Men can experience vomiting, mood swings during partner’s pregnancy – Experts

Popular health expert, Dr Michael Ajidahun, better known as The Bearded Dr Sina on X, has shared that men can sometimes experience pregnancy-like symptoms when their partners are expecting, drawing attention to the little-known condition called Couvade Syndrome.

This follows recent online debates about men’s emotional and psychological experiences during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Dr Ajidahun stated, “A woman can get pregnant & her husband too starts having pregnancy symptoms like her.

‘’Husband can start feeling like vomiting, gaining weight, and having mood swings. In severe cases, the man can develop labour pains & tiredness. It is rare. It is called COUVADE SYNDROME.”

While many social media users reacted with surprise and amusement, medical experts affirm that Couvade Syndrome is recognised as a psychosomatic condition where expectant fathers develop symptoms similar to pregnancy due to emotional or hormonal changes.

According to Dr Catherine Caponero, an OB/GYN at Cleveland Clinic, in a May 2024 article titled “Is Couvade Syndrome Real?”

“We think couvade syndrome is a psychological response that produces real physical symptoms. Interestingly, it’s not the only example of how having a baby affects nonpregnant partners. Postpartum depression in nonbirthing partners is also common.”

A 2025 study published in the journal Ginekologia Polska further observed that, “The symptoms of couvade syndrome experienced by men, such as weight gain, nausea, and changes in appetite, are noticed to a certain degree by healthcare professionals, indicating these symptoms have physiological and psychological dimensions that merit attention.”

Similarly, a 2025 article in SAGE Journals described it as, “A psychosomatic condition where expectant fathers physically manifest symptoms of pregnancy due to emotional and hormonal changes.”

The discussion around Dr Ajidahun’s post quickly merged with an ongoing social media conversation sparked by a viral video earlier in October, in which a man complained that no one checked on him emotionally after his wife gave birth. The clip triggered a broader debate on the need to acknowledge men’s emotional health during and after pregnancy.

Popular skitmaker Maraji joined the conversation with a firm yet humorous video, saying, “It’s not neglecting the man, it’s prioritising survival. Her body, mind, and emotions just went through war. She deserves the care.”

Responding in a video, life coach Solomon Buchi acknowledged the challenges women go through during pregnancy, noting that he has a wife and understands firsthand what she experienced, but emphasised that men also face emotional and physical strain during that period and deserve empathy too.

“Yes, the woman is the one carrying the child, but it is the man being strong for that family at that moment… Men are not robots; they should also be spoken to in a manner that acknowledges that they are a part of the journey.”

Reactions from social media users ranged from ridicule to empathy. One Instagram user, beautyqueenmaree, commented, “They are always in competition with women! Are you pregnant? ” while another, #the.fathers.princess, quipped, “So they should leave the mother and baby to focus on you. Very good.”

Others, however, took a more understanding tone. #p_love27 wrote, “We all need a bit of love. As a mum of two, I can say that when you have a supportive partner, you both go through it together. Yes, women carry the baby and breastfeed, but men also need support.”

On X, user #mikedave_a shared his experience, saying, “My wife went through quite a lot while she was pregnant, and I was there for her all through. But I also got exhausted, weak, and tired. It wouldn’t have hurt to have someone say, ‘I see you’ in all of it.”

Another user, #OtoEbe, added, “He is right that a simple, ‘Howdy Daddy?’ now and then, wouldn’t or shouldn’t go amiss.”

As the debate deepened, some users called for balance. #OkahEwahEdede noted, “Both are right, but this is not a competition. Men’s efforts count, too. Acknowledgement should go both ways.”

Medical experts say that while Couvade Syndrome is rare and not classified as a medical disorder, it is recognised as a real psychosomatic experience influenced by anxiety, hormonal shifts, and empathy toward a partner’s pregnancy journey. Studies have found its prevalence to range widely—from 11% to as high as 97%—depending on cultural and psychological factors.

As Dr. Ajidahun’s post continues to trend, it has shed new light on an often-overlooked reality: pregnancy, while borne by women, can be emotionally and physically transformative for men too.(Punch)