Couvade syndrome, also called sympathetic pregnancy, is a proposed condition in which an expectant parent who is not pregnant experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior as their pregnant partner. These most often include major weight gain, altered hormone levels, morning nausea, and disturbed sleep patterns. In more extreme cases, symptoms can include labor pains, fatigue, postpartum depression, and nosebleeds. The labor pain symptom is commonly known as sympathy pain.
The source of Couvade syndrome is a matter of debate. Some believe it to be a psychosomatic condition, while others believe it may have biological causes relating to hormone changes.
The name derives from "couvade", a class of male pregnancy rituals.
Symptoms
Symptoms experienced by the partner can include stomach pain, back pain, indigestion, changes in appetite, weight gain, acne, diarrhea, constipation, headache, toothache, cravings, nausea, breast augmentation, breast growth, dry navel, hardening of the nipple, excessive earwax, and insomnia.
Psychological hypotheses
Psychological causes suggested have included anxiety, pseudo-sibling rivalry, identification with the fetus, ambivalence about fatherhood, or parturition envy. In 1920s France, Couvade was claimed to be more common in conditions where sex roles are flexible and the female is of a dominant status.
Physiological hypotheses
Studies have shown that the male partner cohabitating with a pregnant female will experience hormonal shifts in his prolactin, cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone levels, typically starting at the end of the first trimester and continuing through several weeks post-partum.
See also
- Pregnancy in transgender men
- Pregnancy in males
References
Further reading
External links
- Feeling Her Pain The Male Pregnancy Experience
- Elusive Couvade Syndrome