Couvade syndrome corresponds to a set of symptoms that can appear in men during their partner’s pregnancy, which psychologically express the pregnancy by presenting similar sensations. Thus, men can gain weight, suffer from nausea, cravings, crying spells or even depression.
The symptoms also demonstrate the need that many men have to become fathers, or the strong affective and emotional bond with their wife, which ends up transferring a series of sensations that usually only manifest themselves in women to the husband.
Couvade syndrome symptoms
Men may experience physical and psychological symptoms of pregnancy, the main ones being:
- Nausea;
- Asia;
- Dor abdominal;
- Swelling;
- Increase or decrease in appetite;
- Respiratory changes;
- Back pain;
- Leg cramps;
- Changes in sleep;
- Anxiety;
- Restlessness;
- Depression;
- Change in sexual appetite.
Couvade syndrome does not usually cause psychological disorders, however, it is advisable to seek a specialist only when the situation gets out of control and starts to bother the couple and those close to them.
Possible causes
It is not yet known exactly what causes this syndrome, but it is thought that it may be related to the man’s anxiety about pregnancy and fatherhood, or that it is an unconscious adaptation of the brain so that the future father can relate and attach to the baby.
This syndrome is more common in men who have a strong desire to be fathers, who are emotionally very attached to their pregnant partner, and if the pregnancy is at risk, they are even more likely to experience these symptoms.
How the treatment is carried out
As it is not considered a disease, couvade syndrome does not have a specific treatment, and symptoms may persist in men until the birth of the baby. In these cases, it is advised that the man tries to relax, which can help alleviate the symptoms.
If the symptoms are very intense and frequent, or if they get out of control and start to bother the couple and those close to them, it is advisable to consult a therapist.
