Men experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms? All you need to know about sympathetic pregnancy

Often we come across a phrase expecting couples tend to use - “We are pregnant”. Although both parties are in it together, only the female partner physically carries the child. Along with that come the cons of a pregnancy. Be it morning sickness, sleepless nights, or certain food aversions, nausea, and so much more.

However, there are times, the other partner - who isn’t carrying the child physically - tends to feel the pregnancy symptoms too. Along with their female partner, they also go through symptoms like mood swings, tiredness, and headaches.

If your partner is pregnant, and you’re experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms, then you might be going through something, which is called ‘ sympathetic pregnancy ’.



Read on to know more about the ‘sympathetic pregnancy’.


What is a sympathetic pregnancy?

Having a pregnant partner, it’s only likely to have found yourself on the sidelines, watching, supporting, and cheering them on as they experience a whole range of body changes and symptoms.

However, it is also possible to experience symptoms that your partner goes through in the course of their pregnancy.

If one does experience such symptoms, they might be experiencing Couvade syndrome , also known as sympathetic pregnancy.

Although it’s called a sympathetic pregnancy, it is very real.


"Sympathetic pregnancy," also known as Couvade syndrome, is a phenomenon where a non-pregnant partner, typically the expectant father, experiences pregnancy-like symptoms and behaviors, often including nausea, fatigue, and weight gain, alongside their pregnant partner.


Here's a more detailed explanation of the phenomenon:

What it is: Couvade syndrome, or sympathetic pregnancy, is a term used to describe a situation where a man experiences physical and psychological symptoms that mimic those of pregnancy, often in response to his partner's pregnancy.

Symptoms: These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, changes in appetite, toothache, weight gain, food cravings, diarrhea, abdominal pain, mood swings, nervousness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Causes: The exact cause of Couvade syndrome is not fully understood, but potential factors include stress, empathy for the pregnant partner, and even possible hormonal changes in the expectant father. While the exact cause is not fully understood, theories suggest that it may be related to:

Psychological factors: Empathy for the pregnant partner, stress, and the emotional and psychological changes associated with becoming a father.

Hormonal changes: Some studies suggest that men may experience hormonal fluctuations during their partner's pregnancy, although research is still ongoing.



The origin of couvade pregnancy:

The term "couvade" comes from a class of male pregnancy rituals observed in some cultures, where men would engage in behaviors that mimic pregnancy and labor to show solidarity with their pregnant partner.

Couvade syndrome is not considered a medical or psychiatric disorder, but rather a phenomenon that can affect some men during their partner's pregnancy. Although it isn’t a serious condition, it can be a source of stress and anxiety for both the man and his partner, so open communication and understanding are important.


How common is the couvade syndrome?

Although it’s not clear how many partners experience a sympathetic pregnancy, Ob/Gyn Catherine Caponero, DO, told Cleveland Clinic, “From our limited data, it appears to be relatively common.”

In one older study of 267 couples in New York City, about 20% of nonpregnant partners sought care for couvade syndrome. A 2007 review concluded that symptoms of couvade syndrome may affect up to 97% of nonpregnant partners worldwide.

Prevalence: Studies indicate that couvade syndrome (ranging from very mild to very severe symptoms) may affect between 25 and 50% of men with pregnant partners in the US, 20% in Sweden, and 61% in Thailand.