A qualitative exploration of the Couvade syndrome in expectant fathers

Abstract

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.

First-time fathers’ experiences of parenting during the first year

“…The overwhelmingly negative experiences of antenatal services voiced by men have also been highlighted by various other researchers (Barclay, Donovan, & Genovese, 1996;Bradley et al, 2004;Brennan, Marshall-Lucette, Ayers, & Ahmed, 2007). During the transition phase, feelings of separation and marginalisation precipitated men's inability to experience first-hand the changes their respective partners were going through; men's experiences were grounded in their partner's pregnant body, which ironically served to maintain feelings of distance for some men.…”

The pregnant male: a metasynthesis of first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy

“…In relation to super-ordinate theme 3 (The pregnant male), few men described experiencing physical pregnancy-related changes, conceptualised as Couvade syndrome (Brennan et al, 2007). It could be hypothesised that the development of physical changes in a man is an unconscious attempt to feel more involved, emotionally connected and a part of the pregnancy process.…”

Psychosomatic symptoms of the Couvade syndrome in Finnish and Polish expectant fathers

“…According to Lipkin and Lamb as well as Strickland, the principle of at least one physical symptom should be followed [5,17]. Brennan, on the other hand, claims that at least 4 physical or psychological symptoms are needed to establish diagnosis [7]. In Australian studies from 2010, the principle of at least 8 psychological or physical symptoms was followed [10].…”

“…There are several classifications of typical symptoms of the Couvade syndrome according to different authors. For example, Conner et al divides the symptoms into three groups: gastrointestinal (weight gain, appetite changes, nausea, bloating, stomach ache), respiratory (respiratory tract infections) or nervous (anxiety, sleep disorders, nervousness) [6], while Brennan enumerates 35 symptoms, of which 8 are psychological and 27 physical [7].…”

“…identification with the mother distorts normal identification with the male role [2]. Brennan et al, on the other hand, advocate idiopathic causes of the Couvade syndrome [7].…”