What Is Couvade Syndrome?

Couvade syndrome, whose term comes from the French “couver” which means to raise or incubate, is a rare condition that affects men during a woman’s pregnancy. It is characterized by the appearance of symptoms typical of pregnancy in the future father.

It usually affects first-time parents in the first trimester of pregnancy; however, it sometimes occurs shortly before delivery or throughout pregnancy. In a few cases it can also affect other people close to the pregnant woman.

It is estimated that there is a 10% probability of suffering from it when the pregnancy is normal ; furthermore, if there is any risk, the incidence is 25%. Along with the discomforts, the man can experience jealousy, fear for the arrival of the baby and repeated episodes of stress.

Why does Couvade syndrome occur?

So far there is no exact cause to explain Couvade syndrome. One of the most accepted theories is that it originates from the stress experienced by men due to the anguish generated by the changes and responsibilities that come with their children.

As a result, the body undergoes a series of biochemical alterations that, in turn, generate hormonal and psychological changes. In fact, the father may have a drop in his testosterone levels and an increase in prolactin. Other hypotheses suggest that there is a greater risk of suffering from it if:

• The man has had a distant or absent relationship with his father.
• Subconsciously you are jealous of the baby or the pregnant woman.
• You have anxiety about your new role as a parent, whether it be about parental responsibilities or financially.
• You want to be more involved in the pregnancy and delivery of the baby.
• The pregnancy was not planned.
• The relationship with the couple is quite close and affectionate.

Symptoms of Couvade syndrome

In most cases, the symptoms of Couvade syndrome develop in the first months of pregnancy, almost on par with those experienced by the pregnant woman. Sometimes they disappear after the first trimester, but some perceive them until the moment of delivery. The most frequent manifestations include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden mood swings
• Cravings
• Repulsion to certain smells and foods.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Diarrhea and intestinal problems.
• Low tension.
• Leg cramps.
• Abdominal pain
• Lumbar strain.

How are the symptoms of Couvade syndrome controlled?

Couvade syndrome is not a serious condition or problem; therefore, no specific treatments are needed to overcome it. However, if the discomforts intervene in daily activities, the first recommendation is to control anxiety.

The practice of relaxation and meditation techniques can be useful to alleviate these effects. It is also beneficial to express your discomfort to your partner and close relatives. Good communication is important as this reduces stress.

Other ways to manage symptoms is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, through regular exercise and good nutrition. Sometimes it is necessary to access psychological therapy to talk about the fears and concerns of pregnancy.

Possible benefits of Couvade syndrome

Although experiencing the symptoms of Couvade syndrome is not pleasant at all, there are some benefits to note. Parents who experience discomfort in their partner’s pregnancy tend to be more attentive to the needs of the future mother.

The empathy they feel allows them to better understand the changes she is going through. Also, after the baby is born, they are parents who become more involved in parenting.

When to consult the doctor?

It should not be ignored that the symptoms of Couvade syndrome are similar to those of other diseases. Therefore, even if the couple is pregnant, the ideal is to request a medical examination to receive the relevant tests.

The health professional performs a physical examination and questioning about the symptoms. He may then recommend tests of blood, urine, or fecal material to determine if there is an underlying cause. Consultation is also essential when symptoms persist after delivery.