What to Expect When It Isn't Expected: Helping Mommies Everywhere! Issue 4 June 2014 | Page 14

COUVODE SYNDROME

Weight Gain. Pregnancy weight gain is normal and healthy for mommas, I bet you didn't know you would experience it too. I am sure your partner may be experiencing those pregnancy cravings...so naturally you have to eat along side her during those midnight snacks; however, there is a bigger reason for the weight gain you daddies may be experiencing. Men become very stressed when expecting a baby, whether conscious or subconscious. Due to the high stress levels happening to your body, a hormone called cortisol is released. Cortisol is the “stress hormone”. It is a tricky little devil because it is what regulates insulin and blood sugar levels in your body. It is the deviant that causes the weight gain you might be experiencing. Cortisol increases your appetite and sugar cravings, thus, cause you weight gain.

Mood Swings. If you are feeling extra moody this can also be from the weight gain. When you gain weight, your body creates more fat tissue, leading your testosterone to become estrogen. This is the culprit behind and mood swings and nausea you may be having. Isn’t pregnancy great?

Cramps and Aches. In a need for daddy to bond with the baby during pregnancy, his mental makes his physical match what momma might be experiencing. In some cases, daddy wants that same connection and there is a hint of jealousy so the body actually will be deceived into feeling pregnant. This is not the case for all and it is very subconcious, but it does happen. As with anything, when you harbor anxiety and stress, it will manifest itself in a physical way. This is an exaggeration of that. This does, in some way, allow you to connect with the baby before he or she is born.