Couvade Syndrome, also known as psychological pregnancy, is not a disease, but a set of symptoms that can appear in men during their partner's pregnancy, which psychologically express the pregnancy with similar sensations. Prospective parents can gain weight, suffer from nausea, desires, crying spells or even depression.
The symptoms also demonstrate the need that many men have to become parents, or the strong affective and emotional connection with the woman, which ends up transferring to the husband a series of sensations that usually manifest themselves only in the woman.
The Syndrome does not usually cause psychic disturbances, however, it is advisable to seek a specialist only when the situation gets out of control and starts to bother the couple and those close to them.
What symptoms
The most common physical symptoms characteristic of this syndrome can include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, increased or decreased appetite, breathing problems, back and toothache, leg cramps and genital or urinary irritation.
Psychological symptoms can include changes in sleep, anxiety, depression, decreased sexual appetite and restlessness.
Possible causes
It is not yet clear what causes this syndrome, but it is thought that it may be related to the man's anxiety in relation to pregnancy and fatherhood, or that it is an unconscious adaptation of the brain so that the future father can relate and cling to the baby.
This syndrome is more frequent in men who have a very strong desire to be parents, who are emotionally very attached to their pregnant partner, and if the pregnancy is at risk, there is an even greater likelihood of manifesting these symptoms.
How the treatment is done
As it is not considered a disease, Couvade syndrome does not have a specific treatment, and the symptoms may persist in men until the baby is born. In these cases, men are advised to try to relax, which can help to alleviate symptoms.
If the symptoms are very intense and frequent, or if you get out of control and start to bother the couple and those close to you, it is advisable to consult a therapist.
