Couvade syndrome
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.
The source of Couvade syndrome is a matter of debate. Some believe it to be a
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, diarrhea, constipation, headache, toothache,[3] cravings, nausea, breast augmentation, breast growth, dry navel, hardening of the nipple, excessive earwax, and insomnia.[2] 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.[4]
Psychological hypotheses
Psychological causes suggested have included anxiety, pseudo-
Physiological hypotheses
![[icon]](/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2011) |
Studies have shown that the male partner cohabitating with a pregnant female will experience hormonal shifts in his prolactin, cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone levels, typically starting at the end of the first trimester and continuing through several weeks post-partum.[7]
References
- ^ Lack, Evonne (April 2012). "Strange but true: Couvade syndrome (sympathetic pregnancy)". Baby Center.
- ^ a b "Partners suffer from phantom pregnancy". BBC. 14 June 2007. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
- ^ S2CID 31911721.
- S2CID 59408475.
- S2CID 6557207.
- OCLC 220162157.
- PMID 10785345.
Further reading
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2015) |
- Nippoldt, Todd B. (January 15, 2014). "What can you tell me about Couvade syndrome? Can men really experience sympathetic pregnancy symptoms?". Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
- Trethowan, W. H.; Conlon, M. F. (1965). "The Couvade Syndrome". The British Journal of Psychiatry. 111 (470): 57–66. S2CID 42948191.
- Lipkin, Mack; Lamb, G. S. (1982). "The Couvade Syndrome: An Epidemiologic Study". Annals of Internal Medicine. 96 (4): 509–11. PMID 7199885.
- Trethowan, W.H. (1968). "The couvade syndrome—some further observations". Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 12 (1): 107–15. PMID 5663941.
- Khanobdee, Chantima; Sukratanachaiyakul, Varunee; Gay, Janice Templeton (1993). "Couvade syndrome in expectant Thai fathers". International Journal of Nursing Studies. 30 (2): 125–31. PMID 8496024.
- Masoni, S.; Maio, A.; Trimarchi, G.; De Punzio, C.; Fioretti, P. (1994). "The couvade syndrome". Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology. 15 (3): 125–31. PMID 8000469.
- Bogren, L. Y. (1984). "The couvade syndrome: Background variables". Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 70 (4): 316–20. S2CID 40939221.
External links
- Feeling Her Pain The Male Pregnancy Experience
- "Lecturer investigates hormonal link to 'sympathy pregnancies' in men" (Press release). Kingston University. 24 June 2010. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
- Elusive Couvade Syndrome
- Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 7 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 337–338.