Couvade syndrome, also called sympathetic pregnancy, is a proposed condition in which an expectant father experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior as his pregnant partner. These most often include major weight gain, altered hormone levels,
morning nausea, and disturbed
sleep
Sleep is a sedentary state of mind and body. It is characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited Perception, sensory activity, reduced muscle activity and reduced interactions with surroundings. It is distinguished from wakefuln ...
patterns. In more extreme cases, symptoms can include
labor pains, fatigue,
postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth, which can affect both sexes. Symptoms may include extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety, crying episodes, irritability, and cha ...
, and
nosebleeds
A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is bleeding from the nose. Blood can flow down into the stomach, and cause nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, blood may come out of both nostrils. Rarely, bleeding may be so significant that low bloo ...
. The labor pain symptom is commonly known as ''sympathy pain''.
The source of Couvade Syndrome is a matter of debate. Some believe it to be a
psychosomatic
A somatic symptom disorder, formerly known as a somatoform disorder,(2013) dsm5.org. Retrieved April 8, 2014. is any mental disorder that manifests as physical symptoms that suggest illness or injury, but cannot be explained fully by a general ...
condition, while others believe it may have biological causes relating to hormone changes.
The name derives from "
couvade", a class of male pregnancy rituals.
Symptoms
Symptoms experienced by the partner can include stomach pain, back pain, indigestion, changes in appetite, weight gain,
acne
Acne, also known as ''acne vulgaris'', is a long-term skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include blackheads or whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and ...
,
diarrhea
Diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements each day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. Signs of dehydration often begin w ...
, constipation, headache, toothache,
, nausea, breast augmentation, breast growth, dry navel, hardening of the nipple, excessive
earwax
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a brown, orange, red, yellowish or gray waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals. It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, ...
, and
insomnia
Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in which people have trouble sleeping. They may have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired. Insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, ...
.
[ A qualitative study listed 35 symptoms from Couvade literature, including gastrointestinal, ]genitourinary
The genitourinary system, or urogenital system, are the organs of the reproductive system and the urinary system. These are grouped together because of their proximity to each other, their common embryological origin and the use of common pathw ...
, respiratory, oral or dental, stiffening of the glutes, generalized aches and pains, and other symptoms.
Psychological hypotheses
Psychological causes suggested have included anxiety, pseudo-sibling rivalry
Sibling rivalry is a type of competition or animosity among siblings, whether blood-related or not.
Siblings generally spend more time together during childhood than they do with parents. The sibling bond is often complicated and is influenced ...
, identification with the fetus, ambivalence about fatherhood, or parturition envy.Oedipal conflict
The Oedipus complex (also spelled Œdipus complex) is an idea in psychoanalytic theory. The Complex (psychology), complex is an ostensibly universal phase in the life of a young boy in which, to try to immediately satisfy basic desires, he Uncons ...
. In 1920s France, Couvade was claimed to be more common in conditions where sex roles are flexible and the female is of a dominant status.
Physiological hypotheses
Studies have shown that the male partner cohabitating with a pregnant female will experience hormonal shifts in his prolactin
Prolactin (PRL), also known as lactotropin, is a protein best known for its role in enabling mammals to produce milk. It is influential in over 300 separate processes in various vertebrates, including humans. Prolactin is secreted from the pi ...
, cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones. When used as a medication, it is known as hydrocortisone.
It is produced in many animals, mainly by the '' zona fasciculata'' of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal g ...
, estradiol
Estradiol (E2), also spelled oestradiol, is an estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone. It is involved in the regulation of the estrous and menstrual female reproductive cycles. Estradiol is responsible for the development o ...
, and testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone and anabolic steroid in males. In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristi ...
levels, typically starting at the end of the first trimester and continuing through several weeks post-partum.
References
Further reading
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External links
Feeling Her Pain The Male Pregnancy Experience
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Elusive Couvade Syndrome
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Couvade Syndrome
Andrology
Culture-bound syndromes
Human pregnancy