What can you tell me about couvade? Can men really experience sympathetic pregnancy symptoms?
Answers from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.Sympathetic pregnancy (couvade) describes a situation in which otherwise healthy men — whose partners are expecting babies — experience pregnancy-related symptoms. While some research suggests that couvade might be common, it isn't a recognized mental illness or disease. Further studies are needed to determine whether couvade is a physical condition with psychological causes.
Symptoms reported to be associated with couvade vary and typically occur only during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.
- Physical symptoms. These symptoms might include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, appetite changes, respiratory problems, toothaches, leg cramps, backaches, and urinary or genital irritations.
- Psychological symptoms. These symptoms might include changes in sleeping patterns, anxiety, depression, reduced libido and restlessness.
Whether couvade is real or not, what's certain is that becoming a new parent can be exciting, emotional and stressful. If your partner is pregnant, take steps to manage stress and prepare for parenthood. Attend prenatal classes. Seek out advice and encouragement from friends and family. Talk to your partner. Understanding and planning for the challenges ahead can help ease your transition into parenthood.
Aug. 25, 2016 See more Expert AnswersProducts and Services
- Free Pregnancy App — Expert knowledge at your fingertips!
- Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
See also
- Air travel during pregnancy
- Allergy medications during pregnancy
- Ankle swelling during pregnancy
- Antibiotics and pregnancy
- Aspirin during pregnancy
- Baby brain
- Pregnancy back pain
- Breast-feeding while pregnant
- Childbirth classes
- Dental work during pregnancy
- Thinking about exercise during pregnancy?
- Falling during pregnancy: Reason to worry?
- Flu and pregnancy
- Flu shot in pregnancy
- Hair dye and pregnancy
- Headaches during pregnancy: What's the best treatment?
- Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: Prevention tips
- Leg cramps during pregnancy
- Introducing a new sibling
- Placenta
- Pregnancy due date calculator
- Pregnancy acne
- Pregnancy and exercise
- Pregnancy and fish
- Pregnancy and hot tubs
- Pregnancy and lactose intolerance
- Pregnancy constipation
- Pregnancy diet: Essential nutrients
- Pregnancy glow: Is it real?
- Pregnancy nutrition don'ts
- Pregnancy nutrition basics
- Pregnancy weight gain
- Pregnant. Now What Happens?
- Prenatal testing
- Prenatal testing: Quick guide to common tests
- Prenatal vitamins and pregnancy
- Prenatal yoga
- Rheumatoid arthritis medications: Dangerous during pregnancy?
- Second pregnancy differences
- Sex during pregnancy
- Sleep during pregnancy
- Vegetable recipes
- Fetal ultrasound
- Smoking and pregnancy
- Twin pregnancy
- Vaccines during pregnancy
- Fetal ultrasound
- Working during pregnancy
- X-ray during pregnancy