they were pregnant --- though this is the first time I've heard on an unaware-pregnant soldier in a combat zone, yeesh.
I've never understood this.You gain 12 - 15 pounds in blood volume/ fluids/ placenta/ uterus elargement alone ---- that's not even counting the baby ---- and you don't notice? You don't have a period for 9 months, and you don't notice? Really?? That's what I'd call being "asleep at the wheel."
I'm post-menopausal now, but from ages 12 to 52, I was always aware of where I was in my cycle. I didn't do NFP-style charting, but starting at 12 I always kept a record at least of first day of the cycle.
I just can't even grasp the mentality of a woman who doesn't know what's going on in her body.
Plus, women and soldiering don't mix. OK, I said it. I'm not a gender-Victorian, but I really believe in "Vive le difference"....
AMEN, sister!