As we approach Father’s Day weekend, we thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to discuss Couvade Syndrome, a quirky situation in which your partner starts to experience your pregnancy symptoms!
While Couvade Syndrome (or sympathetic pregnancy), is not an officially recognized illness or disorder, it is a reality that many soon-to-be fathers face. Here is what Healthline has to say about this condition:
“Symptoms associated with sympathetic pregnancy tend to develop in the first trimester. If you think about it, the first trimester is generally you experience morning sickness, exhaustion, and other not-so-joyful physical symptoms of pregnancy. Interestingly, the symptoms of Couvade syndrome may subside during the second trimester, which also tends to happen in pregnancy… Sympathetic pregnancy symptoms then tend to return and worsen in the third trimester and as birth nears. Again, this closely aligns with regular pregnancy ills and discomforts that you experience as your body prepares for birth.”
There are a range of physical and mental symptoms that are associated with Couvade, but the key component is that they tend to last longer than occasional aches and pains and may mirror some of your symptoms. So, if your partner starts to feel consistently unwell shortly after you begin to experience morning sickness, cut them some slack, buy an extra bottle of Tums, and enjoy the journey together!
For more information on Couvade Syndrome, here is the link to the article referenced above: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/couvade-syndrome
We hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day weekend!