Pregnancy and childbirth bring many physical and psychological changes to a woman's body when she becomes a mother for the first time, but it turns out that men can also experience a wide range of physical and mental changes when they become fathers.
A hormonal and emotional roller coaster, a strong love for the baby, anxiety and depression, even pregnancy symptoms - it may sound unbelievable, but it is what many men can go through when they become fathers for the first time.
Let's take a closer look at how male bodies and minds can change after becoming fathers.
Testosterone levels may drop
A high level of testosterone is responsible for behavioral traits such as aggression, competition and attraction to a new partner. But when a man becomes a father, his testosterone level seems to drop, causing all his attention to be directed within the family, not outside of it.
The level of oxytocin and dopamine increases
Oxytocin and dopamine are 2 chemicals that are responsible for bonding between a parent and a child. As testosterone levels drop, the positive effects of oxytocin and dopamine increase, making a new father enjoy the relationship with his child more.
Hormonal ups and downs can cause depression in men
Ndërsa shumë prej nesh e dinë se çfarë është depresioni post-partum tek gratë, pak ndoshta kanë dëgjuar në lidhje me depresionin pas lindjes tek burrat. Përveç funksioneve të tij të tjera, testosteroni gjithashtu luan një rol të madh në mbrojtjen emocionale, dhe kur nivelet e tij bien, baballarët e rinj mund të bëhen të prirur për depresion.
Ndryshimet hormonale së bashku me ngarkesën e përgjegjësive të një babai të ri, i bëjnë burrat të prirur të përjetojnë çështje të shëndetit mendor. Kjo është arsyeja pse është kaq e rëndësishme të dini se ndryshimet hormonale dhe ndryshimi i sjelljes që ndodhin tek burrat pas lindjes së fëmijës.
Mund të ndodhin edhe ndryshime në tru gjithashtu
Scientists studied brain activity in a group of new fathers and found that during the first 4 months after birth, their brains showed some noticeable changes in the gray matter. These changes help new fathers develop parenting skills and build a strong bond with their babies.
Men can even develop pregnancy symptoms when their partner is expecting a baby
Not only after the baby is born do new fathers experience some changes in their bodies. During the partner's pregnancy, men may experience pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, appetite changes, back pain, etc. This phenomenon is called 'sympathetic pregnancy'. This term is not officially recognized as a medical condition, but these symptoms can be common for expectant fathers.
