In a study conducted three and six months after childbirth, fathers who experienced more significant declines during pregnancy tended to contribute more to household tasks and infant care, according to feedback from their partners. “It seems that hormonal changes happen first, which then leads to a greater involvement in postpartum care,” explains Edelstein.
Edelstein suggests that these hormonal shifts may be linked to some symptoms of Couvade. For instance, lower levels of testosterone and oestradiol in men have been associated with weight gain, while oestradiol is connected to feelings of depression. However, the exact causes of these hormonal changes remain uncertain.
This idea is supported by various neurological studies indicating that parents undergo brain changes after welcoming a child. A 2024 study noted that the volume of grey matter decreases in fathers after birth, similar to what occurs in mothers. This synaptic pruning enhances brain regions important for interpreting an infant’s signals, nurturing, and bonding. Fathers experiencing greater reductions in grey matter reported spending more time with their babies and feeling closer to them, showing they adapt well to parenthood.
Singley challenges the conventional belief that Couvade is merely mimicking a partner’s symptoms. “It’s a somewhat dated perspective on parenting,” he points out. He emphasizes that partners also experience a wide range of psychological, social, and biological adjustments, as they are individuals in their own right.
This notion can be challenging for expectant fathers, given societal pressures regarding masculinity. “Many men might think: ‘I shouldn’t feel down; that’s a sign of weakness. As a dad, I need to provide and be strong,'” Singley notes. He believes we should encourage them to express feelings of discomfort, whether that includes migraines, muscle tension, or a sense of overwhelming pressure.
