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Covada syndrome: male psychological pregnancy

Covada syndrome: male psychological pregnancy

March 28, 2024

Psychological pregnancy, or pseudociesis It is a well known phenomenon that consists in the belief on the part of the woman that she is pregnant, coming to present symptoms and signs of pregnancy and in spite of not being or never having been.

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


  • Related article: "Perinatal psychology: what is it and what functions does it perform?"

Definition of the syndrome of the

The syndrome of the Covada is also known as Couvade syndrome, expression from the French language that refers to the act of incubation or breeding. This kind of disorder affects some men during the pregnancy of their partner . Likewise, it can also present in people close to the pregnant woman or caregivers.

The syndrome consists of the appearance in men of a series of symptoms typical of pregnancy . It could be considered a kind of psychological pregnancy in a person who knows that he will be a father, but he is perfectly aware that he is not really pregnant.


It is usual that the first manifestations of the syndrome of the covada begin to occur around the third month of pregnancy, or already approaching the date of giving birth. However, these usually remit naturally with the course of pregnancy or, at most, once the baby is born.

Although it seems a strange syndrome, it occurs in greater or lesser severity in a large number of pregnancies, being able to find a probability of 10% when the pregnancy is normal, or even in 25% of the time if it is a pregnancy of risk and appearing, at least, one of the symptoms of pregnancy up to 72% of men who will be parents .

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

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Symptoms of the syndrome of the

The syndrome of the covada can get to have as many symptoms as those that could have a pregnancy in the pregnant woman. Those that occur most commonly in men are dizziness, nausea and vomiting .


There is a possibility that the man will increase his weight significantly, increase sensory sensitivity or experience sudden changes in his mood or temperament.

Likewise, the man can get to feel a series of cravings , sometimes in tune with those experienced by the woman; abdominal pains or dental conditions.

The list of possible symptoms may include:

  • Cravings
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bowel diseases
  • Aversion to certain smells and foods
  • Stomach problems
  • Gases
  • Constipation
  • Skin disorders
  • Variations in weight
  • Muscular weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Spasms in the legs
  • Abdominal pain
  • Inhibition of sexual desire
  • Sleeping problems
  • Anxiety
  • Depressive mood
  • Hyperactivity
  • Dental pain
  • Concentration problems
  • Obsession for health

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

In addition, none of them can be really harmful for him, it is recommended to go to the doctor in case they interfere with the day to day, but should not be cause for excessive concern.

Causes

Since the number of men who resort to a medical specialist is very small, the syndrome of the covada has not been widely studied. However, there are some studies belonging to different streams of psychology, which theorize about the possible causes of this.

Hormonal alterations

As in women, Man can suffer a series of hormonal changes in his body , which can provoke a reaction of the previously mentioned symptoms. These changes are manifested in a decrease in testosterone and an increase in prolactin.

  • Related article: "Types of hormones and their functions in the human body"

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 his father , experience a greater number of symptoms of covada syndrome.

2. Jealousy

According to certain psychodynamic theories, man can unconsciously feel jealousy or envy of the newborn future, believing that he will occupy all the attention of the relationship. Also, also may feel unconscious jealousy for the pregnant woman , which considers a privileged to experience in first person the development of pregnancy.

3. States of anxiety

Man can experience anxiety due to the usual concerns associated with the role of father, especially if it is a new parent, as well as concerns about the economic changes and responsibility involved in the new stage.

These concerns led to excess can trigger symptoms of the syndrome of the covada.

  • Related article: "The 7 types of anxiety (causes and symptoms)"

4. Excessive need to get involved

It is perfectly normal for man to feel the desire to be involved in the entire pregnancy process. However, an excessive need, that touches the limit of the obsession to control pregnancy , will end, almost certainly, in a syndrome of covada.

5. Unplanned pregnancy

An unplanned or planned pregnancy is likely to cause in man any of the manifestations of this alteration, for psychological reasons.

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 can also be generated by feelings of identification with the changes that occur in the woman's body or due to guilt if the pregnancy is classified as risky.

7. Stress

The syndrome of the covada can be explained as a secondary side effect of the 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 remit with time before the end of pregnancy. In the most serious cases, the man is perfectly recovered after the delivery of the baby .

Still, to manage that the symptoms do not increase or interfere too much in the normal life of man, it is advisable that he assimilate that the woman does not suffer any condition, nor any disease.

As long as the communication between both is natural and fluid, and that the father is actively involved both in pregnancy and in the later stage , the symptoms and worries will diminish until they even disappear.


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