While we often see the physical changes in pregnant women, many men also experience changes, like gaining weight. A possible reason for this is the hormone prolactin.
What is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone mainly known for helping women produce milk after giving birth. But men also have prolactin, though in smaller amounts. Research suggests that men’s prolactin levels can go up when their partner is pregnant, leading to physical changes, including weight gain.
Why Men Might Gain Weight During Pregnancy
Sympathy Pregnancy (Couvade Syndrome): Some men experience pregnancy-like symptoms, such as weight gain, nausea, and mood swings, alongside their pregnant partners. This condition is called Couvade syndrome. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but higher prolactin levels may be involved.
Increased Appetite: Prolactin can make you feel hungrier. When men’s prolactin levels rise, they might eat more, which can lead to weight gain. This might be a natural way to prepare for the energy demands of being a new parent.
Fat Storage: Prolactin can also encourage the body to store more fat. This might be the body’s way of getting ready for the physical and emotional challenges of caring for a newborn.
Stress Response: Expecting a baby can be stressful, knowing a new life will be counting on you to provide for them, and while we don’t talk about that stress much, it can hit fathers pretty hard. In turn, stress can further raise prolactin levels. Stress-related hormonal changes can affect eating habits and metabolism, often leading to weight gain.
The Biological Reason Behind These Changes
These changes might have an evolutionary purpose. Increased prolactin in men could help them be more nurturing and bond with their baby, which is important for the baby’s well-being. Gaining weight and storing fat might also have helped fathers have enough energy to care for their child in the past.
Conclusion
Weight gain in men during their partner’s pregnancy is a complex process influenced by hormonal changes like increased prolactin. These changes highlight the deep connection between expectant parents and prepare them for their new roles. Understanding prolactin and other hormonal shifts can help explain why some fathers-to-be experience these changes.
P.S. If anyone comments on your “dad bod,” you can say, “No, it’s a ‘father figure.'”
