Expectant parents experience heightened emotions during pregnancy. They may feel excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. Some fathers experience the same symptoms as their partners. According to Arthur Brennan, a researcher at St. George’s University London, the Couvade Syndrome is a collective term for these physical and mental changes that men experience during their partner’s pregnancy. The Couvade syndrome is a phenomenon that affects biologically expectant fathers. It appears mostly in the third and first trimesters. It is interesting to note that symptoms completely disappear shortly after birth.
You Can’t Fake It
The father can identify so strongly with the symptoms of the mother that he starts to feel them himself. This is due to a strong emotional connection and physical closeness. Maria Kazmierczak, a researcher, says that this is particularly true for men with emotional sensitivity. Couvade Syndrome is a real condition that affects expectant fathers. It’s not widely known as a medical condition. Brennan’s study found that 11 to 97 percent fathers experiencing involuntary pregnancy symptoms.
Honey, I think I may be pregnant, too
Symptoms men have when women are pregnant
Expectant fathers experience physical symptoms such as:
- Changes in appetite
- Unusual cravings
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- Feeling generally ill
- Weight gain
- weight loss
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids
- Bloating
- flatulence
Pain and aches are common symptoms. The most common are back pain, toothaches, cramps, and headaches. Patrice Laplante is a professor in Family Medicine at the University of Quebec. He found that fathers-to-be may also be more susceptible to fractures. Both Laplante, and Brennan, highlighted previous studies that showed fathers-to be sometimes felt abdominal pain when their partners were in labour.
Male Nesting Behavior
Expectant fathers may also experience a number of psychosocial and emotional shifts. Uncertain is the extent to which these changes are a reflection of those in the partner who is pregnant. According to Patrice Laplante, based upon observed practices from several cultures, these changes in mood and behaviour are closely related to the preparation for the impending birth of the baby.
Hormones and the Hormone Connection
Psychological Effects of Puberty
Hormone levels are a factor in the unconscious manifestation of over 39 symptoms of Couvade Syndrome. Brennan found that men with pregnancy-like symptoms had higher levels of prolactin (which stimulates milk production), cortisol from stress and lower testosterone levels. The same hormonal imbalance was also evident in early postpartum men who expressed greater concern, and were more responsive to baby-related stimuli like crying and cooing.