This is a special Bump on the Hump post for Men’s Health Week highlighting the importance of men’s health during pregnancy. Can you believe that men typically gain around 14 pounds during their partner’s pregnancy? It’s true! Men can have pregnancy symptoms, called couvade syndrome, along with their partners. Couvade syndrome is a French term that roughly translates to “we’re pregnant”. Let’s take a look at the six common symptoms for men, how dad gains this weight and what you can do to avoid this weight gain.
What are six common symptoms for men?
There are six common symptoms that dad can have and these include: anxiety, nausea, mood swings, changes in sex drive and weight gain. According to an online poll of 5000 men, the reported reasons were as follows:
- Eating out more frequently before the baby comes (42 percent),
- The increased availability of snacks around the house (41 percent),
- The desire to make their partner feel better about her own weight gain (25 percent)
- Being served larger portions — apparently by a hungry mom-to-be (20 percent)
How does HE gain weight while I’m pregnant?
Weight gain is attributed to cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol is responsible for regulating insulin and blood-sugar levels in your body. It’s also secreted at higher volumes during periods of anxiety. When secreted in higher volumes it can contribute to false feelings of hunger possibly leading to weight gain. Carrying the extra weight can also lead to high blood pressure, increased risk for heart disease, and diabetes.
Dad’s Game Plan
What better way to combat stress and weight gain then by exercising! It is recommended that pregnant women exercise daily and there is no reason why men can’t do the same. As long as you both need to get moving, why not try to partner with your partner for a daily workout?
Here are four ways you can exercise together:
- Take a walk around the neighborhood. Walk at a nice brisk pace to get your heart rate up and try to walk for at least 30 minutes. During this time, you can catch up with your partner about their day or discuss baby names!
- Date Night- Challenge each other with a circuit of squats, pushups and bridges. One person does the work, while the other person is resting. When one person is done with the exercise, they take the rest.
- See a Band– resistance band that is! One person will hold the band creating resistance while the other person rows, does chest presses or flyes.
- Get in the water! Now that summer is here, you will want to keep cool while getting your workout. Go swimming together- it’s a great way to get your cardiovascular exercise while making mom, baby and dad feel great.
It is important to not only keep mom and dad safe, but baby too. Work out safely and enjoy your time together. These workouts can help you feel strong and allow you to get rid of some of the stress. Remember that challenging each other may be a little different than pre-pregnancy. Always communicate with mo to see how she is feeling during the workout and encourage her to take rest, drink water and tell her she is strong! The same goes for the dads.
Do you have questions about exercise? Contact us– we can get you moving in the right direction.
