By Franklin Delgado
Couvade syndrome refers to the experience of pregnancy-like symptoms in expectant parents and non-pregnant couples. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue and mood swings, which can arise during the process of waiting for the arrival of a baby.
Research suggests that Couvade syndrome is more common than previously thought, with studies indicating rates as high as 61% in some regions. However, it is not officially classified as a medical disorder, leading to uncertainty about its understanding and recognition.
It is worth noting that neither the International Classification of Diseases nor the Diagnostic and Statistical Handbook of Mental Disorders of the United States recognize Couvade syndrome.
“The best way to describe it is empathy pregnancy“he says to BBC World Catherine Caponero, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, United States, who has seen some cases.
“Basically, it occurs when one of the members of the couple experiences symptoms of pregnancy despite not being biologically pregnant,” he explains.
Psychological and emotional factors
Experts consider that the syndrome may be linked to psychological factors, where stress related to parenthood triggers symptoms in future parents.
This reflects the complex emotional transition that accompanies the arrival of a new member to the family.
Recent research indicates that there may also be biological bases that complement the psychological aspects of the syndrome. Changes in hormonal levels in future parents could contribute to the symptoms experienced, suggesting a multidimensional approach in their study and understanding.
Experiences and how to deal with it
Couvade syndrome, also known as “male empathic pregnancy,” causes some fathers-to-be to experience similar physical and emotional symptoms as their pregnant partner, such as nausea, cravings, weight gain, irritability, tiredness, and cramps.
Reported experiences
Many people describe intense symptoms that arise from empathy, anxiety, or hormonal changes, such as morning sickness that coincides with a partner’s morning sickness or unexplained cravings. In real stories shared in articles, men report feeling “pregnant” emotionally, with extreme fatigue and rejection of certain foods, which generates initial confusion, but strengthens the bond with the mother. 10% of men suffer from it, according to experts, and it usually resolves after childbirth.
Strategies to cope
- Talking openly with your partner, family or a counselor helps express fears and reduce stress.
- Adopting healthy habits such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise (walking or yoga), adequate sleep, and avoiding alcohol/tobacco relieves physical symptoms such as weight gain or cramps.
- Couples therapy or support groups for parents can improve communication and manage the transition to parenthood.
You may also be interested in:
· Abortion pill is the subject of lawsuits, they say it is unsafe
· Let’s not see it only related to addiction: how important is dopamine for the body?
· Stress is one of the main factors of male infertility
