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 state of reduced mental and physical activity in which consciousness is altered and certain Sensory nervous system, sensory activity is inhibited. During sleep, there is a marked decrease in muscle activity and interactions with th ...
patterns. In more extreme cases, symptoms can include
labor pains, fatigue,
postpartum depression, and
nosebleeds. 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 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 Cutaneous condition, skin condition that occurs when Keratinocyte, dead skin cells and Sebum, oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include comedo, ...
,
diarrhea, constipation, headache, toothache,
, nausea, breast augmentation, breast growth, dry navel, hardening of the nipple, excessive
earwax, and
insomnia
Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder where people have difficulty sleeping. They may have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep for as long as desired. Insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low ene ...
.
[ A qualitative study listed 35 symptoms from Couvade literature, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, 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, identification with the fetus, ambivalence about fatherhood, or parturition envy.
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 and mammotropin, 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 secr ...
, cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid class of hormones and a stress hormone. When used as medication, it is known as hydrocortisone.
Cortisol is produced in many animals, mainly by the ''zona fasciculata'' of the adrenal corte ...
, estradiol, and testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and androgen in Male, males. In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of Male reproductive system, male reproductive tissues such as testicles and prostate, as well as promoting se ...
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