Couvade syndrome: more than a toothache

Abstract

Background

Couvade Syndrome is best characterized as a somatic symptom disorder where the partner experiences somatic symptoms during their partner’s pregnancy most often during the first and third trimesters. Several psychoanalytical theories have been proposed for this disorder. There are well studied mood changes that correspond to hormonal shifts that occur in response to anticipated parenthood which serve as a physiologic mechanism for this pathology.

Case

The following is a case of Couvade syndrome in the setting of a high risk pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia with severe features necessitating a preterm delivery.

Conclusion

Expectant fathers should be screened for symptoms of Couvade Syndrome throughout the pregnancy in order to better support the familial unit.

Keywords:

• Obstetrics
• perinatal metal health
• psychological effects on male experience
• psychotherapy research
• somatisation disorders

Precis

Expectant fathers should be screened for symptoms of Couvade Syndrome throughout the pregnancy in order to better support the familial unit.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.