Sense of Smell Gets Heightened During the Early Stage of Pregnancy

Heightened Sense of Smell Stephanie Watson Hyperosmia Kecia Gaither Erich P. Voigt Changing Hormone Levels Early stages of pregnancy

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Nov 11, 10:09 am

Stephanie Watson, a freelance health and lifestyle writer based in Rhode Island, told Baby Center that even though research has not confirmed a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, approximately two-thirds of pregnant women claim they are more sensitive to scents, a condition commonly called hyperosmia. One possible reason for this strong sense of smell is the changing hormone levels.

Smells appear most intense in the early months of pregnancy but diminish closer to delivery. Pregnancy brings numerous changes to the body. You can experience breasts and belly swelling, which can trigger various emotions. During pregnancy, you might notice that you have a sensitive smell, especially in the early stages. If the scent of eggs cooking suddenly overwhelms your nose and turns your stomach, you are not alone, as many expectant moms experience this.

Such foul smells might be a trigger for morning sickness. Hyperosmia is a medical term used to convey a heightened sense of smell and only means that the nose has become more sensitive in picking up scents. Truthfully, this condition is very rare and may be associated with conditions that may impact the smell-detecting parts of the brain.

Why does the sense of smell change during pregnancy?

Dr. Kecia Gaither, a double board-certified OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist in New York, noted that such hypersensitivity is usually noted in the first trimester and declines as gestation continues. Gaither emphasized that nasal congestion happens in the latter stages of pregnancy, diminishing airflow and the ability to perceive odors.

Dr. Erich P. Voigt, a board-certified clinical associate professor in the department of otolaryngology at NYU Langone Medical Center, said that this condition is common in the second and third trimesters. It is also characterized by a congested nose, cold, and other flu-like symptoms, which may trigger any smell hypersensitivity.

Dr. Voigt added such smell hypersensitivity might appear as a protective mechanism. Pregnancy could make moms perceive anything as poison; thus, their brains will warn them to avoid certain smells, especially with their heightened sense of smell. Further, smells are complex, so there may be something pleasurable and normal, per Very Well Family.

Coping with bad smells: avoid any triggers

Fortunately, smell hypersensitivity will likely disperse as the pregnancy reaches the latter stages. However, in the meantime, there are various ways to handle your new super-sense of smell.

Try to minimize exposure to certain smells that triggers your hormone cells or avoid any triggers as much as possible until your sense of smell eventually returns to normal.

On the other hand, Citrus has an intense scent that can overpower other offensive odors. Thus, keep a lemon in your pocket or desk to help you with a heightened sense of smell.

Try to open a window to help the airflow circulate, which will help move along any unwanted smells. When at work, a fan at your desk will do the same thing, per Mom Loves Best.