Psychological pregnancy, or pseudocyesis is a well-known phenomenon that consists of the woman believing that she is pregnant, presenting symptoms and signs typical of pregnancy despite not being pregnant or never having been.
This psychological phenomenon also occurs, but less frequently, in men. In this case, called covada syndrome , the man who accompanies his partner during pregnancy, begins to manifest its symptoms, even some that she does not initially present. The main difference is that the man is at all times aware that he, in reality, cannot be pregnant.
Covada syndrome is also known as Couvade syndrome, an expression from the French language that refers to the act of incubation or breeding. This kind of disorder affects some men during their partner’s pregnancy Likewise, it can also occur in people close to the pregnant woman or caregivers.
The syndrome consists of the appearance in men of a series of pregnancy symptoms It could be considered a kind of psychological pregnancy in a person who knows that he is going to be a father, however he is perfectly aware that he is not really pregnant.
It is common for the first manifestations of covada syndrome to begin to occur around the third month of pregnancy, or once the date of giving birth approaches. However, these usually subside naturally as the pregnancy progresses or, at most, once the baby is born.
Although it may seem like a strange syndrome, it occurs in greater or lesser severity in a large number of pregnancies, and can occur with a probability of 10% when the pregnancy is normal, or even in 25% of the time if it is a pregnancy. at risk and at least one of the symptoms of pregnancy appearing in up to 72% of men who are going to be fathers
Other terms by which covada syndrome is known are pregnancy by imitation, empathetic pregnancy or even supportive pregnancy
Symptoms of covada syndrome
Covada syndrome can have as many symptoms as a pregnancy can have in the pregnant woman. Those that occur most commonly in men are dizziness, nausea and vomiting
It is possible that the man may increase his weight significantly, increase sensory sensitivity or experience sudden changes in his mood or temperament.
In addition, man can feel a series of cravings , sometimes in tune with what women experience; abdominal pain or dental problems.
The list of possible symptoms may include:
This long record of symptoms is perceived as real by man, even if there is actually no underlying physical cause that provokes them.
Furthermore, none of them can be really harmful to him, it is recommended to go to the family doctor in the event that these interfere with daily life, but they should not be a cause for excessive concern.
Causes
Since the number of men who seek medical advice is very small, covada syndrome has not been widely studied. However, there are some studies belonging to different currents of psychology, which theorize about the possible causes of this.
As in women, Men can undergo a series of hormonal changes in their body , which can cause a reaction to the symptoms mentioned above. These changes take the form of a decrease in testosterone and an increase in prolactin.
1. Type of attachment with the father
According to some studies, men who report having developed attachments or having lived very distant or even absent relationships with their father experience a greater number of covada syndrome symptoms.
2. Jealousy
According to certain psychodynamic theories, a man can unconsciously feel jealous or envious of the future newborn, believing that he will take up all the attention in the relationship. Likewise, also may feel unconscious jealousy of the pregnant woman whom she considers privileged to experience the development of pregnancy firsthand.
3. Anxiety states
The man may experience anxiety due to the usual concerns associated with the role of father, especially if it is a first-time father, as well as concerns about the economic and responsibility changes that the new stage entails.
These worries taken to excess can trigger symptoms of covada syndrome.
4. Excessive need to get involved
It is perfectly normal for a man to feel the desire to be involved in the entire pregnancy process. However, an excessive need, that touches the limit of obsession with controlling pregnancy will almost certainly lead to covada syndrome.
5. Unplanned pregnancy
An unplanned or unplanned pregnancy is likely to cause any of the manifestations of this alteration in men, due to psychological causes.
6. Very close relationship with the pregnant woman
A very close and intense connection or bond with the pregnant partner can trigger very intense empathy in the man. This empathy can also be generated by feelings of identification with the changes that occur in the woman’s body or by guilt if the pregnancy is classified as risky.
Covada syndrome can be explained as a secondary side effect of stress generated by changes in lifestyle, including diet, leisure, social relationships, etc.
How to manage these symptoms
As mentioned above, in the vast majority of cases the symptoms subside over time before the pregnancy ends. In the most serious cases, The man is perfectly recovered after giving birth to the baby
Even so, to ensure that the symptoms do not increase or interfere too much with the man’s normal life, it is recommended that he assimilate that the woman does not suffer from any condition or disease.
To the extent that the communication between both is natural and fluid, and that the father be actively involved in both the pregnancy and the subsequent stages symptoms and concerns will decrease and even disappear.
