Question

The nurse asks a woman about how the woman's husband is dealing with the pregnancy. The nurse concludes that counseling is needed when the woman makes which of the following statements?

1) "My husband is ready for the pregnancy to end so that we can have sex again."
2) "My husband has gained quite a bit of weight during this pregnancy."
3) "My husband seems more worried about our finances now than before the pregnancy."
4) "My husband plays his favorite music for my belly so the baby will learn to like it."

Answer 1

Counseling may be suggested if a woman indicates that her husband has significantly gained weight during her pregnancy, reflecting possible stress or 'couvade syndrome'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse concludes that counseling is needed when the woman makes the statement that "My husband has gained quite a bit of weight during this pregnancy." This comment suggests a phenomenon known as couvade syndrome, or 'sympathetic pregnancy,' where a partner experiences some of the same symptoms as their pregnant spouse, including weight gain.

Although this could be a sign of empathy and shared experience, significant weight gain in a non-pregnant partner might also indicate stress-related emotional eating or other psychological issues that could benefit from counseling. The other statements indicate either normal adjustments to the pregnancy (such as concerns about finances or looking forward to the end of pregnancy for the resumption of sexual activity) or positive engagement with the pregnancy (like playing music for the baby).