Are you suddenly longing to hold a little baby in your arms? Perhaps a family member or friend of yours just had a baby and you're going through cuteness overload! This isn't an uncommon feeling ... You may have a case of baby fever!
"Baby fever" or fever for baby is a strong sudden desire to have a child. It's usually accompanied by an intense feeling of happiness when you are around a baby.
You may have this intense need to start a family, change a diaper, and smell the top of a baby's head at one point in your life.
The cause of baby fever is unknown, but it may be related to the release of oxytocin, a hormone that is released during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Why am I experiencing baby fever?
There is no one answer to this question, as baby fever can be caused by a variety of different factors. Some people may feel it because they want to experience the joys and challenges of parenting. Others may feel it because they are feeling lonely or isolated, and want the companionship that a child can provide.
Studies have shown that the release of oxytocin may play a major role in baby fever, so this hormone may also be responsible for some of the emotions that people feel. Oxytocin is known as the "love hormone" and is strongly linked to maternal behaviour, social bonding, and sexual pleasure. Therefore, if a woman has a desire to have a baby, and oxytocin is released, she is likely to associate the idea of having a baby of her own with a positive feeling.
Another factor that plays a role in experiencing baby fever is having positive interactions with babies, like taking care, bonding, playing, or cuddling with a baby. This is also why it is thought that if you're surrounded by friends and family with babies, you're more likely to feel the urge to have babies. On the other hand, if you've had negative exposure to babies in your life, you are less likely to develop baby fever.
A less obvious contributing factor to baby fever is the evident "tradeoff" of having children. Having babies comes with plenty benefits, but also a lot of costs. If you were to have a child, you would have to be ready to sacrifice time, financial resources, and energy. Experiencing baby fever comes down to what stage of life you're in and how you view parenthood.
Other factors, such as the media or social pressure, may also contribute to baby fever. The idea of parenthood has become such a norm, and it can make you feel as though you're trying to play catch up with other people around you (whether that be in real life or on social media).
What are the common symptoms of baby fever?
The most frequent symptoms of baby fever are a strong desire to have a kid and an intense sense of pleasure around babies. However, not everyone feels the same way. Some people may merely be mildly interested in babies, while others might become completely consumed with the idea of having a kid. Although this applies for both men and women but it is more common in women.
The biological responses associated with baby fever may also include a sudden increase in energy, feeling more playful, and a strong desire for contact with babies. Some couples may feel an urge to have sex more often when they are experiencing baby fever.
How to deal with it?
Baby fever is like an emotional signal telling a person's brain that it is the right time to have a child. If you are experiencing baby fever, it's important to take a step back and reassess your priorities.
Some people might feel like they need to have a child right away, but it's best to take some time to think about it. There are many wonderful children out there who need homes, but you also want to be sure that you are ready for the responsibility. Parenthood is a huge commitment and should not be taken lightly.
Make your own decisions
If you are experiencing baby fever, it is important to take the time to ask yourself why you are feeling this way. It is also important to talk to your partner or spouse about your feelings, as they may be affected by them as well. Try to stay away from any kind of pressure from the media or your friends and family, and make a decision that is best for you. Always remember that parenthood is a huge responsibility, so be sure that you are ready for it before taking the plunge.