Dad's Morning Sickness: All About Couvade Syndrome
You might have heard of “sympathy weight,” in which a partner packs on a few extra pounds during pregnancy. But for some dads-to-be, the experience is more than just weight gain. The partners of pregnant women may develop surprising symptoms themselves — emotionally and physically. Called Couvade Syndrome, it speaks to how deeply the parenthood journey could affect both parents.
What Is Couvade Syndrome?
Couvade Syndrome, also known as sympathetic pregnancy, is a conditioned men have where they share pregnancy symptoms with their partner. The word “couvade” comes from the Breton word couver, or “to brood, hatch or incubate.” Though it presents as similar to pregnancy symptoms, it is not considered a medical or psychological disorder.
Historically, anthropologists tied Couvade syndrome to ritualistic behaviors in ancient cultures. In these rituals, men symbolically “shared” the pregnancy, by imitating pregnancy experiences, such as labor and delivery. Today, couvade syndrome may be driven by modern changes in the roles of fathers, who are becoming more participative and emotionally engaged throughout the process of pregnancy and childbirth.
How Common is Couvade Syndrome?
Historically, a father’s role was that of provider; protector; and during their partner’s pregnancy, often a secondary one. They usually just served as observers. However, in recent years, society’s expectations have changed enormously.
Now dads are supposed to be more involved during pregnancy. This involvement can involve attending prenatal appointments, going to childbirth preparation classes and even practicing skin-to-skin contact with the newborns. As dads take more active, emotional roles in their partner’s pregnancy, they might also notice changes, whether physical or emotional, in themselves. This increased awareness has probably translated as an increased identification of Couvade Syndrome, also known as sympathetic pregnancy.
There is no definitive data on how common Couvade syndrome is, but studies show that it occurs more often in partners who take a hands-on, empathetic approach during pregnancy. The condition highlights the intimate bond some fathers develop with their partner’s pregnancy experience, leading to questions such as, “Can a man have symptoms of pregnancy?”, and “How much of a role does empathy play in this phenomenon?
What are the Causes of Couvade Syndrome?
Couvade syndrome is thought to be a combination of emotional and physical responses to the process of becoming a parent. Partners who are closely involved in pregnancy will often feel a sense of empathy, which may cause them to subconsciously mirror their partner’s symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue and even aches.
Stress could also be a major factor. For example, the emotional demands of pregnancy can elevate levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, potentially leading to physical discomfort. Simultaneously, the decline in testosterone in response to stress can impact mood, energy and concentration.
For couples who underwent infertility treatment, the combination of high stress and empathy may intensify physical systems that increase the chances of sympathetic pregnancy. Being aware of these common reasonsprovides a better understanding of the emotional and physical connections that may develop at such a turning point.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome?
Since men can’t get pregnant, it’s reasonable to be wondering, “When does a man have pregnancy symptoms, and what’s up with that? And indeed, it does seem to be the case in cases of Couvade syndrome. Men can exhibit a range of physical and psychological symptoms similar to those of their pregnant partners.
So what symptoms do men get when their partner is pregnant?
Some studies have connected sympathetic pregnancy symptoms — male morning sickness, for example, or fatigue — to greater empathy. “Compathy,” as the phenomenon is called, means sharing emotional and physical experiences, which might account for some of the men who report nausea or back pain or mood changes during their partner’s pregnancy.
Another theory, called “loading,” posits that men might psychologically absorb and express their partner’s discomfort, especially in a first pregnancy. This could account for why pregnancy symptoms in men — such as nausea or emotional changes — tend to be more prevalent in first-time fathers than in second-time fathers.
Hormone changes in the pregnant partner may also contribute to couvade syndrome in the expectant dad, but the studies so far are not conclusive.
Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome
Physical symptoms
Physical changes experienced by men with Couvade syndrome closelymirror those of pregnancy. Some common physical signs are:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation
- Heartburn
- Changes in appetite
- Weight gain or loss
- Toothaches
- Backaches
- Skin problems
- Leg cramps
- Fainting
- Weakness
- Irritations in the urinary or genital tract.
Psychological signs
The emotional effects of sympathetic pregnancy are just as significant. These can include:
Change in sleeping patterns
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced libido
Restlessness.
When Does Couvade Syndrome Start and How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Couvade Syndrome commonly begins in the early stages of pregnancy, often in the first trimester, as it tends to align with common early pregnancy symptoms including morning sickness and fatigue. Wait a minute, “How soon can a man get pregnancy symptoms?, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to develop in the first few weeks of their partner’s pregnancy.
It’s not unusual for symptoms to ease up in the second trimester, often seen as a more stable time in the pregnancy. But they really come back during the third trimester, when the physical and emotional demands on the pregnant partner peak. The good news is that maternal guilt is not the only one sharing the process with you — the symptoms of sympathetic pregnancy almost always go away after the baby arrives, bringing relief for both parents.
Is There Treatment for Couvade Syndrome?
Couvade syndrome has no specific treatment, largely because it (as noted above) is not a disease and not classified as a psychological disorder. But if you’re an expectant partner and have symptoms that mirror those of your pregnant partner, in other words have symptoms of Couvade syndrome, there are some ways to ease the symptoms.c
How to Cope with Couvade Syndrome Symptoms
Educate yourself. This could mean going to a prenatal class with your pregnant partner and/or reading about fatherhood in books, websites or blogs.
Share your feelings. Discuss parenthood with your partner. Discuss your inhibitions with close friends and family. They can offer their unwanted wisdom, but they might know what they’re talking about. Or, find a psychologist/therapist that can give you the skills you need to deal with your anxieties.
Plan ahead. Get ready for fatherhood by dealing with practical necessities — babyproofing the home, preparing the basics. It’s also useful to start mentally preparing for this change in life, in order to alleviate anxiety.
At the end
Although there’s little literature on couvade syndrome outside the context of fetal transmission, it is a legitimate worry for fathers-to-be who suffer any of the symptoms associated with a sympathetic pregnancy. Whatever the explanation for Couvade syndrome, it’s a phenomenon that can affect expectant fathers — often first-time dads who are more prone to take on the anxieties of new fatherhood.
If you’re affected, please speak with your partner, family or health care provider. Being open about it may temper the experience. Use the Pampers Club app to support your journey with rewards, discounts and resources for your growing family—because every step of the way deserves a reward.
FAQS
> What causes couvade syndrome?
A mix of emotional, psychological, and physiological elements may contribute to Couvade Syndrome. Increased empathy for a pregnant partner, anxiety about becoming a dad, and hormonal shifts such as increased cortisol or lowered testosterone can all lead to nagging pregnancy-like symptoms in men.
> How long does Couvade syndrome last?
Couvade syndrome is reduced during the second trimester. It’s most commonly found during the first and third trimesters before disappearing altogether by the time the child is born.
> How do you get rid of Couvade syndrome?
Although there is no specific cure, stress mitigation and pregnancy-related education are helpful. Go to prenatal appointments, communicate honestly with your partner and reach out for help from friends, family or a therapist. Mentally and practically preparing for the baby’s arrival may also minimize emotional and physical stress.
> When Do Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms?
When Do Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms?
Men can begin showing symptoms of Couvade Syndrome as early as their partner’s first trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms tend to correspond to the emotional connection and shared stress of the earliest days, and can become more pronounced later in pregnancy and then disappear after childbirth.
