PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS: SENSITIVITY TO SMELL

Pregnancy is a process in which many different physical and psychological changes can be experienced in expectant mothers. With the responsibility of bringing a new individual into the world, emotions such as excitement, happiness and anxiety are felt very intensely. While pregnant women try to adapt to this new process in a spiritual sense, their bodies try to establish the same adaptation with the effect of pregnancy hormones.

These adaptation efforts lead to the emergence of many different symptoms. Among the first signs of pregnancy are the first steps of the acclimation phase: breast tenderness, fatigue, sudden mood swings, appetite and weight-related conditions. However, among the conditions that most negatively affect expectant mothers are nausea and smell sensitivity during pregnancy. Sensitivity to smell is a very common symptom in the early stages of pregnancy.

So what is the real reason for this sensitivity to smells? Are there ways to prevent olfactory sensitivity during pregnancy?

Is Hypersensitivity to Fragrances a Sign of Pregnancy?

Some people's sense of smell may be more developed than others. But in general, sensitivity to smells is a much more common situation during pregnancy. Hormonal changes in the body and increased blood volume can make the olfactory receptors much more active. Thus, both good and bad odors become more distinguishable by pregnant women. For olfactory sensitivity alone, “It is a sign of pregnancy.” It would not be correct to say. However, this situation is accompanied by disgust, retching and nausea, and if the discomfort reaches this level, the presence of pregnancy can be suspected. Pregnancy test should be done with the help of a urine or blood test without wasting time.

What Causes Smell Sensitivity During Pregnancy?

Expectant mothers, “Why does smell sensitivity during pregnancy?” They may wonder about the answer to the question. Because this sense not only detects pleasant odors, but also makes it easy to perceive irritating odors. As a result, nausea and vomiting can be triggered.

Scientifically, a specific reason for the increased sensitivity to smell during pregnancy has not been determined. However, there are opinions that some situations increase odor sensitivity.

Increase in the level of pregnancy hormones

Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and Beta-hCG are among the most well-known and most effective hormones of pregnancy. It is these hormones that make the mother's uterus ready for the baby to hold on, support the development of the baby, and are the main reason for the changes experienced by the mothers. Sudden rising estrogen and Beta-hCG hormone levels can cause a pregnant woman to experience physiological symptoms. It is thought that especially estrogen hormone increases odor sensitivity during pregnancy. Therefore, if a woman suddenly starts to feel uncomfortable even with a scent she likes, it may be due to pregnancy hormones.

acceleration of blood flow

With the presence of a baby, an increase in blood volume and an acceleration in blood flow occur in the body of the expectant mother. This is because the nutrients and oxygen the baby needs are provided and transported to the baby more easily. However, this increase and acceleration also causes the olfactory receptors to be more sensitive. The receptors in the nose become sensitive and perceive the odor faster. Thanks to the rapid blood flow, the signals are transmitted to the brain much faster and more intensely. The parts of the brain that are related to smell perceive this situation more intensely.

The body's response to waste materials

Another view is that disgust and gag reflexes give signals to the mother. It is thought that the body gives a signal so that the waste materials in the blood of a mother-to-be can be removed from the body, and that foods and substances that may be harmful to the baby smell bad and try to keep the mother away from all these. Sensitivity to cigarette, alcohol, intense spice smells is explained in this way.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Sensitivity to Smell

What Kinds of Scents Increase Sensitivity?

A pregnant woman can become much more sensitive to odors, especially with the effect of pregnancy hormones. He can notice nice odors more clearly, and he may feel extremely uncomfortable even with odors that do not bother him in normal times.

The most common odor types that expectant mothers complain about are as follows;

Food fragrances
Smells permeating things
Perfume
floral fragrances
The smell of cigarettes
Smell of sweat
Spices
Air pollution

In addition to these scents, which can disturb even a normal person, the scents they love can also cause sensitivity in this period for expectant mothers.

A perfume you loved before,
The smell of your favorite food
Other aromatic scents you love can be added to the list of things to shelve during this period.

How Long Does Smell Sensitivity Last?

Pregnancy symptoms differ from pregnant to pregnant woman. There is no rule that every symptom will occur in every expectant mother. While some women spend the first months of pregnancy quite comfortably, others may experience the odor problem and the resulting nausea more intensely during pregnancy.

The first trimester of pregnancy is the period when smell sensitivity is most intense. This sensitivity usually starts with the first days of pregnancy and disappears after the 3rd month. Although rare, it has been observed that some women continue to be sensitive to smell at certain intervals throughout their pregnancy.

Precautions to be Taken for Increased Sensitivity to Smell during Pregnancy

In most pregnancies, after the first 3 months, that is, with the end of the first trimester, a decrease in sensitivity to smells is observed. Until that time comes, pregnant women should be patient. However, on some days, this distress can negatively affect your daily life and make you feel bad. The increased sensitivity to smell during pregnancy can be reduced, albeit partially, by some precautions and the feeling of discomfort can be eliminated.

Measures that can reduce sensitivity to smells can be listed as follows;

During this process, be careful not to be in very crowded environments.
Get outside and get fresh air every day.
Ventilate your environment, house or room frequently.
If necessary, change your perfume or do not use it by putting it on the shelf for a while.
Ask your family members not to smoke near you and stay away from smoking environments.
Use aromatic oils and fragrances that you think make you feel good.
Wash your clothes more often. However, avoid using perfumed detergents and fabric softeners while washing.
Ventilate the kitchen while cooking.
If you have enough complaints to prevent you from cooking, get support from your spouse or other family members.
If the essences of cosmetics and cleaning materials trigger your sensitivity, change the products you use and choose fragrance-free products.
Clean your refrigerator more often. Avoid storing foods that cause intense odor in the refrigerator for a long time.

Sensitivity to smell during pregnancy often appears as a very short-term symptom. By reminding yourself that this situation is temporary, you can ask your loved ones to support you in this process.

https://support.advancedcustomfields.com/forums/users/pregnancycheck/

https://pregnancywomen.company.site/products/Symptoms-of-pregnancy-in-the-early-days-p363007542

https://www.geogebra.org/u/pregnancyperday

https://www.geogebra.org/m/exfw3cvm

https://ilde.upf.edu/v/51dk

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