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The couvade syndrome describes the various physical symptoms found in expectant fathers. In this descriptive study, we have attempted 1) to determine the extent to which this syndrome occurs among expectant fathers in Quebec, 2) to identify certain risk factors, and 3) to observe the repercussions of pregnancy on the social and family behaviour of the expectant father as well as on the use of health care services. Within four days of delivery, a group of thirty-one fathers completed a multiple-choice questionnaire during an individual interview. Sixty-one per cent reported at least one of twenty-eight physical symptoms listed. It would also appear that the men's relationship with their own father before the age of 12 had an impact on the development of the syndrome.