Most of us are familiar with pregnancy symptoms, such as gaining weight, nausea, and even postpartum depression. Well, women aren’t the only ones who experience these during a pregnancy; apparently, men do too.
According to an article published by Can Fam Physician, “The Couvade syndrome describes the various physical symptoms found in expectant fathers.” An easier term to recognize is sympathetic pregnancy.
It’s really not that surprising when you think about it. People who are very close, often develop similar feelings and grow close enough even to feel phantom pain they see in their loved one.
Here are some symptoms reported by sympathetic pregnancy sufferers:
- Bloating
- Anxiety
- Heartburn
- Backaches
- Nausea
- Reduced sleep
- Cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Although experts have not been able to agree that Couvade Syndrome is real (a physical illness treatable by medicine), the best way to combat it is much the same as pregnant women deal with their symptoms. Avoid stress as much as possible and prepare for labor as best as possible. Dads, this means not missing a single prenatal class.
