Sympathetic pregnancy is a syndrome where the pregnancy-like symptoms show up in the non-pregnant partner. While it sounds unreal, the syndrome is not very uncommon. In this blog, we will learn about this syndrome in detail, along with its symptoms, causes and treatment.
Introduction
Sympathetic pregnancy, also known as Couvade syndrome, is a condition where a pregnant individual’s non-pregnant partner is said to be experiencing symptoms that tend to mimic common pregnancy symptoms. Once you get to understand the causes of such symptoms, it can be timely addressed to avoid further confusion.
In today’s post, you will not only learn about the causes of pregnancy-like symptoms in men but also the treatment available for this syndrome. This post will showcase a better understanding of sympathetic symptoms.
Pregnancy Symptoms in Men- What Causes It?
Couvade syndrome happens when men start experiencing pregnancy symptoms as their pregnant partner does. Researchers have termed sympathetic couvade symptoms as a condition happening between the mind and body. Although there is no proven understanding of the causes of pregnancy symptoms in men, here are some theories.
1) Empathetic Response
One valid reason why sympathetic pregnancy happens in men is their physical manifestation of empathy. Researchers do suspect that Couvade syndrome symptoms can occur as a ‘loading phenomenon’ type of example, where one takes over and understands another person’s physical and psychological suffering.
2) Jealousy
Feeling envy might be the origin of experiencing sympathetic pregnancy syndrome. An unrealistic need to create life or a rivalry with the fetus in a subconscious sense could lead to experiencing pregnancy symptoms in men.
3) Preparatory Ritual
Couvade syndrome symptoms act as a preparatory ritual or rite of passage in men. The more they prepare for parenthood, the more likely they are about to experience the symptoms. Such parental transitional theory, when put to real-life sense, can disrupt interpersonal struggles and mimic symptoms of their pregnant partner. Starting from feeling proud or feeling trapped, everything the pregnant partner faces, the non-pregnant can also feel it through.
4) Hormonal Change
Fluctuation in hormones, especially testosterone levels, can bring in sympathetic syndrome in men. Such hormonal change can be addressed by having a closer look at the sleeping schedule followed every day, along with the food intake.
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Symptoms of Sympathetic Syndrome
The sympathetic or couvade syndrome happens either during the first or third trimester of pregnancy. The symptoms can stop after the pregnant partner gives birth to the child. Some of the common Couvade syndrome symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flatulence
- Weight gain or loss
- Appetite changes
- Toothaches
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Leg cramps
- Skin problems
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
Adding to these physical symptoms, some men do experience psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Some of the symptoms associated with sympathetic pregnancy can be circumstantial as well. To say with a valid example, expecting a child can completely shake up the established routine both men and women have in a day. Such a dramatic shift in everyday routine can hinder both physical and mental health. Once the fetus starts growing in the womb, the routine turns hectic, bringing in unanticipated emotional changes in men, too.
Is There Treatment for Sympathetic Syndrome?
Although there is no proven or specific treatment for sympathetic syndrome, it can still be handled by following certain steps. If you are an expectant dad and have most of the pregnancy symptoms that mimic your pregnant partner, there are certain ways to ease them down.
Following the below-mentioned steps during your partner’s pregnancy time can help you wisely handle both physical and emotional symptoms.
1) Talk to Someone
Sit down to have a conversation about parenthood with your partner. Ensure your pregnant partner feels safe and not worried about the future, as it can affect both the baby and your mental health. Speak to family or close friends about your inhibition. You can receive some piece of worthy advice from them. Or, you can speak to a therapist/psychologist who can derive a set of tools to cope with your Couvade syndrome symptoms.
2) Preparing Yourself
Take your partner and go for a prenatal class to understand the pregnancy days better. You can even read about the same on websites, books, or blogs about new fatherhood. This kind of effort made by the non-pregnant partner shall ease the anxiety and doubts the pregnant women have in them.
3) Planning Ahead for The Challenges
To have a clear mindset, start childproofing the entire house in advance. You can either sit with your pregnant partner and plan it on paper or even execute it in real life to ease out future tensions.
Remember, there is always a way to handle sympathetic couvade syndrome, and it starts right from your mindset. Give yourself enough time to analyze the situation and act accordingly.
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Conclusion
Every individual’s management and response toward pregnancy remain unique. Sit with your partner and effectively communicate emotional blockages to get rid of sympathetic pregnancy symptoms. Count on extra rest, eating a balanced diet, and following stress-relief techniques to experience happier pregnancy days with your pregnant partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do men face hormonal changes when their partner is pregnant?
Yes, men’s hormonal shifts can correlate with their pregnant partners. Preparation for parenthood leads to hormonal changes and other sorts of sympathetic pregnancy symptoms, and it can be addressed by visiting a reputed psychologist or therapist.
2) Is it normal to experience pregnancy symptoms in men?
Yes, it’s quite normal for men as the non-pregnant partner to experience pregnancy symptoms. Termed as couvade or sympathetic syndrome, the symptoms occur out of having a strong bond with the pregnant partner.
3) Is sympathetic couvade syndrome treatable?
Sympathetic pregnancy is not a health condition. It’s a battle happening between the human body and mind. Based on the symptoms experienced by men, it can be handled by making changes to daily food habits and sleep routines and by following activities as suggested by the therapist.
4) Can couvade syndrome symptoms cause serious health issues?
No serious health issues can be induced by couvade syndrome. Couvade syndrome symptoms happen for the time being, and it either goes away once the pregnant partner gives birth to the child or by addressing the issue with a reputed psychologist.
