couvade syndrome

noun

1. a psychosomatic condition in which the husband or partner of a pregnant woman experiences symptoms of childbirth or pregnancy

Word History and Origins

Origin of couvade syndrome¹

C20: see couvade

Example Sentences

He had Couvade syndrome, otherwise known as a “sympathy pregnancy”.

From The Guardian

As for how many men may be affected, the research is surprising: one study found that up to 52% of US fathers will experience some symptoms of Couvade syndrome, with 59.1% in Jordan and up to 61% in Thailand.

From The Guardian

Couvade syndrome may not be limited to heterosexual human couples, although they make up the majority of the reported cases.

From The Guardian

There are potential physical explanations for Couvade syndrome.

From The Guardian

“Maybe Couvade syndrome will give men more of an understanding of what a woman goes through when she pushes her body to its limits.”

From The Guardian