This sympathetic syndrome makes Fathers feel pregnant

Did you know even fathers-to-be can also feel the pain, emotions and symptoms of pregnancy? While this may sound bizarre and impossible, it is true that in most cases men too feel pregnant. Here’s all you need to know about this syndrome…


All about the lesser-known syndrome
There’s no denying that what a mother goes through during the phase of pregnancy is difficult to comprehend in words, but scientists believe that there are men who also feel the pain of their partners and go through similar changes in their bodies and mind. But why does this happen and what exactly is this condition?

What is this syndrome?
Couvade syndrome is experienced by almost half of all partners, and is also known as the Sympathetic Pregnancy. It is an interesting thing that happens to dads-to-be, and it often starts with feeling sick to their stomach or being really tired or even having cravings for certain foods. These are the things that pregnant women feel but sometimes the dad-to-be feels them too. This might sound like a mystery but researchers are starting to figure out that this "sympathetic pregnancy" is actually pretty common and is actually good for the expecting mother and the unborn child.


All about the Couvade syndrome
Couvade syndrome is something that happens a lot. This is because it does not have a medical definition, as it is all about the bond of love and sympathy that leads to this condition. Some studies show that 52% of dads in the US get symptoms and in some countries like China and Poland, it is as high as 70%. In countries like Sweden it is only about 20%. Interestingly, the word "Couvade" comes from a word that means "to brood" or "to hatch." Earlier, this condition was often spotted among elite men, and it was not seen as a medical problem but as a cultural thing. As men would often stay in bed and sometimes even pretend to have labor pains to support their partners or to show that they were the father of the baby.



Changes over the years
Now researchers think that Couvade syndrome is a sign of how stressful it is to become a parent. They think it is a way that the body shows that it is getting ready for a change. It turns out that these symptoms might not just be in the dad's head and actually manifest in their body as a consequence of sympathy. Researchers have found that men's bodies actually change when their partner is pregnant.
Some things that happen to fathers include their testosterone levels going down, which might help them be more nurturing. Their estradiol levels change, which can help them take care of the baby. Can also make them gain weight or feel moody. Their brain changes, which helps them bond with the baby.


Some researchers think that we should not think of Couvade syndrome as a disease. Instead, it is a sign of how much empathy and love the dad-to-be has for his partner and baby. Whether it is a dad feeling backaches as he gets the house ready for the baby or a partner changing their diet to support their spouse, Couvade syndrome is a sign of the bond between partners. If we acknowledge these symptoms, we can support dads and partners as they become parents.