Nursing literature is full of such studies. He may actually vocalize feelings of pain and anxiety at the same time the mother is giving birth. In my practice, I have seen fathers gain the same amount of weight as their partners, experience nausea and constipation and even develop hemorrhoids. The researchers found that men's testosterone production leveled off significantly in the three weeks preceding the delivery of their child, then increased markedly after the birth. This is, however, the first time that such alteration in hormone levels has been well documented.
Further study is needed to see if a similar response occurs in non-biological fathers.
So it seems as though there may be a physiological basis for the couvade syndrome and researchers need to study this phenomenon more fully. In the meantime, it makes for some interesting observation around the refrigerator. What to do if a child isn t developing normally. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child's, please consult your family's health care provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals.