Health experts have revealed that some men may experience symptoms similar to pregnancy when their partners are expecting, a rare condition known as Couvade Syndrome.
Renowned Nigerian medical practitioner, Dr. Michael Ajidahun, popularly known as The Bearded Dr Sina on X (formerly Twitter), brought attention to the phenomenon in a post on Tuesday. According to him, expectant fathers can sometimes experience nausea, mood swings, weight gain, and even fatigue are symptoms typically associated with pregnancy.
“A woman can get pregnant and her husband too starts having pregnancy symptoms like her. He might feel like vomiting, gain weight, or have mood swings. In severe cases, he can even feel labour pains and tiredness. It is rare, but it’s called Couvade Syndrome,” Dr Ajidahun wrote.
The revelation stirred conversations online, with many expressing surprise and amusement. However, medical experts affirm that Couvade Syndrome is a recognised psychosomatic condition i.e meaning the symptoms are real but influenced by emotional and psychological factors.
According to Dr. Catherine Caponero, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Cleveland Clinic, the condition is believed to be “a psychological response that produces real physical symptoms.” She added that non-pregnant partners may also experience postpartum depression, highlighting how pregnancy can affect both parents.
A 2025 study published in Ginekologia Polska observed that men who experience Couvade Syndrome often report symptoms like weight gain, nausea, and appetite changes, suggesting both physiological and emotional involvement. Similarly, research published in SAGE Journals described it as “a psychosomatic condition triggered by emotional and hormonal shifts during a partner’s pregnancy.”
Dr Ajidahun’s post reignited discussions about men’s mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth. This followed a viral video in early October, where a man lamented that no one checked on him emotionally after his wife gave birth, sparking a broader conversation about fathers’ mental health.
Popular skitmaker Maraji joined the debate, jokingly stating that prioritising mothers after childbirth was not neglecting men but ensuring survival. “Her body, mind, and emotions just went through war. She deserves the care,” she said.
Life coach Solomon Buchi also weighed in, acknowledging women’s struggles during pregnancy but urging empathy for men as well. “Yes, the woman carries the baby, but men also go through emotional and physical stress. They should be acknowledged too,” he said.
Reactions across social media varied. Some users dismissed the discussion as men seeking attention, while others empathised with fathers’ experiences. One user wrote, “We all need a bit of love. When you have a supportive partner, you both go through it together.”
Another user shared, “My wife’s pregnancy was tough, but I also got exhausted and tired. It wouldn’t have hurt to hear someone say, ‘I see you.’
Health professionals note that while Couvade Syndrome is not classified as a medical disorder, it reflects real emotional and physiological changes some men experience during their partner’s pregnancy. Reported prevalence varies widely, from 11% to 97%, depending on psychological and cultural factors.
Dr Ajidahun’s post, now trending across platforms, has opened new conversations on the shared emotional journey of pregnancy, reminding society that while women carry the physical burden, men, too, can be deeply affected in ways that deserve understanding and support.
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