TVNZ/NZPA: Partners mimic pregnancy symptoms

Waikato researchers have found that the partners (and sometimes relatives) of pregnant women often also get symptoms which mimic pregnancy, although explanations for why vary.

Th research aims to help scientists better understand this aspect of pregnancy, commonly called ‘Couvade syndrome’

An excerpt: (read in full here)

“Known as “Couvade Syndrome” the phenomenon has been reported overseas in men far away from their partners, same sex partners, mothers and mothers-in-law .

“The symptoms disappear quite quickly after the partner has given birth, says Lichtwark.

“She says there were no specific figures for the condition’s incidence in New Zealand, but in the United States estimates were as high as 90% of male partners having pregnancy symptoms, and between 30 and 60% in Europe.”