A recent study investigated how expectant parents perceive their fetus’s physical resemblance to themselves or their partner during an ultrasound. The findings showed that mothers are more likely than fathers, and married men are less likely than unmarried women, to claim that the fetus resembles the father.
In fact, 93% of women who were not married said that their fetus resembled the father, compared to 68% of married women and 47% of married men. The study’s authors suggest that this phenomenon may be an evolutionary adaptation to reduce paternity uncertainty, which has been a concern for men throughout human history.
Men face uncertainty about their biological connection to their child due to internal fertilization, whereas women can be certain of their biological link through internal gestation. To mitigate this risk, men have developed psychological mechanisms such as jealousy and mate guarding. By claiming that the fetus resembles the father, mothers may be attempting to secure paternal investment and reduce paternity uncertainty.
The study’s findings provide insight into a fascinating behavioral pattern with likely deep evolutionary roots. However, more research is needed to confirm these results using larger samples and different question phrasing. The paper’s authors argue that this phenomenon may help explain cultural practices surrounding female chastity, mate surveillance, and patrilineal inheritance.
Overall, the study highlights the complex dynamics at play in human reproduction and relationships, emphasizing the importance of considering evolutionary influences on behavior.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/almost-all-unmarried-pregant-women-say-that-the-fetus-resembles-the-father-study-finds