Couvade Research Articles

Exploring Couvade Syndrome: the Surprising Symptoms of Sympathetic Pregnancy

This study describes the pivotal developmental phase of pregnancy and impending parenthood, highlighting the distinct experiences encountered by both expectant mothers and fathers. Couvade syndrome, informally termed sympathetic pregnancy, emerges in soon-to-be fathers who display symptoms mirroring those of their pregnant partners. Despite being often trivialized, Couvade syndrome can provoke distress in men, exhibiting symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues, psychological strain, and behavioral modifications. Although not formally acknowledged as a medical condition, its widespread occurrence underscores the necessity for deeper explorations into its causative factors. The term "couvade" originates from the French "couvee," signifying incubation or nurturing, coined by anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor in 1865. Across diverse cultures, Couvade syndrome has piqued interest due to its intriguing resemblance to pregnancy symptoms in men. The proposed rationales for this occurrence encompass psychological, physiological, and societal dimensions, encompassing anxiety, hormonal shifts, and gender roles. Several predisposing factors, including socioeconomic status, first-time parenthood, emotional stressors, and cultural background, may heighten susceptibility to Couvade syndrome. Manifestations range from physical discomforts to emotional turmoil and behavioral alterations, reflecting a multifaceted reaction to the imminent fatherhood journey. While no standardized treatment protocol exists for Couvade syndrome, coping mechanisms such as stress management, regular physical activity, wholesome nutrition, and abstention from substances like alcohol and drugs are recommended. Additionally, alternative modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), yoga, and pharmacotherapy may offer relief from symptoms. Couvade syndrome typically dissipates postpartum as fathers shift their focus to the newborn. Despite its transient nature, further research is imperative to deepen comprehension and extend support to expectant fathers during this distinctive transition to parenthood.

Delusion of pregnancy - what the literature says?

Introduction Delusion of pregnancy (DP) is a false and persistent belief of being pregnant despite realistic evidence to the contrary. Being considered a rare phenomenon, more cases of DP have been reported lately, however the literature about this topic is still scarce.ObjectivesClarify the etiology and clinical aspects of this pathology in order to diagnose and to treat it properly.MethodsA search on Pubmed was performed using the MeSH terms “delusion pregnancy” or “pseudocyesis”. The DSM-5 and ICD-10 were also a source of information.ResultsDP can be sometimes confused with other disorders, like pseudocyesis, pseudo-pregnancy and Couvade syndrome, but it is important to differentiate all of them to have a clear view of the pathology and follow a correct approach to the problem.DP can manifest isolatedly, but it is more commonly associated with other diseases. Etiologically, several factors can intercede: biological, psychosocial and cultural factors, iatrogenic factors and coenaesthesis processes.Demographically, about 50% of the patients are 20-40 years old and the most common psychiatric diagnoses are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Concerning the treatment, it is essential to exclude non-psychiatric causes and treat those, if present. After doing so, the therapeutical approach can be non-pharmacological, using psychotherapy or electroconvulsive therapy, although the latter has inconclusive results and sometimes it only remits the comorbid depressive symptoms; or pharmacological using 2nd generation antipsychotics.In general, there is now a good response in 50-64% of the cases (Bera and Sakar, Indian J Psychol Med 2015;37(2)131-137) (Yadov et al, Indian J Psychol Med 2012;34(1) 82-84).ConclusionsDP can be a psychiatric diagnosis itself or a manifestation of other psychiatric or non-psychiatric disorder so we must be allert to make a precise differential diagnosis. Its genesis is multifactorial and that must be taken into account when thinking about its treatment approach.In the past, the prognosis of the DP wasn’t good, but in the recent literature it was found a good response in more than half of the patients treated accordingly.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Couvade Syndrome: An Overview

Expectant fathers who suffer from Couvade syndrome, also known as sympathetic pregnancy, are experiencing a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that are comparable to those of their pregnant partners. It is an intriguing and comparatively unknown condition. This review article offers a comprehensive analysis of Couvade syndrome, including information on its classification, prevalence, particular causes, management strategies, prognosis, prevention, and prospects for alternative treatment techniques. Our goal is to better understand, support, and communicate with pregnant couples by exploring this unusual and fascinating situation.

Couvade Syndrome among partners of women with physiological and complicated pregnancy

Abstract Aim. To assess the prevalence of couvade syndrome and analyze the factors determining the occurrence of this syndrome in the partners of pregnant women. Material and method. The research material was collected by a diagnostic survey, using an author’s survey questionnaire. Results. Couvade Syndrome occurs in 94.3% of partners of women with complicated pregnancies. Among the most common somatic symptoms there are: back pain (56.2%), headaches (53.3%), appetite changes (48.6%), indigestion (34.3%) and abdominal pain of unknown origin (31.4%), while mental ones include: sleep disturbances (37.1%), irritability (34.3%), tension (32.4%), regardless of the course of partner’s pregnancy. Men, who were married, were more likely to have Couvade symptoms than those in an informal relationship, regardless of the course of partner’s pregnancy (p=0.02). Respondents without Couvade Syndrome were more likely to have low levels of involvement in their partner’s current pregnancy than those with symptoms, regardless of the course of this pregnancy (p=0.03). Men with symptoms of the syndrome were more likely to be less involved in their responsibilities at work than those without symptoms, regardless of the course of partner’s pregnancy (p=0.0006). Conclusions. The majority (94.3%) of partners of women with complicated pregnancies have a Couvade Syndrome. The most common somatic symptoms include back pain, headaches, appetite changes, indigestion and abdominal pain of unknown origin, while the mental ones: sleep disturbances, irritability, tension, anxiety and nervousness. Married men are more likely to have Couvade Syndrome than those in an informal relationship. Low levels of involvement in the current pregnancy are shown by men who do not have the syndrome. Men, who have the Couvade Syndrome, are less involved in their work responsibilities.

Depressive Symptoms in Expecting Fathers: Is Paternal Perinatal Depression a Valid Concept? A Systematic Review of Evidence.

Background. Since the identification of Couvade syndrome in the late 1950s, little attention has been dedicated to the issue of depression in expecting fathers. Objective. To quantify the extent of depression in expecting fathers and find out if they match their pregnant partners’ depression. Methods. We conducted a PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov search using paternal depression and all its variants as terms. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement to include eligible studies. Results. We identified a grand total of 1443 articles, of which 204 were eligible. The total number of fathers/expecting fathers involved was 849,913. Longitudinal studies represented more than half of the included studies; more than three-quarters of the studies used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The average occurrence of paternal depression was around 5%, which confers the entity some clinical dignity. Depression tends to occur more in expecting women and new mothers than in expecting partners or new fathers, while the co-occurrence in the same couple is quite low. Limitations. The methodological heterogeneity of the included studies prevents us from meta-analyzing the obtained data. The validity of the instruments used is another issue. Conclusions. Paternal depression is distinct from maternal depression and occurs at lower rates (about half). The very existence of a paternal depression clinical entity is beyond any doubt. Future research should address methodological heterogeneity.

Couvade Syndrome: Origin, Characterization, and Frequency

IntroductionThe word couvade originated from the French verb couver, meaning to hatch, nest, or brood. Custom of Couvade or Couvade Syndrome (CS) is a poorly understood phenomenon observed since ancient times, in which the expectant father experiences somatic and psychological symptoms of pregnancy.ObjectivesDefining what is CS. Identifying possible origin. Hypothesizing causes. Identifying CS frequency.MethodsPubMed database search, with “Couvade syndrome” keyword expression. Seven articles were selected among the best matches. Reference lists of articles were reviewed to identify additional articles.ResultsCurrently, there are several views on this phenomenon, including religious, cultural, medical, psychoanalytic, and psychological. CS is used in Psychiatry to describe somatic symptoms resembling pregnancy and/or childbirth in expecting fathers, such as weight gain, diarrhea or constipation, toothache, and headache. Lipkin and Lamb (1982) studied 300 couples from New York: they diagnosed Couvade Syndrome in 22,5% of fathers. Nevertheless, Brennan et al. (2007) found different incidence rates of CS diagnose in different areas of the world: 20% in Sweden; 25–97% in United States; 61% in Thailand; 68% in China; 35% in Russia.ConclusionsWhether CS constitutes a disease entity, or it should be considered a ritual or custom remains a matter of debate. Different rates of CS around the globe may indicate that culture plays an important role. It may be a way for fathers-to-be to cope with changes imposed by pregnancy in the mother and in the couple. Overall, it is a fascinating intersection between the physiological and psychological realms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Delusion of pregnancy in a woman with mental retardation

A false, fixed and firm belief of being pregnant despite factual evidence to the contrary is a delusion of pregnancy. This can occur in both men and women and is associated with many psychiatric and biological disorders. It should be differentiated from pseudocyesis, pseudopregnancy, simulated pregnancy and Couvade syndrome. We report a case of delusion of pregnancy in a woman with mental retardation.

Evaluation the Incidence of Couvade Syndrome in Iranian Expectant Fathers

Evaluation the Incidence of Couvade Syndrome in Iranian Expectant Fathers

Couvade syndrome: more than a toothache

Background Couvade Syndrome is best characterized as a somatic symptom disorder where the partner experiences somatic symptoms during their partner’s pregnancy most often during the first and third trimesters. Several psychoanalytical theories have been proposed for this disorder. There are well studied mood changes that correspond to hormonal shifts that occur in response to anticipated parenthood which serve as a physiologic mechanism for this pathology. Case The following is a case of Couvade syndrome in the setting of a high risk pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia with severe features necessitating a preterm delivery. Conclusion Expectant fathers should be screened for symptoms of Couvade Syndrome throughout the pregnancy in order to better support the familial unit.

When ‘blood speaks’: naming the father and the mystics of kinship in Dominica, Eastern Caribbean

AbstractThis article explores the mystical implication of fathers in reproduction in Dominica, Eastern Caribbean. It traces naming acts that assign paternity at various points in the filial life course, each attempting to disambiguate paternity. Confronting a recurring anthropological problematic – the problem of paternity (paternity's inherent putativity) – the article argues that Dominicans contest uncertain physical fatherhood through the proverb ‘blood speaks’. The article elaborates how relatedness reveals itself in the subtle bodies of kin at three moments: through a local version of the couvade (‘sympathetic pregnancy’); in elders’ post‐partum ritual scrutiny of children's bodies for familial resemblances; and during serendipitous encounters in later life. The article highlights how physical fatherhood is disclosed in fathers’ and children's symptoms, appearances, and sensations, revealing their kinship in transpersonal terms. Therefore, blood ‘speaks’ to counter broad‐brushed narratives of Caribbean fatherly absence by revealing the physical and spiritual significance of fatherhood. Herein, the article revives classic anthropological debates on legitimacy, the couvade, and Caribbean kinship, whilst contributing to contemporary theorizations of blood and naming.

Couvade Syndrome Among Jordanian Expectant Fathers.

Studies of different cultures have reported that expectant fathers experience physiological and psychological changes during their partner’s pregnancy. These symptoms are classed as Couvade Syndrome (sympathetic pregnancy) symptoms. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Couvade Syndrome among Jordanian expectant fathers. A descriptive quantitative research design that utilized the Men’s Health During Partners’ Pregnancy (MHDPP) questionnaire was employed to collect data from three Maternal and Child Health Care Centers in public hospitals. A total of 449 participants completed the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the sample and the main variables. Chi-square tests were conducted to find the relationship between the pregnancy trimester and the specific Couvade Syndrome symptom. Jordanian expectant fathers experienced high rates of Couvade Syndrome (59.1%). The prevalence of Couvade Syndrome among the participants is considered to be the highest reported rate when compared to the results of previous studies. This rate may be due to the tendency among men in Jordan to have a strong desire for children soon after marriage and to have a strong commitment to family life. With a better understanding of the expectant father’s response to pregnancy, health-care providers would be better able to provide them with the necessary support and education. This could contribute to the health and well-being of expectant fathers and their families.

The weight of fatherhood: identifying mechanisms to explain paternal perinatal weight gain

ABSTRACTMen appear to gain weight during the transition to parenthood, and fathers are heavier than non-fathers. Paternal perinatal weight gain may set weight trajectories in midlife and have long-term health implications. Since men do not undergo the physical demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding, the specific mechanisms underlying weight gain in new fathers warrant investigation. This review aims to stimulate research on paternal perinatal weight gain by suggesting testable potential mechanisms that (1) show change across the transition to parenthood and (2) play a role in weight and body composition. We identify seven mechanisms, within three categories: behavioural mechanisms (sleep, physical activity, and diet), hormonal mechanisms (testosterone and cortisol), and psychological mechanisms (depression and stress). We also discuss direct effects of partner pregnancy influences (e.g., ‘couvade syndrome’) on men’s body weight. In presenting each mechanism, we discuss how it may be affected by the transition to parenthood, and then review its role in body composition and weight. Next, we describe bidirectional and interactive effects, discuss timing, and present three broad research questions to propel theoretical development.

Couvade Syndrome - Custom, Behavior or Disease?

The custom of Couvade and Couvade syndrome is a phenomenon observed since ancient times. Whether it constitutes a disease entity or it should be considered a ritual or custom remains a matter of debate. Historical transcripts shed light into the distinct origins and inclinations of couvade behaviors, some of them having religious inclinations. Currently, there are several views on this phenomenon including medical, psychoanalytic, and psychological. Some explain this syndrome as part of men's preparation and participation in pregnancy and post-partum period. Others see it as men rivalling with women for procreative ability or ability to carry an unborn child in the womb. There are a set of criteria that can be used in diagnosing Couvade syndrome, which may be helpful in standardizing clinical detection and management of patients. It is important to embed this syndrome in contemporary society to understand the complexity of male involvement in pregnancy and fatherhood, which at the end may not be a disease. In this review, the authors will guide the reader through history, possible etiologies, and clinical aspects of Couvade syndrome.

Pregnancy in men: Couvade syndrome

As human reproduction has to been seen not only from the biological (gender) but from the social and anthropological perspective, and as long as paternity joins a very important aspect in men identity, we found essential to review actual and past literature in order to explain symptoms and attitudes experienced by some fathers to be.Couvade syndrome was first described in the mid-sixties by a group of British authors who tried to analyze some typical pregnancy symptoms observed in fathers to be. These symptoms are heterogeneous and could be difficultly classified, but must of the authors tend to group them in anxiety or somatophorm-like disorders.In this oral communication, we will explore into the deep causes of this syndrome and its links to the Couvade ritual described in some ancient cultures like the Greek (year 60 B.C.) as well as analyze an actual case report, with the help of the exhaustive revision of the existing literature.Couvade has to be contemplated as a way to define the new identity of the father to be, and his bond with the newborn, his couple and the society.Finally, Couvade could be seen as a proactive and constructive preparation of the male to the paternity, out of psycopathology and recognize these comprehensive reactions as a normal and functional part of the reproductive ritual.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Couvade syndrome

Couvade syndrome

Couvade syndrome among 1 st time expectant fathers

Background: Couvade syndrome reflects physiological changes in men in preparation for fatherhood. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the frequency of Couvade symptoms among1st time expectant fathers and their associations with socio-demographic factors. Materials and Methods: An exploratory study was conducted in three Private Maternity Hospitals, Bangalore. A total of 123 low risk 1 st time expectant fathers attending the antenatal clinic along with their low risk term primigravidae at 36-40 weeks of gestation were selected by purposive sampling. Each one of the 1 st time expectant fathers were interviewed on a four points ordinal scale for measurement of Couvade syndrome which included 29 symptoms. Results: The results revealed that 1 st time expectant fathers experienced Couvade syndrome related to physical symptoms - (changes in appetite, flatulence, constipation, indigestion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, food cravings, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, fainting, tooth ache, weight loss, weight gain, back pain, leg cramps, skin problems) and psychological symptoms (insomnia, mood swings, irritability, feeling close to tears, night mares, feeling lonely, helpless, guilty, fear of being alone, resentful and not interested in usual activities). Socio-demographic characteristics were not associated with Couvade syndrome. Conclusions: Health-care providers should anticipate needs and problems of expectant fathers and assist them in working through the challenging aspects of fatherhood.

Couvade Syndrome among Polish expectant fathers

BackgroundThe aim of the conducted study was to analyze the phenomenon of Couvade Syndrome amongst fathers expecting their children in Poland. The authors examined the frequency of couvade symptoms in male subjects as well as their associations with male empathy.Material/MethodsThe research involved 143 expectant fathers. All subjects attended antenatal classes, and their female partners were in their third trimester. Before the start of classes, participants were asked to fill in the following questionnaires: a survey for measurement of Couvade Syndrome (which includes a set of 16 symptoms identified by Lipkin and Lamb (19) and translated into Polish), and the Empathic Sensitiveness Scale (SWE). Although participants, on average, did not experience Couvade Syndrome, they did experience symptoms that are commonly linked with the syndrome, namely those related to weight (weight gain, changes in appetite and flatulence).ResultsThe results indicate that expectant fathers experience couvade symptoms related to weight (weight gain, changes in appetite and flatulence). The only empathic component that positively correlates with Couvade Syndrome is personal distress, i.e. the tendency to take on the negative emotions of others. Demographic characteristics are not associated with Couvade Syndrome.ConclusionsThe frequency of couvade symptoms in male subjects is associated with male empathy. In other words, men who are emotionally sensitive or prone to distress may physiologically experience the pregnancy of their female partners, which can be interpreted as compathy.

A critical review of the Couvade syndrome: the pregnant male

The Couvade syndrome is a global phenomenon occurring in industrialised countries around the world and has a wide international variance. It affects biological fathers particularly during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy with cessation of symptoms upon birth or shortly within the postpartum period. It does not appear in the nosology of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM—Version 4 (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) on the ICD—Version 10 (WHO, 1993). Nevertheless, early accounts tended to medicalise it as a psychosomatic disorder. Its relationship with socio‐demographic factors is inconsistent, with the exception of ethnicity. International studies reveal some contradictory findings in the type of symptoms. This may reflect methodological problems in the syndrome's definition or criteria and type of measurement across studies. A plethora of theories has been put forward to account for the origins of the syndrome. Psychoanalytical theories contend that it is a consequence of the man's envy of the woman's procreative ability or foetal rivalry. Psychosocial theories propose that it occurs due to the marginalisation of fatherhood and as part of a transitional crisis to parenthood. Paternal theories suggest a connection between the man's involvement in pregnancy, role preparation and the syndrome. However, some of these theories have not been thoroughly investigated. Those which have reveal inconsistent findings. It is recommended that future investigators use qualitative approaches to further illuminate the syndrome's characteristics, definition and perceptions as seen by male partners. This should be followed by quantitative approaches of large heterogeneous samples to investigate the type, incidence, severity and distress of symptoms of the syndrome and its relationship with socio‐demographic factors.

A qualitative exploration of the Couvade syndrome in expectant fathers

The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the nature and duration of male partner's somatic and psychological symptoms, across gestation and parturition, collectively called the Couvade syndrome. Fourteen men with expectant partners aged 19–48 years from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds were interviewed. The data was processed using qualitative analytical software WinMAX Professional and the emerging themes and sub‐categories identified and analysed. The first was ‘Emotional Diversity in Response to Pregnancy’, which varied with time and other factors and also included mixed and polarised feelings such as excitement, pride, elation, worries, fears, shock and reluctance. The second was ‘Nature, Management and Duration of Symptoms’, which revealed the types and duration of physical and psychological symptoms experienced by men. Attempts at managing these were influenced by social and cultural factors. Physical symptoms were more common than psychological ones, and their time course demonstrated trends similar to those reported for the Couvade syndrome. Although the former were reported to their GPs, no definitive diagnosis was made despite medical investigations being performed. The third theme, ‘Explanatory Attempts for Symptoms’ was influenced by cultural beliefs and conventions like religion, alternative medical beliefs or through the enlightenment by healthcare professionals in the process. Some participants were unable to find explanations for symptoms but some perceived that they were related in some way to the altered physiology of their female partners during pregnancy. These findings highlight the need for further research to acquire deeper insight into men's experiences of, and responses to, pregnancy as a way of explaining the syndrome.

Commentary on Chan S & Levy V (2004) Postnatal depression: a qualitative study of the experiences of a group of Hong Kong Chinese women. Journal of Clinical Nursing 13, 120–123

Commentary on Chan S &amp; Levy V (2004) Postnatal depression: a qualitative study of the experiences of a group of Hong Kong Chinese women. <i>Journal of Clinical Nursing</i> 13, 120–123