It's nothing compared to what women's bodies 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.
Don't panic—we're not talking clinically low T levels, says study author Robin Edelstein, Ph.D. But the changes could be just enough to subtly influence his personality, like making him more nurturing and devoted to you and your future child (not such a bad thing).
In fact, researchers say that may be why his testosterone falls—to prepare him to take better care of your family when the kiddo arrives. (And then he's in for a lot more than a little hormone shift. Find out why one man thinks having children is a great idea that will also ruin your life.)
But how? Edelstein says it may be a result of the psychological changes he goes through when you're with child. For example, he might begin to imagine himself as a dad and start viewing you more as a parent than a sexual being.
Another possibility: "There's some evidence that some men gain weight along with their pregnant partners, which could definitely influence their hormone levels," says Edelstein.
Scientists aren't sure whether his testosterone will bounce back to pre-baby levels—and in fact, other research suggests it may continue to dip after Junior is born—but it's nothing to worry about.
"Slightly lower levels of testosterone have been associated with higher relationship satisfaction and more sensitive parenting," says Edelstein. "So think about these changes as important adaptations to becoming a parent."
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Article source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-relationships/male-pregnancy-symptoms
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