Pregnancy Myth: Hormonal Changes in Pregnancy Only Affect the Mom-to-be

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There is no doubt that a woman’s hormones run rampant in pregnancy. Those hormones can affect women by making them nauseous, and provoking overly-sympathetic responses to commercials or anything remotely emotional.

But did you know that the new dad-to-be undergoes a change too? It may be more subtle for him; the hormones are more geared toward alerting the male so he is paying attention (panic anyone?). He may work harder at his job, or delve into research about babies. According to a book written by neuropsychiatrist Louann Brizendine, author of The Male Brain, the male version of hormones tend to spike at around four to six weeks following news they are to be a father.

Then, a few weeks before the baby comes, the testosterone may plummet to about a third of normal levels, so a man’s nurturing hormones (prolactin) can take over and prepare him for birthing day and helping care for the baby.

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Resource:
Common Pregnancy Myths
Pregnancy Hormones-“Cry Baby on Aisle 6”
Dads’ Hormones Change, too, during pregnancy

Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.

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