Couvade Syndrome: When Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms

You may have heard of “sympathy weight,” where a partner gains a few extra pounds during pregnancy. However, for some expectant fathers, the experience can go beyond weight changes. Men whose partners are expecting a baby may notice surprising emotional and physical symptoms similar to pregnancy. This phenomenon, known as Couvade Syndrome, highlights how deeply the parenthood journey could affect both parents.

What Is Couvade Syndrome?

Couvade Syndrome, often referred to as sympathetic pregnancy, is a fascinating phenomenon where men experience symptoms similar to pregnancy while their partner is expecting. The term “couvade” is derived from the Breton word couver, meaning “to brood, hatch, or incubate”. While the condition mimics pregnancy symptoms, it is not classified as a medical or psychological disorder.

Historically, anthropologists have linked Couvade syndrome to ritualistic practices in ancient cultures. During these rituals, men symbolically "shared" the pregnancy by mimicking pregnancy experiences, including labor and delivery. Today, couvade syndrome could be influenced by modern shifts in fatherhood roles, with men taking on more participatory and emotionally involved roles during pregnancy and childbirth.

How Common is Couvade Syndrome?

Traditionally, the role of the father was seen as a provider and protector, often taking a secondary role during their partner’s pregnancy. Their involvement was typically limited to being observers. However, societal expectations have shifted greatly in recent years.

Nowadays, fathers are expected to take on a more active role during pregnancy. This involvement may include attending prenatal appointments, participating in childbirth preparation classes, and even engaging in skin-to-skin contact with their newborns. As dads become more hands-on and emotionally invested in their partner’s pregnancy, they may also become more aware of physical or emotional changes in themselves. This heightened awareness has likely contributed to a greater recognition of Couvade Syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy.

While there is no concrete data on exactly how common Couvade syndrome is, studies suggest it occurs more frequently in partners who take an active, empathetic role during pregnancy. The condition underscores the profound connection some fathers develop with their partner’s pregnancy experience, raising questions like, “Can a man have symptoms of pregnancy?”, and “How deeply does empathy play a role in this phenomenon?”

What are the Causes of Couvade Syndrome?

Couvade syndrome is believed to stem from a mix of emotional and physical responses to the journey of becoming a parent. Partners who are deeply involved in pregnancy often develop a heightened sense of empathy, which might lead them to unconsciously reflect on their partner’s symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, or even aches.

Stress may also play a significant role. The emotional pressures of pregnancy may increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which could possibly cause physical discomfort. At the same time, reduced testosterone linked to stress can affect mood, energy, and focus.

For partners who have gone through infertility treatments, the combination of heightened stress and empathy may amplify physical symptoms, making them more likely to experience sympathetic pregnancy. Recognizing these potential causes offers insight into the emotional and physiological bonds that can arise during this transformative time.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome?

Since men cannot become pregnant, it’s natural to ask, “Can a man have symptoms of pregnancy, and if so, why?” In cases of Couvade syndrome, the answer appears to be yes. Men may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that closely mirror those of their pregnant partners.

So, what symptoms does a father-to-be get when the partner is pregnant?

Some research suggests that sympathetic pregnancy symptoms, such as male morning sickness or fatigue, may be tied to heightened empathy. A phenomenon called “compathy” refers to sharing emotional and physical experiences, which may explain why some men report nausea, back pain, or mood changes during their partner’s pregnancy.

Another theory, known as “loading,” suggests that men may psychologically absorb and manifest their partner’s discomfort, particularly during a first pregnancy. This might explain why pregnancy symptoms in men—like nausea or emotional shifts—are sometimes more common in first-time fathers than second-time fathers.

Hormonal changes in the expectant dad may also play a part in couvade syndrome, though the research thus far is inconclusive.

Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome

Physical symptoms

Men experiencing Couvade syndrome might notice physical changes that closely resemble pregnancy symptoms. Common physical signs include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Intestinal problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation

• Heartburn

• Changes in appetite

• Weight gain or loss

• Toothaches

• Backaches

• Skin problems

• Leg cramps

• Fainting

• Weakness

• Urinary or genital irritations.

Psychological signs

The emotional effects of sympathetic pregnancy are just as significant. These can include:

• Change in sleeping patterns

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Reduced libido

• Restlessness.

When Does Couvade Syndrome Start and How Long Do Symptoms Last?

Couvade Syndrome often starts early, typically during the first trimester, mirroring the timing of common pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue. For those wondering “How early can a man experience pregnancy symptoms?”, it’s not unusual for symptoms to appear within the first few weeks of their partner’s pregnancy.

It’s normal for the symptoms to improve during the second trimester, often considered a more stable pregnancy period. However, they tend to return during the third trimester, when physical and emotional demands on the pregnant partner are at their highest. Fortunately, symptoms of sympathetic pregnancy usually resolve completely after the baby is born, offering relief to both parents.

Is There Treatment for Couvade Syndrome?

There is no specific treatment for Couvade syndrome, which, as mentioned above, is not considered a disease or recognized as a psychological condition. However, if you’re an expectant partner and have symptoms that mimic those of your pregnant partner—in other words, symptoms of Couvade syndrome—there are ways to ease the symptoms.

Tips to Manage Couvade Syndrome Symptoms

• Educate yourself. This may involve attending a prenatal class with your pregnant partner and/or reading up on books, websites, or blogs on fatherhood.

• Share your feelings. Have a conversation with your partner about parenthood. Speak to close friends and family about your inhibitions. They may give you some unsolicited advice, but it may be worth listening to. Or, speak to a psychologist/therapist who can give you the tools to cope with your anxieties.

• Plan ahead. Prepare for the transition to fatherhood by tackling practical tasks, like babyproofing your home and organizing the essentials. Mentally preparing for this life change can also help ease anxiety.

The Bottom Line

Despite there being little research on couvade syndrome, it’s a genuine concern for those men who develop any symptoms and experience a sympathetic pregnancy. No matter what lies behind Couvade syndrome, it’s a phenomenon that can affect expectant fathers, often first-time dads who are more likely to take on the anxieties of new fatherhood.

If you’re affected, talk to your partner, family, or healthcare provider. Open communication can help ease the experience. Support your journey with the Pampers Club app, offering rewards, discounts, and resources to help your growing family.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}