This is the unspecified version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. This should be followed by quantitative approaches of large heterogeneous samples to assess the relationship of socio-demographic factors and the syndrome. Permanent repository link

This is the unspecified version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. The second was "Nature, Management and Duration of Symptoms", which revealed the types and duration of physical and psychological symptoms experienced by men. Permanent repository linkAttempts at managing these were influenced by social and cultural factors. Physical symptoms were more common than psychological ones, and their time course demonstrated trends similar to those reported for the Couvade syndrome. Although the former were reported to their GPs, no definitive diagnosis was made despite medical investigations being performed. The third theme, "Explanatory Attempts for Symptoms" was influenced by cultural beliefs and conventions like religion, alternative medical beliefs or through the enlightenment by health care professionals in the process. Some participants were unable to find explanations for symptoms but some perceived that they were related in some way to the altered physiology of their female partners during pregnancy. These findings highlight the need for further research to acquire deeper insight into men's experiences of, and responses to, pregnancy as a way of explaining the syndrome.