Couvade syndrome refers to a man experiencing symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, bloating and disturbed sleep during his partner's pregnancy. These symptoms are thought to arise from psychological causes related to anxiety about impending fatherhood. While the symptoms can include extreme cases like labor pains and nosebleeds, couvade syndrome is generally not cause for worry and can help the father empathize with the mother's experience of pregnancy.

1. COUVADE SYNDROME

3. It has come to mean a man having a “sympathetic pregnancy”. Yes, ladies, this means that your partner could start to vomit, gain weight, and have many of the "joys" associated with pregnancy.

6. COMMON SYMPTOMS NAUSEA HEARTBURN BLOATING DISTURBED SLEEP PATTERNS

8. labor pains

9. postpartum depression

10. and nosebleeds

12. STATEMENT OF PATERNITY PARTURITION ENVY

13. How does one cope with COUVADE? The best way to really deal with Couvade is to come to terms with the fact that it is a normal reaction to a life-changing event such as a pregnancy. A therapist can help a man understand his underlying feelings about the pregnancy and deal with them positively.

14. Is it something to be worried about? Couvade is actually a very memorable experience for some fathers who go through it. Women feel safe knowing that their male partners understand what they are going through, and therefore become more patient and loving. Women may also feel that they are not alone in the pregnancy, and will therefore carry the baby to term with confidence.