We know that women can experience pregnancy. But did you know that expectant fathers can also experience pregnancy? If you don't know, let's examine the Couvade (Kuvad) syndrome together!
Couvade Syndrome, also known as the Sympathetic Pregnancy Syndrome, is the situation in which the father-to-be experiences the mental and physical symptoms of pregnancy along with the conception of his wife. As a physical symptom; Although symptoms such as appetite change, sleep problems, enlargement in the abdomen, back pain, sensitivity in the sense of smell, and weakness can be seen, psychologically; Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, stress, deterioration in body image perception, irritability, and mental agitation can be experienced. In this syndrome, which can be difficult to detect sometimes, but causes serious pathologies in some cases, the anxiety of the father-to-be's increasing responsibilities, identity conflicts that he may experience about being a father, whether he is willing or not about the baby, his relationship with his own father, having a low education level, unfavorable economic situation, Factors such as marital discord can cause Couvade syndrome.
When we look at the studies on Couvade syndrome, Couvade syndrome; While it is thought that the father-to-be's participation in his wife's feelings and pregnancy process is a reflection of his integration with pregnancy, it is also thought to be an indicator of his integration with his pregnant wife during the pregnancy process. On the other hand, there are explanations suggesting that the syndrome may be experienced as a reflection of the jealousy of his wife's pregnancy process and the feeling of hostility towards his wife or baby. They can go to counselor control and get psychological support to advance the process more healthily. It should be noted that they are not alone in experiencing this syndrome, and that other father candidates may also experience Couvade syndrome. Candidates who may experience the syndrome due to insufficient information about paternity, and therefore access to sufficient information about being a parent is very important for both a healthy marriage and raising a healthy child.
Surprising facts about Couvade syndrome:
Couvade syndrome has been made a ritual form in some cultures and seen as a symbolic sign of acceptance of paternity. It is seen that the ritual form of Couvadin is practiced in some primitive societies even today. According to the tradition in these societies, when the mother is put to bed during childbirth, the father-to-be waits for the birth by lying in bed as if giving birth. It has even been observed that some fathers-to-be experience pain similar to the labor pain seen in expectant mothers. In the practice of the ritual form of couvad, there is a belief that the pain of birth will decrease and the mother and baby will be protected from evil spirits.
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