Did you know that men can also experience pregnancy symptoms?
This strange phenomenon,known as ‘Couvade Syndrome or ‘Sympathetic Pregnancy’’.
Sympathetic pregnancy (couvade) describes a situation in which otherwise healthy men — whose partners are expecting babies — experience pregnancy-related symptoms. While some research suggests that couvade might be common, it isn't a recognized mental illness or disease. Further studies are needed to determine whether couvade is a physical condition with psychological causes.
Symptoms reported to be associated with couvade vary and typically occur only during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.These symptoms might include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, appetite changes.
Whether couvade is real or not, what's certain is that becoming a new parent can be exciting, emotional and stressful. If your partner is pregnant, take steps to manage stress and prepare for parenthood. Attend prenatal classes. Seek out advice and encouragement from friends and family. Talk to your partner. Understanding and planning for the challenges ahead can help ease your transition into parenthood.