Couvade syndrome, or sympathetic pregnancy, is a real psychosomatic disorder where a male partner experiences symptoms of their pregnant partner. Symptoms can range from indigestion to weight gain and even contractions during labor. The cause is unknown, but theories suggest it could be a way for men to establish their role in the child’s life or due to hormonal irregularities. It is difficult to diagnose and often mistaken for other diseases.
A sympathetic pregnancy, also known as Couvade syndrome, occurs when a woman’s male partner feels the effects of her pregnancy. The word Couvade comes from the French word couver, which means “to brood”. While the condition is rare, it does occur in some men.
There has been a lot of skepticism about whether or not this condition is real. Scientific research has shown that it is a real psychosomatic disorder. Nearly 80% of men with pregnant partners experience some form of sympathetic pregnancy symptoms.
Symptoms are wide ranging; basically, whatever the pregnant female is going through can be experienced by the male. These symptoms may include indigestion, loss or increase in appetite, and weight gain. There have also been cases of vomiting, including morning sickness.
Other symptoms may include a change in sex drive and the food cravings that an expectant mother experiences. When the female goes into labor, the male may experience contractions and birth pains. There’s only one cure for a sympathetic pregnancy, and that’s childbirth. The symptoms of this condition vary from male to male. Some experience very mild symptoms, but for others, the symptoms are so severe, especially in the third trimester, that sick leave from work is required.
There are many theories about what a cute pregnancy looks like. Some experts say it’s a way for men to establish their role in the child’s life as early as possible. Some early theories concluded that it was the result of the male envying the female’s ability to give birth. Another theory holds that this condition is a result of flexible gender roles, especially if the woman is the dominant partner.
While many of these theories have a psychological basis, there are also more physical theories. Long-term male and female cohabitation can lead to an irregularity of hormones in the male. Testosterone and estrogen levels are known to fluctuate in males which can explain a sympathetic pregnancy.
Whatever the reasons behind the condition, it is a very real ailment. It is also difficult for doctors to diagnose. The symptoms are easily confused with other diseases. Many sympathetic pregnancies have been dismissed as depression or anxiety about the arrival of a new baby. Your doctor may need to run a number of tests before a sympathetic pregnancy is diagnosed.
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