Couvade Syndrome among partners of women with physiological and complicated pregnancy

Abstract

Aim. To assess the prevalence of couvade syndrome and analyze the factors determining the occurrence of this syndrome in the partners of pregnant women. Material and method. The research material was collected by a diagnostic survey, using an author’s survey questionnaire. Results. Couvade Syndrome occurs in 94.3% of partners of women with complicated pregnancies. Among the most common somatic symptoms there are: back pain (56.2%), headaches (53.3%), appetite changes (48.6%), indigestion (34.3%) and abdominal pain of unknown origin (31.4%), while mental ones include: sleep disturbances (37.1%), irritability (34.3%), tension (32.4%), regardless of the course of partner’s pregnancy. Men, who were married, were more likely to have Couvade symptoms than those in an informal relationship, regardless of the course of partner’s pregnancy (p=0.02). Respondents without Couvade Syndrome were more likely to have low levels of involvement in their partner’s current pregnancy than those with symptoms, regardless of the course of this pregnancy (p=0.03). Men with symptoms of the syndrome were more likely to be less involved in their responsibilities at work than those without symptoms, regardless of the course of partner’s pregnancy (p=0.0006). Conclusions. The majority (94.3%) of partners of women with complicated pregnancies have a Couvade Syndrome. The most common somatic symptoms include back pain, headaches, appetite changes, indigestion and abdominal pain of unknown origin, while the mental ones: sleep disturbances, irritability, tension, anxiety and nervousness. Married men are more likely to have Couvade Syndrome than those in an informal relationship. Low levels of involvement in the current pregnancy are shown by men who do not have the syndrome. Men, who have the Couvade Syndrome, are less involved in their work responsibilities.