Other forms: couvades
Couvade is a cultural practice where the husband of a pregnant wife takes to bed or simulates labor when the child is being born.
The word couvade comes from the French verb couver, meaning "to hatch" or "to brood," reflecting the idea of the father sharing in the birth process. Though the concept of couvade might seem unusual to outsiders, it is often viewed as a way for the father to empathize with his pregnant partner. Couvade can vary widely, from simply resting in bed to engaging in rituals that mirror what the mother is going through.