Most people know that women, will tell you that while they are pregnant that their husband or significant other had some of the exact same pregnancy symptoms as they were experiencing. Some of these symptoms were pretty obvious; however, sometimes they go unnoticed. In fact, even some men will admit that they are experiencing pregnancy symptoms and feel as if they are in fact pregnant. If your spouse or significant other claims that they are experiencing pregnancy symptoms you should believe him, men handle stressful situations differently than women do. The 5 most common symptoms that your man may experience: feeling cranky or anxious about the baby’s arrival, weight gain, get waves of nausea, feel aches and pain, and often see changes in sexual behaviors.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. If you have any underlying health issues, you should seek professional help from a doctor or health care provider.
Why Are Men Cranky and Anxious While Expecting?
Having a baby is a life changing event and it can be a scary experience for the expectant father, especially first time dads. He might be happy one minute and worried the next, these feelings are normal. It is possible that he may be worrying about providing for and raising the baby financially, physically, and mentally. Some men even get worried and start wondering how the baby is going to change their relationship. It is important to allow your man to feel these feelings, they are normal and part of the emotional changes that come with having a baby. It is very important to keep the lines of communication open and be patient with your spouse or significant other. Remind him that there is no such thing as being a perfect parent and that he doesn’t have to be a perfect father. In fact, give him words of encouragement or explain that you only expect him to show the baby love, affection, and provide for him or her, both emotionally and physically the best that he can.
Weight Gain is the Most Common Pregnancy Symptom
Most men don’t want to admit that they have put on a few extra pounds since finding out he is expecting to be a father soon. Some men will run and get cravings for their pregnant spouse and often times they are also indulging her cravings with her. If they aren’t indulging in extra snacks, they can put on weight gain due to the added stress that pregnancy creates. When your body is stressed, it produces more cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for regulating blood sugar and insulin. When the cortisol increases in the body, it tends to make you feel hungry even if you aren’t. If you find yourself snacking more than usual, try to keep healthy snacks such as fruit or vegetables to snack on easily accessible instead of junk food or empty calories. Another way to combat weight gain is to add exercise to your daily routine.
Some Men Experience Morning Sickness or Feel Nauseous
If your husband or significant other, is reaching for the crackers or is running to the toilet because they are feeling nauseated. Don’t be alarmed, if your man is feeling sick to his stomach it is more than likely due to anxiety and nerves. It is even possible that your other half is a stress eater and is turning to food to help relieve their stress, nerves, and anxiety. Again, try to encourage him and tell him that he will make a great father. Try to get him to open up and discuss what is bothering or worrying him.
Experiencing the Same Aches and Pains As You Do
If your husband has the same aches and pains that you seem to be experiencing, don’t discount his pain levels he probably is really feeling the aches and pains. While his pain isn’t brought on from physically carrying the child, his body is just responding to the psychological and subconscious feelings about becoming a parent in the upcoming weeks. His aches and pains are more likely related to feeling tensed or stressed out. If he is having sympathy pains, be sure to discuss with him so that you can try to determine what is bothering or worrying him.
Changes in Sexual Behaviors
During the course of the pregnancy, men typically notice this change in behavior the most, that the amount of sex in the relationship has taken a nose dive or has increased. Often times pregnant mom’s are too tired, don’t feel well, or don’t have the urge to have sex during pregnancy, while other mom’s can’t get enough. It is important that you remain intimate and connect with your spouse during pregnancy, even if its in a nonsexual manner. Some men are turned on or find their wife even more attractive while pregnant. While others find pregnancy to be a complete turn off and remind them of the upcoming responsibilities. There are some men who refuse to have sex because they fear that they are going to harm the baby; however, dad’s your baby is fully protected in the womb and it is perfectly normal to have an active sex life while pregnant. The only time when sexual intercourse should be avoided is if the doctor put your wife or girlfriend on pelvic rest.
Pregnancy not only affects women but men too can experience changes and pregnancy symptoms as well. A man’s symptoms are mostly psychological and stress related rather than hormonal. If you see any of these changes in your husband or boyfriend, men can experience real pregnancy symptoms and they shouldn’t be discounted. It is important to discuss any underlying issues that could be contributing to these five common pregnancy symptoms in men.
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Dads did you experience any of these five pregnancy related symptoms?
