When a woman becomes pregnant, her body goes through many changes that cause a variety of symptoms throughout the pregnancy. In some cases, though, she may not be alone in experiencing some of these symptoms. Couvade syndrome, also known as sympathetic pregnancy, has been shown to affect between 11% and 65% of men with pregnant partners, depending on the study being cited. If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing male pregnancy symptoms, read on to learn more and find out what can be done.
What Is Couvade Syndrome?
Couvade syndrome, more commonly referred to as sympathetic pregnancy, is a condition in which men experience pregnancy symptoms during their partner’s pregnancy. Despite the syndrome being fairly common, sympathetic pregnancy isn’t considered an official medical or psychological condition. It’s often believed to be a somatic condition, and a range of theories connect it with varying forms of emotional distress that may be present when expecting a baby.
Some believe it could be triggered by the overwhelming fear of becoming a parent, guilt due to feeling responsible for a partner’s pregnancy or even a form of jealousy over their partner’s ability to carry a baby. None of these theories has been proven definitively. There’s still much to be learned about why and how sympathetic pregnancy develops.
A hormonal component may contribute to couvade syndrome. For some expectant fathers, testosterone levels fall and estradiol increases. This hormone shift may create an ideal environment for sympathetic pregnancy to develop. Some evidence also suggests that men who are more actively involved in following fetal development during their partner’s pregnancy may be more prone to experiencing couvade syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Sympathetic Pregnancy
Men who experience sympathetic pregnancy can suffer from any combination of these pregnancy symptoms, with the first three being the most common:
- Nausea
- Changes in sleep habits (insomnia)
- Weight gain or appetite changes
- Toothache
- Heartburn
- Back pain
- Leg cramps
- Genital discomfort
- Respiratory discomfort
- Lowered libido
- Anxiety or depression
These symptoms usually appear around the third gestational month, subside during the second trimester and return for the third trimester. In most cases, these symptoms resolve once the baby is born, but they may continue for some time after the birth, just as they do for the mother. These symptoms are also most likely to appear when expecting the first child versus any subsequent children.
Couvade Syndrome Versus Common Emotions
Although sympathetic pregnancy is believed to be tied to the mental and emotional distress that sometimes comes with preparing to become a new parent, the experience for those afflicted goes beyond the traditional manifestation of these feelings. While it’s completely normal to feel stress in anticipation of a permanently life-altering event such as having a baby, men who experience sympathetic pregnancy are also navigating real physical changes in their bodies.
In addition to powering through these physical discomforts, these men may also experience a heightened risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. While common emotions such as sadness or worry can often be worked through using coping skills or forgotten with a distraction, these tactics aren’t likely to eliminate male pregnancy symptoms in the same way. In addition to the increased intensity of this experience, men may find themselves worrying about their own health if they don’t understand what’s happening to them.
Similar Conditions
Sympathetic pregnancy is most commonly confused with phantom pregnancy, or pseudocyesis. Phantom pregnancy affects women, who present with signs and symptoms of pregnancy but no fetus in the womb. This rare condition is believed to be limited to between 1 and 6 cases for every 22,000 births. Phantom pregnancies often include missed menstrual periods, an enlarged abdomen, breast tenderness and even false labor contractions.
Officially classified as a psychosomatic disorder without delusions, similar to sympathetic pregnancy, phantom pregnancy is believed to be triggered by very different things. Infertility, loss of a child and multiple miscarriages can lead to a strong desire to become pregnant that may be powerful enough to cause physical symptoms of pregnancy. On the other end of the spectrum, fear of pregnancy, sexual abuse and emotional trauma can also be factors, along with established bouts of depression or anxiety.
A few medical conditions can change hormone balances to support pregnancy symptoms, such as:
- Menopause
- Certain forms of cancer
- Uterine tumors
Despite the many similarities between pseudocyesis and couvade syndrome, pseudocyesis generally affects women, whereas men may develop couvade syndrome. Also, while phantom pregnancies are extremely rare, sympathetic pregnancy is seen much more often.
Next Steps to Take
If you believe you or someone you know is suffering from sympathetic pregnancy, no official diagnosis is available, and no treatment protocol is in place. However, this doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence, since your symptoms can still be treated. Stress reduction techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can help offer some relief, along with symptom-specific medications for nausea, cramping and heartburn. Also, since couvade syndrome doesn’t involve the presence of an actual fetus, you can talk to your doctor about trying a sleep aid if general relaxation techniques don’t send you off to dreamland.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for some extra assistance in managing the stress of becoming a parent and all the possible symptoms that come with that, the Mental Health Hotline is a great start. We connect you with qualified and reputable mental health care providers who can assist you in identifying the coping skills you need. Call us today to find the right provider to help you navigate this exciting but challenging time.
