Couvade syndrome can affect many men, however, many have no idea that they are suffering from a psychological illness.
Couvade syndrome is also known as phantom pregnancy. This set of symptoms is psychosomatic and is developed in men due to their great involvement in the pregnancy of their partners. Basically, partners get so involved in the unique moment that they end up developing the same symptoms.
However, the symptoms are, at first: nausea, cravings, bouts of depression and crying, all resulting from emotional involvement. The signs described are all those of pregnancy, that is, the couple becomes, literally, “pregnant”.
What are the symptoms of couvade syndrome?
Symptoms of couvade syndrome are seen both physically and psychologically in man. At first, nausea and vomiting at the beginning of pregnancy are the most recurrent. Along with this, due to tension, comes unwanted abdominal pain, similar to colic.
This symptomatic recurrence can cause problems, above all, with the patient’s appetite and the tendency is to get worse every day. Adding to this, you may end up developing, for example, leg and back pain, urinary frequency and, oddly enough, an enlarged belly. That’s right!
It’s as if, in his mind, he really was pregnant, deeply affecting his psychology. In this context, changes in mood and sleep tend to appear, so imagine the mental confusion this dad must be going through. Consequently, the danger of developing, above all, depression is very strong.
According to research, all this sensitivity is only possible because the bodily changes are so great that men end up suffering hormonal changes. Therefore, the imbalance generates all the signs of pregnancy.
What can cause couvard syndrome?
At first, those with Couvade Syndrome, that is, the dads, become even more empathetic. This occurs according to the woman’s feelings and sensitivities. And, like every mother, stress with constant mood swings and anxiety are recurrent during the 9 months of pregnancy.
The most absurd and shocking symptom is, above all, the jealousy that the man feels because the woman is carrying the baby.
Possible Treatments
Unfortunately, the syndrome still does not have a treatment, because it is not properly considered a disease. The best way is, above all, to hold on until the baby is born so that the side effects pass and, at best, try to breathe and remain calm and, if necessary, seek out a good therapist.
After all, did you like this article? Therefore, also read: Gas during pregnancy – Cause, reasons, prevention and remedies.
Sources: infoescola, santajoana, amenteemaravilhosa, tuasaude. Breastfeeding, Scielo.
Featured image: blog.pregistry
