You’ve probably heard that sometimes the future father of your baby has back pain, dizziness, nausea or cramps just like you.
Did you know that it’s very likely that they can experience the same symptoms thanks to Couvade Syndrome? Here we’re going to tell you about this phenomenon that can affect up to 10% of men.

What is Couvade syndrome?
When our partners experience our pregnancy up close, they begin to mimic our symptoms to the extent that their bodies manage to mimic them completely by accident. When the baby is born and our symptoms disappear, so will our partner’s symptoms disappear.
Sometimes, when a baby is born, it is quite normal for a father to experience jealousy and periods of stress as a result of the radical change in routine he is dealing with. Also, fathers can feel left out because mom now spends more time with the baby than with them.
What causes Couvade syndrome?
The exact origin of this reaction in the male body is not known. However, experts believe that it is due to the fact that our hormonal changes directly affect our partner.
It’s not just a psychological problem. Men have also been found to experience changes in their testosterone and prolactin levels. Believe it or not, expectant fathers also have increased levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.

Stress and anxiety can also cause these disorders, as couples feel worried and uneasy about the arrival of their baby.
Usually, this syndrome occurs in people who become parents for the first time, who develop great empathy with their partners and begin to internalize their responsibility as soon as they learn that the baby is developing inside the mother.

According to Healthline, Couvade syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy can include anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, nausea, restlessness, decreased desire for sex.
But don’t worry, this phenomenon disappears with the birth of your baby.
Did you already know about this phenomenon? Has your partner experienced any of your symptoms? Share your experience with us in the comments!