Couvade Syndrome

If I could carry our baby instead of my wife, I would. At least for an hour or so, just so I could see what it felt like having a life forming inside of you; carrying a living thing that’s an equal product of our marriage. But indefinitely? Not a chance! Delivery? Hmm. That being said though, it’s definitely starting to look like we’re both carrying a baby!

Have you ever heard of Couvade Syndrome? Nope – neither have I, but I’m sure I am suffering from it. Sympathy symptoms. It’s apparently being so in touch with your partner and her pregnant condition that you actually start to experience some of the symptoms yourself. It’s nothing to do with refusing to give up the entire spotlight, I promise.

A research firm across Britain published that the average weight gain during a pregnancy term is 14 pounds. By the father! We’ve just entered the third and final trimester, and I’m well on track to surpass that figure. I’m knocking on its door now and in another month I’ll have kicked it door down! I don’t know whether it’s because I’m anxious to become a father; my wife’s increased hunger; the fact we’re making the most of eating out now whilst we can or if I’m subconsciously trying to make my wife feel better about her own weight gain. Either way, the pounds are piling on quicker than you can say cheesecake (which I had 3 times last week)! I’m sure that little man is going to be worth both the wait, and the weight.

It’s not just weight gain that Couvade Syndrome brings to a pregnant Dad though. I’ve had food cravings, fatigue, a little back pain and been more emotional. I’ve even found myself dreaming more than Tim Burton on sleeping pills. Last week I dreamt I was manager of Real Madrid, and I’d signed Kim Kardashian to play in goal. The next night I was a zoo keeper, and not long ago I was overly enthusiastic about my career as a co-pilot... of an albatross that could talk.

I can cope with weight gain (for now), and dreams are just that – dreams. Cravings are temporary, and fatigue is a walk in the park compared to the sleep deprivation that I’m preparing myself for come May. Being emotional is fine too; women love a man in touch with their emotions. Couvade Syndrome can throw all it wants at me.

So long as I don’t start suffering from Braxton-Hicks and having contractions!

You can check out couvades syndrome for yourselves...