Woman realizes she’s pregnant—but only after boyfriend displays strange symptoms: ‘The way I would be annoyed at him’
Given how common pregnancy is, it’s surprising that many are unaware of its many side effects and potential dangers.
For example, a 2019 study surveyed visitors to a California prenatal clinic. Of the almost 300 respondents, only around 5% of both men and women could correctly identify seven major health risks that increase during pregnancy.
Other studies have found significant disagreement among Americans about which behaviors are risky during pregnancy.
Now, a viral video has the internet talking about another side effect: Couvade Syndrome. But what is it?
How Did This Woman Realize She Was Pregnant?
In a video with over 21 million views, TikTok user Alejandra (@alejandrarompope) shows herself and her partner in a mirror.
The overlay text reads, “How I knew I was pregnant.”
The clip then cuts to show her partner leaning over a toilet. He appears to be ill.
As many commenters quickly deduced, the man appears to be experiencing something known as “Couvade Syndrome.”
What Is Couvade Syndrome?
While many are aware that “morning sickness” is a side effect of pregnancy, some may not realize that the partners of pregnant people can also experience morning sickness.
Although it’s not entirely understood, symptoms like these are fairly common. One study found that anywhere from 11 to 65 percent of husbands of pregnant women experienced symptoms when their partner became pregnant. These symptoms ranged from variations in appetite and nausea to insomnia and weight gain.
No one is sure why this happens, but there are several theories.
Some have suggested that this happens as a result of psychological factors. As these symptoms often happen once a pregnancy has been confirmed, it’s theorized that these side effects could be a consequence of anxiety or another psychological factor.
There’s also evidence that pregnancy causes increased empathy in partners. This, it’s theorized, could cause some people to unconsciously take on some of their pregnant partner’s symptoms.
Others say that hormonal changes could have something to do with it. During pregnancy, the pregnant person’s partner will also go through hormonal changes. These hormonal changes, it’s theorized, could result in some of the side effects listed above.
Can You Treat Couvade Syndrome?
At present, “Couvade Syndrome” is not a medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a broad term used to describe a variety of symptoms.
As a result, treatment for these issues varies. Some may find relief solely through the use of anti-nausea medication. Others may require psychological therapy. Some suggest that making preparations for the birth, such as readying the home and taking prenatal classes, can reduce anxiety—hopefully helping to mitigate some of these conditions.
Commenters Are Surprised
In the comments section, many users admitted that they were unaware that this was a side effect of pregnancy. Still, several users had firsthand experience with the phenomenon.
“I had no idea Couvade syndrome existed,” said a commenter. “The other day my mom was laughing about how every pregnancy my dad has EXTREME inexplainable cravings and would stack snacks in every cupboard.”
“My husband had morning sickness with our first… I laughed at him, but then got hit with morning sickness with our next two. my last one had me sick until I gave birth to him!” shared another. “Moral of the story don’t laugh at him… karma comes back hard.”
“My husband took a nap that’s how I knew I was pregnant because he never takes naps,” shared a third. “With that pregnancy I sadly miscarried and then 2 months later he took another nap. I was indeed pregnant and I’m now 13 n a half weeks!”
@alejandrarompope #fyp #pregnancy #husband ♬ original sound – .
We’ve reached out to Alejandra via email and Instagram direct message.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
