At first, my husband’s sudden belief that I was pregnant felt sweet. We’d been married three years and hadn’t planned for a baby, but his excitement

was touching. Even after multiple negative tests, he stayed convinced—buying prenatal vitamins, cutting my caffeine, and telling his mom I was expecting.

But his certainty soon turned concerning. He ignored all evidence and refused to accept the truth. Worried, I suggested we visit a doctor together.

After a thorough exam and another negative test, the doctor asked if he might be under stress—and recommended he be checked, too.

The result stunned us: my husband had a benign pituitary tumor, which was likely causing hormonal imbalances and a rare condition

called Couvade syndrome, or “sympathetic pregnancy.” The stress and sleep deprivation only made it worse.

He began treatment right away and felt embarrassed once he realized what was behind his obsession.

Looking back, it was a surreal and scary experience—but a powerful reminder. When someone behaves in unusual, unshakable ways, it might

not just be stubbornness. It could be something deeper—something medical. I’m grateful we trusted our instincts and got help when we did.