It's nothing compared to what her body goes through—but men experience hormonal changes when their partners are pregnant, finds a new University of Michigan study. Researchers tested the hormone levels of first-time fathers-to-be and found that their testosterone dropped as the baby grew.
The expectant fathers showed drops in testosterone and estradiol – a form of estrogen – but no changes in cortisol or progesterone, two hormones that are implicated in stress, say the authors. Past research has suggested that new fathers have lower levels of testosterone, but it wasn't known when the decline begins.
Their male partners also experienced small changes in the hormones testosterone and oestradiol. The researchers, as well as the media, speculate that these small changes in hormone levels could lead to men becoming less aggressive, less interested in sex, and more caring.
These changes are especially marked among expectant mothers, but recent research suggests that expectant fathers also show reliable changes in hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol, that are thought to support parental care (Edelstein et al., 2015; Gettler, McDade, Feranil, & Kuzawa, 2011).
New research is showing that like new mums, new dads brain and hormonal levels also change significantly during pregnancy and the first few months of babies life.
Most people know that depression and anxiety can affect women during pregnancy and early parenthood, but men can also be at risk. Up to 1 in 10 new dads can experience depression during the pregnancy or after the birth. Depression in men is not necessarily the result of their partner experiencing similar feelings.
Results showed changes in the cortex of fathers' brains after baby, while there were no significant changes in the brains of the childless men. These changes that researchers saw are often referred to as neuroplasticity and have been observed in mothers too.
When you find out about your partner's pregnancy, you might feel joy, excitement, shock, fear and more. It can help to talk about how you're feeling with someone you trust. It's a good idea to talk with your partner about when and with whom you'll share the news.
Many partners also lose their libido briefly as they cope with the changes that come with being a parent-to-be. For some, the changes to your body are wonderful. But your partner may also worry that your body somehow "belongs to the baby" right now. Don't worry, this is normally a passing phase.
The science is still out on what exactly happens to men's sex drive when their wife is pregnant. Some studies have found that men are actually more attracted to their wives when she is expecting. Others suggest fears surrounding the safety of the fetus may prevent some men from initiating sex.
Your relationship with your partner
Pregnancy will bring about big changes to your relationship, especially if this is your first baby. Some people cope with these changes easily, while others find it harder. It's quite common for couples to have arguments every now and then during pregnancy.
Majorly, men experience a significant drop in their testosterone levels, and other hormone changes to make them more nurturing and caring for their families.
Some studies have found that men are actually more attracted to their wives when they're pregnant. Others suggest fears surrounding the safety of the fetus may prevent some men from initiating sex.
There are different reactions men can have, ranging from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty, or even anger. Some men may react positively when they find out their partner is pregnant. They may feel excited about becoming a parent and shower their partner with love and care.
Meanwhile, young men are less prone to baby fever, but their desire for babies grows more frequent as they age—such that in their 40s, men have, on average, more baby fever than women do.
The age where a man is most fertile is between 22 and 25 years. It is suggested to have children before the age of 35. After this age, the male fertility begins to worsen. After 35, the sperm might result in pregnancies where mutations can occur.
Saxbe, an associate professor, recently had a study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex and found evidence that men develop a sort of “dad brain” after their baby is born, somewhat like how mothers' brains change in response to their newborns.
The main hormonal change is a drop in testosterone, the male sex hormone. “Testosterone is great when you're in the mating/dating game because it makes you more competitive, more motivated to look for a mate”, says Anna. But when you become a dad, this drop is one way your body prepares you for your new role.
A little patience will go a long way if your pregnant partner is feeling irritable. Try to validate your partner's feelings, even if you feel their worries are not rational or are out of proportion to the situation.
Engage in all parts of the pregnancy including accompanying your partner on doctor's visits; shopping for baby items; helping to paint or decorate the baby's room; setting up the crib; talking about names, etc. The more engaged you are in the process, the more a part of things you will feel.
Actually, it's not uncommon for men to have symptoms like constipation, gas, bloating, irritability, weight gain, and nausea while their partner is expecting. Fortunately, Couvade is almost always temporary and not serious.
When pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, weight gain, mood swings and bloating occur in men, the condition is called couvade, or sympathetic pregnancy. Depending on the human culture, couvade can also encompass ritualized behavior by the father during the labor and delivery of his child.
Although you might not always feel sexy during pregnancy, a new study suggests some men may actually be more attracted to pregnant women.
But one of the biggest reasons men cry more after becoming dads has to do with biology: You're losing testosterone and gaining more prolactin, vasopressin, and oxytocin . Those are neuro-transmitter hormones that help moms create milk for breastfeeding, and promote bonding with baby.