Pregnancy is a matter of two
Since in the pregnancy test When “the two lines” appear, the lives of both members of the couple take a 360º turn, causing changes that will be positive or negative depending on how the different situations are handled. We will no longer only talk about Luis as Claudia’s partner, or vice versa, but now they will both be Lucas’s parents. And that… you have to know how to accept it and internalize it.
You go from being a couple to forming onefamilyAnd not only are new roles acquired, new routines and changes in daily life also appear that you have to know how to adapt to. Pregnancy is a trial by fire full of challenges and obstacles that can sometimes cause instability in the relationship. Hence It is essential to know how it may be affecting every little evolution in the other person and thatlet’s know how to resolve conflictsin an airy manner.
The father’s role in pregnancy
The nerves before each of the pregnancy ultrasounds, uncertainty,the fears of pregnancywaiting for each result that confirms that everything is going well. The concern when seeing how the future mother goes through the different stages of pregnancy, not knowing if one is acting in the correct way on some occasions or even the question that frequently haunts the minds of many future parents:“Will I be a good father?”
All of this can generate moments ofstress and anxiety. Of course not everything is negative in the dad’s mind. Your head also harbors the excitement of preparing everything necessary for the baby (its room, the stroller, choosing the name…) and the desire to hold it in your arms. There are those who even go through what is known as nest syndrome!
Does pregnancy affect the father?
As you say very wellTomas Heredia(director and physiotherapist of SingularMom):“During our girls’ pregnancy, we both got pregnant, although she was a little more pregnant.”
So to the previous question, the answer is a resounding yes. In general, throughout the pregnancy the father tries to assume aresponsibility and protection roleto rise to the occasion, trying not to be overwhelmed by them.
The father figure can be affected not only by pregnancy but also in the weeks before childbirth and/or in the postpartum. And pregnancy also affects emotional healthof the father, even in some cases experiencing what is known as “Couvade syndrome”.
Couvade syndrome
He syndrome Couvadecomes from the French word “cover“, or what is the same, “incubate.” Until relatively recently it was believed that this syndrome was purely psychological, however physical causes have been observed.
Because? According to different investigations, it has been observed adecrease in testosterone levels(male hormone) along with an increase in estrogen, prolactin and cortisolof men who have suffered from this syndrome.
Couvade Syndrome occurs mainly infirst time parents who experience a extreme empathy towards your pregnant partner. It occurs when manifesting insecurity and great emotional intensity facing imminent paternity. It occurs most frequently in sensitive men who fervently try to put themselves in their girl’s shoes. This makes them feel some psychological and physiological changes such as dizziness, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, changes in appetite, weight gain… Here you can read more about nutrition in pregnancy.
Anxiety symptoms, alterations in sleep during pregnancy, stress and fatigue are also common in these cases.
SingularMom Recommendations
pregnancy,birthand everything related to children is a important moment for couples . Some of the recommendations we advocate at SingularMom for this momentous life change are as follows:
- I always say that withoutcommunicationthere is no couple. Therefore, one of the priorities above all at this moment will be based on thecontinuous dialogue to strengthen trustfrom one over the other and vice versa. You will both share fears and insecurities, new things are happening to both of you and neither of you are fortune tellers to know what is going on in the other’s head. So… what better than to be your best support, always acting from empathy and affection?
- Hormonal changes can make coexistence difficult, so aextra dose of empathyby both members of the couple to avoid entering into unnecessary disputes.
- Not only will you share fears and uncertainty, the added responsibility of forming (or increasing) the family will also be shared by both of you. Hence it is vital yourrapport and helpin this exciting and exhausting moment.
- Of vital importance is theprivacy in the couple in the broadest sense of the word. It is true that now everything revolves around the baby and that your libido may even be “on the floor” but… we must try not to neglect the relationship as a couple.Find moments where you can strengthen your union It is essential not only for you as a couple but also for the baby since it is capable of feeling your affection. Here you can read more about sexual health and sexuality in pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a process of physical, psychological and emotional changes. At SingularMom we are fully aware of everything you are facing.
That is why with our online childbirth preparation classes We want to offer you the answers along with the most suitable exercises so that both of you can consciously enjoy pregnancy to the fullest. Also with the comfort, privacy and security of being able to do it from home!
