Evaluation the Incidence of Couvade Syndrome in Iranian Expectant Fathers

Abstract

Background and Aim: Couvade syndrome is a syndrome that the father, like the mother, during pregnancy shows some of the changes and symptoms associated with pregnancy. The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of this syndrome in Iranian expectant fathers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 372 husbands whose wives were receiving prenatal care in the hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran from January 2018 to December 2018. Using a researcher-made questionnaire the participants were evaluated for the signs and symptoms of couvade syndrome. All the women were in the third trimester of pregnancy. Results: On average, every participant experienced % 3.12 ± 3.61 of the common symptoms of pregnancy during his wife's pregnancy. The most common symptoms in the fathers were stress and anxiety, decreased concentration, fatigue, sleep disorders, headache, and digestive problems such as increased appetite, heartburn, abdominal distension, and alterations in weight. In most cases, these problems occurred in the third trimester. Conclusion: In the present study, it has been shown that men also encounter certain changes and problems during the pregnancy of their wives. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay attention to the fathers and their needs in order to help them to prepare for parenthood.

Keywords

• couvade syndrome
• expectant fathers
• iran