Myth or Reality? Dads Have Pregnancy Pains

Ah hah. So you thought that it was just your spouse who would gain weight and experience morning sickness, bloating and nausea. Guess you haven't yet heard about today's dad, who gets a taste of pregnancy as well.

Up to 65-percent of men with pregnant wives experience psychosomatic conditions of pregnancy-they gain weight, get back pain and sometimes even stomach spasms during birth.

The condition is called Couvade Syndrome. Men usually experience the most profound symptoms during the third and fourth month of pregnancy.

Experts give varying reasons as to why this happens. Some believe it's an expression of empathy. Others say it's an expression of anxiety. A few believe it's a form of rivalry-that men are trying to outdo their spouses, or even jealous.

Numerous studies have been conducted on this subject with varying outcomes. A group of Italian researchers examined Couvade in 1994. And could not confirm that it even exists.

An earlier 1991 study at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston found symptoms in men starting in the third month of pregnancy, and peaking late in the third trimester.

A third study confirmed Couvade is real, and even showed that it's more common in couples that have experienced issues with infertility.

Those who agree that Couvade is real and is being experienced by many men, also say that there's not much that can be done about it. There should be some comfort in knowing that Couvade symptoms do NOT worsen during labor and that they in fact go away once the baby is born.

For more articles on parenting and finance for fathers, visit Interactive DAD Magazine, http://www.InteractiveDadMagazine.com, the FREE online magazine for fathers that's updated DAILY!

---

How To Avoid Post Partum Depression

New mothers sometimes experience "postpartum blues." This is understandable. Pregnancy... Read More

The Developing Child

We know the fetus is experiencing whatever is going on... Read More

Problems Associated With Teen Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the pivotal moments of a woman's... Read More

Pregnancy Fashion - Look And Feel Great During Your Pregnancy!

Have you ever wondered what makes women tick? Well among... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Final Word

One point can't be emphasized enough. Weight loss takes time... Read More

Hyperpigmentation - Skin Discoloration - Pregnancy Mask

First and foremost I want to start by emphasizing that... Read More

Finding Time To Exercise After Pregnancy

If exercise is so obviously the answer to losing weight... Read More

How Fast Will I Lose The Weight I Gained During Pregnancy?

Remember as with any weight loss and exercise program, moderation... Read More

Morbidly Obese and Suffering Pregnancy Complications? Consider Gastric Bypass

Obese and morbidly obese women are more likely to have... Read More

Postpartum Depression - Recognizing The Signs

In some cases, bringing home your brand new baby doesn't... Read More

Avoiding Episiotomy During Childbirth

I coached as my wife was delivering our third child.... Read More

Morning Sickness Survival Tips

"Just eat a few saltines and you'll be ok".I don't... Read More

Mommy Is Having A Baby!

Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your... Read More

Why Shouldnt I Smoke During Pregnancy?

There are a lot of good reasons to quit smoking,... Read More

Stress And Pregnancy

Stress Relief During Pregnancy If you truly want to ensure... Read More

Fighting the Pregnancy Blahs

Every pregnant woman has experienced the pregnancy blahs. I can... Read More

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can... Read More

Is A Baby Allowed To Play In Its First Month?

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many... Read More

What Would I Do Without My Doula?

By the time my husband and I finally got pregnant... Read More

How do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests identify a special hormone in the blood or... Read More

You Can Do Exercise During Pregnancy, but Dont Overdo It

Don't get so lazy during your pregnancy. Move your body... Read More

Glutathione for a Healthier Pregnancy

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and... Read More

Common Sense Approach To Weight Loss After A Pregnancy

Every woman gains weight while she is pregnant. This is... Read More

Pregnancy, Diabetes, and Your Feet

There are so many changes the body undergoes during pregnancy... Read More

Pregnancy and Exercise, How to Stay Fit While Being Pregnant

EXERCISE SAFELYThe first thing to understand when you exercise during... Read More

Pregnancy and Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are important to the health of a growing... Read More

Planning a Healthy Pregnancy

Looking for healthy lifestyle pregnancy information? Here are some steps... Read More

Train While You Gain - Why a Personal Trainer Can Make a Difference During Your Pregnancy

The average woman will gain between 25 and 30 pounds... Read More

Start Growing Healthy Children Before Getting Pregnant

When I was in my early 20's, I read Adele... Read More

Twins Pregnancy?A Father?s Point of View

So you're expecting twins. Congratulations!Are you still in shock? I... Read More

What You Need To Know About Pregnancy And Tanning Booths

If you are pregnant, there are things you should know... Read More

Abortions After Fetal Viability

Abortion is without a doubt one of the hottest and... Read More

Pregnancy and Tanning Bed - Think Before You Tan

With summer coming near, you would love to put on... Read More