Is your partner feeling sick in the mornings or gaining weight with you? If so, he may be experiencing Couvades Syndrome. Couvade means “to hatch” in French. There is some controversy over the existence of the syndrome. Some believe it is not real and the sickness and weight gain are the result of anxiety.
Those who have experienced Couvades Syndrome are not convinced. To these couples, whether the cause is physical or emotional, the symptoms are very real. Further study is being done in this area. In the meantime, the debate about the authenticity of Couvades syndrome continues.
Some men appear to be more likely to experience Couvades syndrome than others. If the couple has been through infertility treatment prior to the pregnancy, the father is more likely to experience symptoms than a father with no history of infertility.
Like their partners, men with symptoms of Couvades syndrome have a wide range of severity. Some men experience just the weight gain and fatigue. Other men experience morning sickness to rival their partner’s. These men can often be found throwing up before leaving for work in the morning.
Sometimes dad’s symptoms can wear on mom’s nerves. After all, you are the one who is pregnant. Why is he acting like such a baby? These feelings are quite normal, but try to understand that he isn’t feeling well either. Providing time and a safe space for both of you to express your feelings of frustration can be helpful. If you can’t do it alone, seek counseling if the symptoms are causing problems for your relationship.
Out in the world, dad will not get any sympathy. Our society is very sympathetic for mommy and her morning sickness. With dad, not so much. Is he really going to tell his boss and co workers that he is experiencing morning sickness? I would doubt it. None of the men I know would say a word.
The symptoms of Couvades Syndrome come and go as they would if he actually were pregnant. Some men experience morning sickness only in the first trimester. Others will experience it into the second, just as some women will. The condition will resolve itself naturally. All symptoms generally fade with the birth of the baby.
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