Covada Syndrome: psychological male pregnancy

This psychological condition peculiar to the male sex is more common than it seems.

Psychological pregnancy, or pseudocyesis, is a well-known phenomenon.is a well-known phenomenon that consists in the belief by the woman that she is pregnant, presenting symptoms and signs of pregnancy despite the fact that she is not pregnant or has never been pregnant.

This psychological phenomenon also occurs, but less frequently, in men. In this case, called covada syndromeIn this case, the man who accompanies his partner during pregnancy, begins to manifest the symptoms of pregnancy, even some that she does not present initially. The main difference lies in the fact that the man is at all times aware that, in reality, he cannot be pregnant.

Definition of covada syndrome

Covada syndrome is also known as Couvade syndrome, an expression from the French language that refers to the act of incubation or breeding. This type 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 symptoms characteristic of pregnancy.. It could be considered a kind of psychological pregnancy in a person who knows he is going to be a father, but is perfectly aware that he is not really pregnant.

It is usual that the first manifestations of the covada syndrome begin to occur around the third month of pregnancy, or already once the date of giving birth approaches. However, they usually subside naturally during the course of the pregnancy or, at most, after the baby is born.

Although it may seem 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 gestation is normal, or even 25% of the time if it is a risky pregnancy and at least one of the symptoms of pregnancy appear. in up to 72% of men who are going to become fathers..

Other terms by which the covada syndrome is known are imitation pregnancy, empathic pregnancy or even sympathetic pregnancy..

Symptoms of covada syndrome

The covada syndrome can have as many symptoms as a pregnancy can have in a pregnant woman. The most common symptoms that occur in men are dizziness, nausea and vomiting..

It is possible that the man may noticeably increase his weight, increase sensory sensitivity or experience sudden changes in mood or temperament.

Also, the man may also experience a series of cravings, sometimes in tune with thoseThe man may also experience a series of cravings, sometimes in tune with those experienced by women; abdominal pains or dental ailments.

The list of possible symptoms may include:

• Cravings
• Nausea and vomiting
• Intestinal complaints
• Aversion to certain smells and foods
• Stomach problems
• Gas
• Constipation
• Skin alterations
• Variations in weight
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Decrease in Blood pressure
• Spasms in the legs
• Abdominal pain
• Inhibition of sexual desire
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety
• Depressed mood
• Hyperactivity
• Dental pain
• Concentration problems
• Health obsession

This long record of symptoms are perceived as real by man, although in reality there is no underlying physical cause for them. underlying physical cause.

In addition, none of them may actually be harmful to him, it is recommended to see the family doctor if they 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, the covada syndrome has not been extensively studied. However, there are some studies belonging to different currents of psychology, which theorize about the possible causes of this syndrome.

Hormonal alterations

As in women, the man can suffer a series of hormonal changes in his body, which can provoke awhich can provoke a reaction of 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 experienced very distant or even absent very distant or even absent relationships with their fatherAccording to some studies, men who report having developed attachments or lived very distant or even absent relationships with their fathers experience a greater number of symptoms of covada syndrome.

2. Jealousy

According to certain psychodynamic theories, men may unconsciously feel jealous or envious of the future newborn, believing that he will occupy all the attention of the relationship. Likewise, he may also may also feel unconscious jealousy for the pregnant woman, whom he considers a privilegedHe may also feel unconsciously jealous of the pregnant woman, whom he considers privileged to experience the development of the pregnancy at first hand.

3. States of anxiety

The man can experience anxiety due to the usual worries associated with the role of parent, especially if you are a first-time parent, as well as concerns about the financial changes and responsibility that come with the new stage.

These worries taken to excess can trigger symptoms of the syndrome of the covada.

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, bordering on obsession with controlling the pregnancywill almost certainly lead to covada syndrome.

5. Unplanned pregnancy

An unplanned pregnancy is likely to provoke any of the manifestations of this disorder 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 a very intense empathy in the man. This empathy may also be generated by feelings of identification with the changes occurring in the woman's body or guilt if the pregnancy is classified as risky. or guilt if the pregnancy is classified as risky.

7. Stress

The covada syndrome can be explained as a 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 end of the pregnancy. In the most serious cases the man is perfectly recovered after the delivery of the baby..

Even so, in order to manage that the symptoms do not increase or interfere too much in the man's normal life, it is advisable that he assimilates that the woman does not suffer from any condition, nor any disease.

As long as the communication between the two is natural and fluid, and that the father is actively actively involved both in the pregnancy and in the subsequent stage of the pregnancy, the symptoms and worries will diminish to the point that the woman is not suffering from any disease.The symptoms and worries will diminish and even disappear.