Couvade syndrome (sympathetic pregnancy) | BabyCenter Couvade syndrome (sympathetic pregnancy) Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board A pregnant woman may have to contend with mood swings, cravings, irritability, nausea, and a long list of other pregnancy ailments. If all that weren't enough to deal with, imagine if your partner started experiencing those symptoms too. Interestingly, more than a few dads-to-be go through what's commonly called "sympathetic pregnancy." It's also known as couvade syndrome (the word comes from the French word couver, which means "to incubate"). The symptoms tend to appear in men during the third month of their partner's pregnancy, as well as toward the final weeks before birth. A 2007 study by Arthur Brennan, a senior lecturer at St. George's, University of London, followed 282 future dads. It showed that some men whose partners were pregnant develop their own pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, hormonal fluctuations, back pain, cramps, irritability, and even cravings. Hormones, love, or anxiety? There's no clear explanation for the symptoms of couvade syndrome.

Indeed, despite its prevalence, it isn't even formally recognized as a medical condition. Some studies have focused on the hormonal changes in pregnant women and compared them with the hormone levels of fathers-to-be. A 1991 study by Canadian investigators indicates that changes in a woman's hormone levels (particularly prolactin and cortisol) are also found among some men during their partner's pregnancy. The study suggests that these changes would produce pregnancy symptoms in a man, simultaneously creating an emotional connection with his pregnant wife. The findings also discovered high levels of prolactin in men during the weeks after the baby's birth. Depending on the study, the percentage of men with couvade syndrome ranges widely – from 10 to 65 percent. The exact number of men who undergo these changes may never be determined because although many men develop minor pregnancy symptoms, few develop the most extreme ones, prompting only a small percentage to seek medical attention. Couvade syndrome elsewhere Anthropologists and other scientists have long taken an interest in the rituals surrounding birth and new parenthood in cultures around the world.

According to Leopoldo Villela, a San Francisco psychologist who specializes in family therapy, "Psychological studies done in Toluca, Mexico, in the 1960s revealed that in some indigenous communities, several men would care for the expectant father by performing a ritual in which he was covered in his wife's skirts, then soothed and rocked while he behaved like a baby. The ceremony would end with a dinner, after which the man would feel cured from this illness." Villela says he has shared this information with future Latino dads who have mentioned feeling those symptoms. They claim this knowledge made them feel better and that eventually the symptoms disappeared. Common symptoms of couvade syndrome These are some of the physical symptoms that men who experience couvade syndrome feel early in their partner's pregnancy: • Vomiting • Feelings of jealousy and anxiety • Stress over the baby's future • Mood swings Treatment for couvade syndrome Doctors and psychologists agree that couples should speak frequently about their baby's future to soothe any fears men feel over becoming a parent. They encourage men to take an active role during the pregnancy. Salvadoran psychologist Melisa Villeda says, "Communication between couples is key.

Each one must express how they're living the experience of becoming parents, since this will inevitably change their lives and they must learn to deal with it as well as possible. If psychological or medical help is necessary because a patient's symptoms are overwhelming, each case must be evaluated and treated with either therapy or medication to alleviate the discomfort.” Experts agree that the most effective treatment is to make the man feel he is an active and vital part of the process, whether by participating in childbirth classes or providing support during delivery. It's important for couples, and especially future dads, to know that the symptoms of couvade syndrome are real and that a significant number of men whose partners are pregnant experience them. Taking the time to prepare for birth and parenthood can help them avoid feelings of anxiety and fear. Discuss this topic How Does 'Male Sympathetic Pregnancy' Work? How Does 'Male Sympathetic Pregnancy' Work? Go to permalink Couvade Syndrome is the name given to the conglomerate of pregnancy symptoms experienced by men when their partners are pregnant. The human mind is a powerful thing, but can a man's brain really convince his body that it's pregnant? And how does the pregnancy end?

Couvade Syndrome's Origins I was surprised to find that sympathetic male pregnancy had a name — Couvade Syndrome. It sounds like it was named in honor of the extensive and groundbreaking work of someone called Dr. Couvade. In fact, it's a mangled French word coined by EB Tyler, and anthropologist who observed ritual pregnancies acted out by men in several different cultures around the world. "Couvade" comes from the word "couver," meaning "to brood." (Brood as in "brood mare," not brood as in "to have a gloomy obsession.") Advertisement In the medical world, Couvade Syndrome isn't an official disease. It is more of an interesting phenomenon. Although doctors have noticed that fathers-to-be can experience weight gain, morning vomiting, heartburn, and restlessness, as well as more random symptoms like toothaches and leg cramps, there hasn't been any agreement as to what causes it. Some doctors maintain that weight gain is normal, since generally the mother and the father live together, and as the mother's eating habits change, so do those of the father. Vomiting in the morning can be easily brought on by being around someone else who is vomiting.

The rest of the symptoms can be brought on by stress. Studies of "Pregnant" Men Still, the syndrome does describe a common experience shared by many expectant fathers. One medical study discovered that sixty out of the 267 men studied sought medical treatment for some form of Couvade. The syndrome isn't limited to one culture. Although there is no widespread multi-national study of Couvade syndrome, a recent study noted that it pops up regularly in Thai fathers as well as American and European ones. The exact percentage of men who experience Couvade may be exaggerated. Pinning down exactly who and who does not have Couvade syndrome is not easy. The various symptoms, from weight gain to tooth ache, often show up in men with pregnant wives, but they show up at different rates. Does someone who gains a few pounds during his wife's pregnancy and perhaps has some cramping due to stress count, count as a Couvade patient? The symptoms have a long time to show up. Most papers on Couvade agree that symptoms show up in the first trimester and the third trimester.

All the symptoms - except back ache - show up significantly more often in men with pregnant wives than those without pregnant wives, but does a tooth ache one month and some vomiting the next constitute Couvade? Advertisement And then there are a few studies that are just bizarre. One found that both men and women tend to hold babies to the left, regardless of if they are left-handed or right-handed. Men with sons tend to hold infants a to the right a bit more often than the norm, but men with Couvade are much more likely to hold their newborns to the right, regardless of sex. And men with Couvade who also hold their babies to the right tended to be closer to their own mothers. Make of that what you will. How to Cure Couvade Syndrome How is the syndrome resolved? Birth - by the mother - will definitely do it, but for the most part there's no need to go so far. Most of the time the symptoms simply dissipate before birth. Although studies indicate that men with Couvade tend to take more medication during the pregnancy, that medication is meant to control the symptoms, not treat the Couvade syndrome itself. The syndrome is a medical curiosity, but never seems to have been real problem.

Occasionally, men will experience sympathetic pains during birth, and will be medicated for them, but there have been no cases of Couvade ever endangering anyone. Sympathetic pregnancy | House Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia [Source] Couvade syndrome or Sympathetic pregnancy is a poorly understood disorder where a male seems to exhibit the symptoms of pregnancy during his wife's pregnancy. This can include weight gain, loss of sexual desire, development of secondary sexual characteristics, morning sickness and differences in appetite. Not all men exhibit Couvade, but those that do often start early in the pregnancy and the symptoms do not disappear until birth. There is wide disagreement whether Couvade is a real illness or is merely the result of anxiety in males. It is thought that estrogen production in some males may increase during their wives pregnancy, although rising estrogen levels do not explain why these same symptoms increase in women (during pregnancy, a woman's estrogen levels rise to prevent ovulation). It is agreed that the condition is not treatable. Patients must merely be reassured and the symptoms treated for severity.

Couvade Syndrome Or Sympathetic Pregnancy - Everything You Need To Know Couvade Syndrome Or Sympathetic Pregnancy - Everything You Need To Know November 23, 2015 Image: Shutterstock Remember the 1994 movie ‘Junior,’ where Arnold Schwarzenegger, acting as a research scientist, becomes pregnant and even goes as far as delivering the baby through a C-section? Despite what the movie portrayed, pregnancy is solely a female thing. However, there are instances of men (expecting fathers) displaying symptoms of pregnancy! Yes, the condition also has a name, Couvade Syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy. Sympathetic pregnancy is not considered a medical ailment or problem and is often overlooked and left untreated by doctors. Phantom Pregnancy In Men: The scientific community calls this condition Couvade Syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy. While research into this syndrome is fairly recent, it has still managed to reveal quite a lot of information about why some men develop pregnancy symptoms similar to their wives and partners. Several findings have been inconclusive or have been proven wrong with other studies, and the research is still going on to know more about the exact cause of the syndrome.

Typically, when a woman gets pregnant, men are pushed to the periphery during pregnancy. After all, it is the woman who carries the baby for nine months and goes through labor and subsequent childbirth. There is no place for a man under these circumstances, is there? During pregnancy, men are ready to help satiate the cravings of a pregnant woman, and this is as far as most go to express their sympathy for their spouses and partners [ 1 ]. Or, is it? Men who experience Couvade Syndrome might disagree with the claim that there is more to it than fulfilling food cravings or giving your spouse a back rub. The dynamics of a family change with the birth of a child. Even the relationship between man and woman undergoes a profound change. Things no longer stay the same with the entry of a child and whether the man likes it or not, it is bound to happen. Today, many expectant fathers are extremely committed not just during the pregnancy, but also after childbirth. They willingly participate in antenatal classes and thus, have become more aware of their impending fatherhood. In extreme cases, such men risk developing Couvade Syndrome. Some men don’t or can’t just stop at fulfilling their pregnant wives’ cravings.

They go a step forward and start displaying symptoms of pregnancy similar to their wives. These symptoms have no physiological basis and it is why researchers believe sympathetic pregnancy is more psychosomatic in nature [ 2 ]. Sponsored Symptoms usually manifest in the first trimester of pregnancy, disappear in the second trimester and reappear in the third trimester [ 3 ]. The symptoms of Couvade Syndrome are completely similar to the ones that women experience when they are pregnant and typically include: Indigestion Fatigue Depression Some men, albeit in rare cases, may experience the symptoms throughout the pregnancy, and the moment the birth occurs, these symptoms miraculously disappear. There are also instances of men developing a swollen abdomen that looks eerily similar to a baby bump. The Research Behind Sympathetic Pregnancy: In 2007, a study under the aegis of St. George’s University, London, England, was conducted at St. George’s Hospital in London. It was one of the first researches of its kind aimed at sympathetic pregnancy. The study finally accepted that there existed a phenomenon or condition called sympathetic pregnancy, and many males experience it when their partners or spouses become pregnant.

The study was conducted on 282 men between the ages of 19 and 55, who had pregnant wives. There was a control group of 281 men, with wives who were not pregnant. Researchers found most men with pregnant wives had symptoms of pregnancy, including morning sickness and mood swings [ 5 ]. Researchers found the most common symptom among the men was stomach cramps. However, one participant also suffered from labor pains while his wife was in labor. Some of the men with sympathetic pregnancy developed a swollen abdomen, mimicking their pregnant wives. In medical terms, the condition is called pseudocyesis [ 6 ]. Couvade Syndrome in these test subjects typically followed the same pattern as their wives’ pregnancies. The symptoms usually appeared in the early part of the first trimester and reached a zenith in the third trimester. The symptoms cleared up once the wives delivered. Since doctors could not find a reason for the appearance of symptoms, they believe Couvade Syndrome is more psychosomatic rather than physiological. After this groundbreaking research, many other researchers took it upon themselves to delve into sympathetic pregnancy and find out what causes some men to experience it and not others.

However, until today, scientists have not been able to pinpoint the exact reason for Couvade Syndrome but know it has existed as a ritual since time immemorial. Ritualistic Couvade In Ancient Times: While the scientific and medical fraternity is still trying to determine why some men experience sympathetic pregnancy, there ritualistic Couvade has been around from 50 century BC. It was prevalent in Iberia and Corsica, Spain. Ritualistic Couvade was a socially acceptable custom in many societies in ancient times where the expecting father would take to bed and behave as though he were going through the throes of labor, refrain from eating certain foods that pregnant women are not allowed to eat and even caring for the newborn infant just like the mother would. Scientifically, this ritual was described in the 18th century when anthropologists were studying customs of men who would copy labor experience of their wives while going through childbirth. Anthropologists found different reasons for this ritual that was rather widespread. These reasons have been collected by speaking to people and through observations.

Protecting the mother and newborn infant from evil spirits Strengthening the bond between the new father and infant Asserting paternity socially Diverting the newborn child’s attention from the mother, thereby preventing the relationship from turning incestuous Helping the father take a more active role in the pregnancy, thus diminishing the act of impregnating the wife nine months ago Sustaining a belief that the father possesses supernatural powers, and this allows him to guide and protect the child Although the reasons may vary, Couvade as a ritual was observed in many societies, including Native Americans, Carib people, Indians, French, Chinese and Papuans (New Guinea). The ritual is still present in contemporary times and is seen among the Japanese Ainus community and Witotos in South America. The fact that Couvade ritual is present even today, it is an indication there is more to it than just empathizing with the woman during the nine months of her pregnancy. In societies where the ritual is practiced, the man is not considered less of a man or looked down upon for undergoing or even exhibiting the symptoms of Couvade syndrome. It is a socially acceptable behavior that is even praised and applauded by others in the society. Isn’t that just incredible?

Couvade Syndrome In Modern Times: Some researchers believe Couvade Syndrome is another form of ritualistic Couvade. Rather than copying the symptoms of the pregnant wives, here men suffer or mimic the symptoms of their spouses. While the ritual was more about the relationship between the father and child, Couvade Syndrome appears to be more of a feeling of empathy with the expecting wife than the father-child relationship. However, since it is a psychosomatic connection, it is tough to verify that phantom pregnancy, which men experience is about father-child relationship or man-woman relationship. Maybe it is a little bit of both, or maybe it is as mooted. But, men who develop Couvade Syndrome do, in fact, suffer the same symptoms as their wives or partners. Furthermore, researchers claim the phenomenon of sympathetic pregnancy is more prevalent in industrialized and developed nations rather than non-industrialized and developing nations. Even though the study by St. George’s University gave credence to the existence of Couvade Syndrome, it is not considered a medical condition. Researchers prefer to term it as the body reacting to an emotionally charged up state of mind, more of an upheaval.

However, finding that elusive link between the mind and body has not been a major success. Researchers agree psychosomatic conditions tend to manifest themselves in varied ways. Noted psychoanalysts, Sigmund Freud, and Jean-Martin Charcot, both agreed that the mind has a profound effect on the health of an individual [ 7 ]. So, the mind affects the body, as seen in men suffering from sympathetic pregnancy. Causes Of Couvade Syndrome: It is important to realize that impending fatherhood for the first time can lead to anxiety. It is probably why sympathetic pregnancy is more common among teenage fathers or men who are unprepared for fatherhood. The anxiety of becoming a father can evoke a range of psychosomatic responses in the body. While researchers are still struggling to determine the reason for the condition, certain probable causes (theories) have emerged from studies conducted on Couvade Syndrome. The Syndrome usually is seen in men, who have a strong bond and connection (physically and mentally) with their spouses and partners.

Envying the female for her ability to give birth Unresolved Oedipus complex [ 8 ] Viewing the growing fetus as a rival and hence, competing for the spouse’s attention Masked hostility towards the baby Showing a need for dependence when unconsciously the man yearns for more autonomy Being unprepared for fatherhood, as is the case with teenage fathers Gender and sexuality issues Couvade Syndrome is more prevalent among men with less formal education than those with higher levels of education. However, the jury is out on this finding, as other research shows the education and ethnicity of the father have no bearing on the appearance of sympathetic pregnancy. But, age tends to have a bearing. If the expectant father is young, he has a higher chance of experiencing sympathetic pregnancy. Sigmund Freud believed displaying the symptoms of Couvade was a way for the expecting father to lay to rests any doubts about the child’s paternity. There are also some studies that focus on hormonal changes occurring in expecting fathers. In a study conducted on rodents and nonhuman primates, some evidence has emerged that prolactin levels increase in the male species when the females are pregnant. The evidence points to the fact that there is some hormonal connection to men demonstrating pregnancy symptoms similar to their spouses.

In one study on expecting fathers, it was found the levels of testosterone were low while their spouses were pregnant and then the levels increased after the spouses gave birth to the child. In the same study, researchers found that the men had high levels of cortisol (stress hormone) during pregnancy and childbirth, but the levels significantly reduced after childbirth. The findings conclude that pregnancy is a stressful time for both the woman and the man. Symptoms Of Couvade Syndrome: The symptoms of sympathetic pregnancy are extremely varied, but can be categorized as physical and psychological symptoms. Usually, a man has to experience two or more symptoms to conclude that he suffers from the Syndrome. Physical symptoms of the condition include: Nausea Mood swings Tips To Handle Couvade Syndrome: It goes without saying having a baby is a life-altering experience, which has a profound effect on the expectant father’s life as much as his spouse or partner. However, most expecting fathers are not given an opportunity to vent or express their anxiety or their feelings about the pregnancy or fatherhood. Furthermore, when men develop similar symptoms as their expecting wives or partners, they feel embarrassed and may feel they are the only one experiencing the symptoms.

The embarrassment prevents them from discussing their symptoms with their spouses or partners and healthcare professional. As the condition is not considered a medical one, there is no real treatment listed to help men suffering from the Syndrome. However, the best way to handle sympathetic pregnancy is by educating men and making them aware of the condition. Here are some other tips that could help you handle Couvade syndrome in men: 1. Awareness: Expecting fathers need to know about the possibility of developing the condition so that they don’t feel too embarrassed or indeed confused about what is happening to them. Educating expectant father is one of the most effective ways to tackle the symptoms of Couvade Syndrome. 2. Stress and Anxiety Relief: Since fatherhood can evoke profound feelings and sometimes the man may feel inadequate as a father, it could lead to unfounded stress, thereby causing a manifestation of the symptoms. Expecting fathers should be encouraged to take up yoga, breathing exercises and meditation to alleviate the stress and anxiety [ 9 ]. 3. Being Physically Active: Men experiencing Couvade Syndrome are typically under stress and anxious. Performing a 30-minute exercise routine can help uplift mood and also combat stress.

Being physically active makes one feel good and optimistic about life and the impending fatherhood. 4. Structured Counseling And Psychotherapy: Some of the reasons for Couvade Syndrome relate to unresolved emotional issues, and it is advisable to seek professional help if your partner exhibits two or more symptoms of Couvade Syndrome. Speaking to a mental health care professional can go a long way in resolving emotional conflicts that the man may be experiencing. Also, a qualified mental health care professional can decide whether to use medications to alleviate some of the overwhelming symptoms. 5. Participating in Antenatal Classes: A good way to prevent or combat sympathetic pregnancy is by accompanying the expecting mother for antenatal classes. Opting for these classes helps a man understand his role during pregnancy and childbirth and realizes that his role is to support the woman and focus on her needs and not his. 6. Communicating: The start of a pregnancy is an uncertain time in both the man’s and woman’s lives. Hence, if the two speak about their feelings and expectations, it can become easier for the man to understand his position during the pregnancy. This also is the time to talk about and, if your doctor gives you the go-ahead, even indulge in sex.

Don’t believe the common myth that sexual intercourse during pregnancy can hurt or injure the fetus. When a man has the knowledge and awareness of the syndrome, he is better equipped to handle it even though there is no way of getting rid of it. The knowledge provides comfort and solace to the man, knowing that he is not the only person experiencing these alien symptoms, and there are others who experience them as well. The doctor should make an effort also to monitor the expectant father’s health and ask routine questions about the emotional and physical health of the expecting father during the pregnancy and right after parturition. It helps the healthcare provider truly offer family-centered maternity care. The Burden Of Fatherhood: Men, who are unprepared for fatherhood, may feel obligated to offer support to their spouses and partners during their pregnancy and subsequent labor. The fact that he is going to become a father evokes numerous reactions, and one of them could be experiencing sympathetic pregnancy. A few decades ago; men were not involved in the entire pregnancy and labor as they were considered “women’s” issues. However, that has changed over the years with men expressing a desire to be wholly involved in the entire process.

One of the ways some men expressed they engagement was developing Couvade Syndrome. It is considered as their deep sense of commitment and emotional engagement to the pregnancy as well as childbirth. Such fathers often turn into active partners and are worried about the needs of their spouses or partners. At the same time, the fathers who are actively engaged in pregnancy and labor are worried about their psychology and may not worry or focus on the mothers’ feelings and emotions. This causes them to act in an egocentric manner rather than being sympathetic and empathetic. This is known as the negative side of sympathetic pregnancy. Some experts reckon the process of experiencing Couvade Syndrome is a way for an expecting father to create a new identity for himself. This new identity is that of a father. Hence, until this identity is defined, the man will experience the symptoms. Usually, this identity takes a concrete form after the child is born. Hence, this is the reason the symptoms of sympathetic pregnancy disappear after the birth of the child. A Final Word: It is possible that Couvade Syndrom could be just another form of ritualistic Couvade.

It could be a rite of passage so that the man can embrace fatherhood wholeheartedly and become the pillar of support he is expected to be after childbirth. Expecting a child and experiencing childbirth are two of the most important experiences the couple has together. However, in modern times, where institutionalized childbirths are the norm, it is not possible for the man and woman to share the experience together. Men may be present throughout the pregnancy and also accompany women for labor and childbirth, but after that a sense of isolation creeps in as the men feel alienated from the mother and child. A research conducted in Sweden way back in 1974 states that it makes sense for men to experience sympathetic pregnancy since it facilitates a positive influence in the way a father takes care of the newborn infant. The experience makes the father confident of his ability to make fatherhood an integral part of his life and devote attention to the child. It is quite possible this Syndrome experienced by fathers during pregnancy is a way of defining the father’s role in caring and upbringing of a child in a more complete and comprehensive manner. What are your views on Couvade Syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy? Did you or your spouse experience the Syndrome? Do you relate to what the researchers have to say?

We would love to hear from you. Leave your comment in the box below. Click What is a Sympathetic Pregnancy? (with pictures) What is a Sympathetic Pregnancy? Last Modified Date: 26 December 2016 Copyright Protected: Top 10 unbelievable historical concurrencies 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, meaning 'to hatch'. Although the condition is rare, it occurs in some men. There has been much skepticism over whether this condition is real or not. Scientific research has shown that it is a real psychosomatic disorder. Nearly 80% of men with pregnant partners feel some form of the symptoms of a sympathetic pregnancy. The symptoms are wide ranging; basically, whatever the pregnant female is going through can be experienced by the male. These symptoms can include indigestion , loss or increase of 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 can experience contractions and birth pains.

There is only one cure for a sympathetic pregnancy, and that is 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 necessary. There are many theories regarding the appearance of a sympathetic pregnancy. Some experts say that it is 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 envy on the male’s part over the ability of the female to give birth. Another theory holds that this condition is a result of flexible gender roles, especially if the female is the dominant partner. Although many of these theories are psychological in 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 have been known to fluctuate in males, which may account for a sympathetic pregnancy. Whatever reasons lie behind the condition, it is a very real disorder. It is also difficult for doctors to diagnose. The symptoms are easily confused with other illnesses. Many sympathetic pregnancies have been written off as depression or anxiety over the arrival of a new baby.

Your doctor may need to perform a variety of tests before sympathetic pregnancy is diagnosed. Ad Can I feel pregnant when my wife is? | HowStuffWorks Can I feel pregnant when my wife is? China Photos/ Getty Images Men are usually somewhat peripheral during pregnancy . After all, women are the ones who carry the child and endure the process of labor and childbirth. Most men will take advantage of any opportunity to help, and getting up in the middle of the night to head to a drive-thru for french fries and a chocolate shake is often their greatest expression of sympathy for their wives' condition. But for some men, doting is just the beginning. Imagine your stomach bloating as your wife's grows, or the two of you ill at the same time with morning sickness. Up until recently, the medical establishment has ignored reports of fathers-to-be suffering everything from strange food cravings to backaches and weight gain. But a study in the summer of 2007 went a long way to proving the existence of Couvade syndrome -- or sympathetic pregnancy. Learn More How Men Work The study conducted at St. George's Hospital, a part of St.

George's University in London , England , examined 282 men ages 19 to 55 whose wives were pregnant. A group of 281 men whose wives were not pregnant was used as a control in the study. Researchers found that the majority of the men with pregnant wives displayed a variety of pregnancy-associated symptoms like mood swings and morning sickness. Stomach cramps were the most commonly reported; one man reported his own labor pains that rivaled his wife's while she was delivering their baby. A few of the men who showed signs of sympathetic pregnancy developed pseudocyesis -- a phantom swollen stomach. The study found that the symptoms generally followed a similar pattern to the men's wives' pregnancies. The symptoms came on during the early stages of the pregnancy, reached their worst point within the third trimester and cleared up after the wives had given birth. Even more strangely, 11 of the men who sought medical help for their symptoms found that doctors could offer no physical explanation. Cases of Couvade syndrome (which comes from the French "couver," meaning "to hatch") have been widely documented in different parts of the world. One 1994 study showed that some Thai men also exhibited symptoms of sympathetic pregnancy.

Another study, conducted in Italy the following year, says that reports of the incidence of sympathetic pregnancy ranges from 11 to 65 percent [source: Klein ]. What's more, a person needn't be a man with a pregnant wife ­to experience Couvade syndrome. In at least one case documented in the United States , a woman began to show sympathetic symptoms similar to her pregnant twin sister who lived in another city [source: Budur, et al ]. But why does it happen? Researchers aren't sure. There are, however, a wide variety of suggestions. It may be a man's anxiety over the impending birth of his child that could cause him to show signs of sympathetic pregnancy. Another theory is that Couvade syndrome may be a man's "statement of paternity" or even a sign of envy toward his wife or feelings of rivalry with the baby [source: Klein ]. All of these concepts suggest that Couvade syndrome may be a psychosomatic condition -- a response by the body to a stimulus in the mind. Find out about the mysterious link between mind and body on the next page.

False Pregnancy (Pseudocyesis): Causes, Symptoms, and Tests Treating False Pregnancy Pregnancy is usually an exciting time for expectant parents. But pregnancy doesn't always end with the anticipated baby . In rare cases, a woman (or even a man) believes she is pregnant, only to find out that her symptoms were caused not by pregnancy, but by something else entirely. False pregnancy, clinically termed pseudocyesis, is the belief that you are expecting a baby when you are not really carrying a child. People with pseudocyesis have many, if not all, symptoms of pregnancy -- with the exception of an actual fetus . Some men experience a related phenomenon known as couvade, or sympathetic pregnancy. They will develop many of the same symptoms as their pregnant partners, including weight gain , nausea , and backache. What Causes False Pregnancy? Only recently have doctors begun to understand the psychological and physical issues that are at the root of pseudocyesis. Although the exact causes still aren't known, doctors suspect that psychological factors may trick the body into "thinking" that it's pregnant.

When a woman feels an intense desire to get pregnant , which may be because of infertility , repeat miscarriages , impending menopause , or a desire to get married, her body may produce some pregnancy signs (such as a swollen belly, enlarged breasts , and even the sensation of fetal movement ). The woman's brain then misinterprets those signals as pregnancy, and triggers the release of hormones (such as estrogen and prolactin ) that lead to actual pregnancy symptoms . Some researchers have suggested that poverty, a lack of education, childhood sexual abuse, or relationship problems might play a role in triggering false pregnancy. Having a false pregnancy is not the same as claiming to be pregnant for a benefit (for example, to profit financially), or having delusions of pregnancy (such as in patients with schizophrenia ). Symptoms of False Pregnancy Women with pseudocyesis have many of the same symptoms as those who are actually pregnant, including: Interruption of the menstrual period Swollen belly 6 Surprising Pregnancy Symptoms - for Dads! | What to Expect 7 Symptom #2: Nausea Morning sickness isn’t exclusive to mornings — or moms-to-be.

While this infamous pregnancy woe is attributed to an uptick in a woman’s hormones during pregnancy, men may also find themselves reaching for the saltines (or running for the toilet). But rather than estrogen being the culprit, male queasies are likely the result of the aforementioned anxiety as well as changes in diet, which are pretty common for men who eat to relieve stress. The cures: Get (or stay) physically active as a means to blow off steam, talk about what’s worrying you with your partner or a friend, eat right, and watch your alcohol intake. 4 7 Symptom #3: Mood swings Don’t be shocked if your partner goes through a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde routine a couple of times a day, especially between weeks six and ten, when hormones are surging through her body like a tidal wave. She may ping-pong between joy and sadness, tranquility and anxiety, and sweetness to (extreme) crankiness — and you may do the same. The fact is that while hormones intensify mood swings, the underlying cause is the same in both men and women: nerves.

As you’ve no doubt realized (likely in the middle of the night), having a baby is a big deal, and your life will never be the same. In many ways, it's changing already, which could lead to less sleep and even more mixed emotions. All this worrying is natural, and balancing out the highs and lows of becoming a new dad takes practice — so cut yourself some slack, Pop. There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, and learning to accept that now is great practice for when you’re actually a father. 5 7 Symptom #4: Changes in sexual appetite During pregnancy, a woman’s sex drive can either rev up (lucky you) or shift into neutral — or do both within the same week. Some mamas-to-be experience a sexual surge (especially during the second trimester), while others are too tired, uncomfortable, or self-conscious about their bodies to be interested. But the male mojo is just as unpredictable right now: Some soon-to-be fathers are turned on by the changes in a pregnant partner's body, while others may find the transformation an overwhelming reminder of the responsibilities looming around the corner. Some men find themselves energized by the prospect of having a baby, while others are exhausted just thinking about it.

And some expectant parents are too scared about hurting the baby to even think about having sex. (For most couples, there’s no risk at all.) If your sex life has stalled, try to remain intimate. Remember, sex is only one physical display of intimacy, and there are many other ways to be close without touching at all. A few tender tactics to try: Wake up a little earlier to have a morning cup of decaf together before work, take an evening walk (hand-holding encouraged), or snuggle on the couch with popcorn and a movie. The important thing is to find ways to communicate affection with your partner and share the new feelings you may both be experiencing…in and out of the bedroom. 6 7 Symptom #5: Weight gain A bigger belly may be a given for a mommy-to-be, but why is it that a man gains an average of 14 pounds during his partner’s pregnancy? Sympathetic snacking might be one factor, but that’s not the whole story. A more likely culprit is cortisol, aptly dubbed the “stress hormone” because it’s secreted at higher volumes during periods of anxiety.

Cortisol regulates insulin and blood-sugar levels so your body may think it’s hungry when it’s not. Plus, cortisol directs where you pack on the pounds, which is — you guessed it — to the belly. Battle the bulge by stocking your kitchen with healthy snacks and watching your overall calorie intake. Also consider amping up your exercise routine to reduce stress and your waistline. 7 7 Symptom #6: Aches and pains Many symptoms of couvade syndrome seem to have clear causes (read: nerves), but others are more mysterious. Men consistently report toothaches, backaches, headaches, leg cramps, and other pains in various studies on sympathetic pregnancy. Some men even report experiencing pains in the same places at the same times as their partners. Researchers have yet to find any physical explanations for these simultaneous ouches, so the cause is likely psychological: Some daddies-to-be may be responding to subconscious feelings of competition (they might not be carrying a child, but they’re becoming a parent, too). Whatever the case, treating what ails you with honest communication about the upcoming changes in your life is probably a lot more effective than popping a painkiller.

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Question: What name is given to sympathetic pregnancy?
Answer: Couvade syndrome