Pregnancy is a special time for parents-to-be, as they eagerly await the arrival of their bundle of joy. However, pregnancy can also be an interesting time for partners who may experience early pregnancy symptoms alongside their pregnant counterparts. Yes, you read that right! Men have been known to experience some of the same symptoms as their lovely ladies during pregnancy.
Morning Sickness isn't Only Reserved For Women
Morning sickness is one of those unwelcome and constant companions that many women face in the first trimester. Nausea and frequent vomiting are common occurrences that expecting moms learn to come to terms with quite quickly. But did you know that men can also suffer from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy? It's scientifically proven - this phenomenon is called Sympathetic Pregnancy or Couvade Syndrome.
What Is Couvade Syndrome And What Are Its Causes?
Couvade syndrome is a condition where fathers start experiencing physical and emotional symptoms similar to that of expectant mothers; it occurs most frequently towards the third month until labor commences. This syndrome has puzzled scientists over time because there are no known biological explanations for these occurrences.
However, medical experts believe couvade syndromes could arise due to psychological factors like anxiety or stress associated with impending fatherhood or his partner's pregnancy. Not all men will show signs of couvade syndrome; however, studies maintained approximately 20% – 50% would display at least one such symptom throughout the entire duration up till delivery day.
Common Symptoms Experienced by Expecting Fathers
It's important not to overlook or play down how fathers feel about impending parenthood just as much attention should go toward understanding if they're experiencing similar physical aspects compared to what expecting mothers go through during this period.
Here are classic examples:
Morning Sickness
As earlier mentioned morning sickness which includes nausea, fatigue, loss appetite or food aversions, and bloating, could also affect the expectant father.
Mood Swings
Mood swings caused by hormonal changes are a common attribute of pregnancy; likewise, ,couvade syndrome may cause irritability or weepiness or has mood swings that make you seem like a person unrecognizable to themselves.
Weight Gain
Weight gain, another major symptom that isn't only related to pregnant women but their partners as well. With couvade syndrome, fathers can gain weight without any physical trigger for weight gain such as diet or lifestyle change (http://dadsapp.com/can-dads-get-pregnancy-symptoms/).
How Men Can Cope With Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Recognizing these symptoms is vital because it will help you put measures in place to deal with them effectively when they strike. It can be frustrating being unable to help alleviate your partner's symptoms while feeling so helpless like there's nothing remotely close to supporting yourself either.
Here are some coping mechanisms:
- Healthy eating: Maintaining healthy meals (however small) throughout the day will keep nausea at bay and ease other potential stressors on the body.
- Adequate sleep and hydration: Staying hydrated helps mitigate brain fog/fatigue, just like getting enough rest.
Listening support from health experts/Quiet room – speaking emotively about mental concerns might offer incremental relief necessary as going through childbirth can weigh heavily on dads too sometimes.. One way dads-to-be can prepare is by taking advantage of prenatal classes where customized programs exist for specifically catered fathers experiencing sympathizing pregnancy bouts.
Final Thoughts
So folks, congratulations! You're expecting daddy symptoms! The experience of fatherhood comes with its set of perks and unusual occurrences all geared towards preparing arrival in every imaginable betterment possible until finally meeting this adorable addition joining your family tree one-step-at-a-time soon-to-be proud dad by leading and navigating through supportive next steps that can aid in mitigating potential triggers.
Advice exists: Pay close attention to your body/well-being needed for excellent emotional support of the moms-to-be, foster healthy eating habits and seek physical activity outlets all toward ensuring a thriving household now with +1!