Can you tell what’s on the menu even before you enter the restaurant? Does the scent of a perfume from the other side of the street upset your stomach? A heightened sense of smell during pregnancy is just one more of those crazy pregnancy symptoms. It’s not uncommon to have an enhanced sense of smell during pregnancy—studies show that about two-thirds of pregnant women become more sensitive and reactive to the smells around them while they are expecting1. It can be food, drinks, personal hygiene products, or even other people that often become less or more appealing.

Why Does the Sense of Smell Become More Sensitive During Pregnancy?

There are different theories about heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, but they all revolve around the various processes happening while a woman is carrying a baby. Blood flow volume increases by up to 50% during pregnancy, so anything that travels from the blood to the brain gets there more quickly and in higher amounts2. This increases response time and is why heightened sense of smell during pregnancy becomes so noticeable. The olfactory centers (receptors that detect smells) can also be affected by this increased flow. Some people believe it is a protection mechanism to prevent the future mother from inhaling anything harmful to her or her baby. Another well-accepted theory is that, as with so many pregnancy symptoms, it’s the fault of pregnancy hormones again. The increase in progesterone levels sharpens perceptions of smell and taste. It’s a side effect caused by the proximity of the area of the brain responsible for hormones and the area that controls the senses. In this case, it can make every little aroma you sense feel like a full-on attack on your nose. But remember, heightened sense of smell in pregnancy usually fades once your baby is born, or often well before that.

When Does Heightened Sense of Smell Start During Pregnancy?

Actually, heightened sense of smell in pregnancy can be the first sign that a woman is expecting. Many notice changes in their sense of smell as early as the first trimester, and this change can be so big and significant that its effects may vary greatly among moms-to-be. For example, some specialists say that for some women, this heightened sense of smell in pregnancy can trigger morning sickness. One study even found that women who were born with or developed olfactory disorders (a condition called anosmia) do not suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy3. Interesting, isn’t it?

How to Deal With a Heightened Sense of Smell During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, you can’t just get rid of your nose, but you can try to avoid scents that drive you crazy (especially those that increase your nausea and other pregnancy symptoms). Some strategies for coping with heightened sense of smell during pregnancy include:

  • Use fragrance-free hygiene products if you’re struggling with the smell of your personal care items or cleaning supplies, and of course, stay away from whatever is bothering you as much as possible;
  • If it’s something at work, it’s worth talking to your supervisor to see if there’s another task or area you can work in until this phase passes. Some pregnant women also find relief with acupressure bands, also known as anti-nausea wristbands.
  • Make your fridge a safe aroma zone. Put a cup of baking soda in it to neutralize unpleasant odors and seal strongly scented foods in fully closed containers.
  • If a certain scent gives you comfort, consider putting a few drops on a cloth or flannel to carry with you when you’re out. That way, you can smell it if your fellow bus passenger’s perfume really bothers you on the commute. This basically interrupts the signal to your brain and confuses your senses to help you manage nausea.
  • Switch to natural products. A new aversion to synthetic or artificial smells may lead you to choose fragrance-free alternatives. Modern microfiber cleaning cloths can mean the end of using chemical cleaning liquids, which is good for your baby’s health.
  • Experiment to find a new fragrance that doesn’t make you nauseous. These might be different from what you liked before pregnancy. Most women with heightened sense of smell during pregnancy find ginger, mint, lemon, and baby powder scents extremely soothing. Get closer to these aromas.
  • Cook only the foods whose smell you can tolerate. And if you need to, ask for help with this task!
  • Keep windows open whenever possible to disperse food smells or mustiness.
  • Wash clothes more often than usual, since fabrics tend to retain odors.

Ask your partner, family, friends, and coworkers to be gentle and respect your heightened sense of smell during pregnancy when they are around you. Maybe they can use milder perfumes or avoid frying fish in your presence. Have them smoke away from you and be considerate of your new condition. Plan a day to get the most out of this phenomenon while it lasts. Visit a rose or herb garden, stop by a bakery, chocolate shop, or café. As mentioned above, heightened sense of smell during pregnancy usually decreases significantly as pregnancy progresses, but if you’re feeling very unwell, it’s important to talk to your doctor just to make sure it’s not hyperemesis or another pregnancy-related condition.

Is There a Way to Avoid This Sensitivity to Smells?

Sorry, but there’s no way to train your nose not to be super-sensitive while your hormones are running wild. This is one of those experiences that every pregnant woman will have to go through until the last months or sometimes even after the baby is born (except for the women with the conditions described above). Think of it as a pregnancy superpower (for better or for worse). And know that a heightened sense of smell in pregnancy won’t last forever.

When Does Heightened Sense of Smell Start to Decrease During Pregnancy?

For many women, this sensitivity to smells starts to decrease quite quickly at the end of the first trimester. Some don’t even remember it by the end of the second trimester, but if it hasn’t gone away by then, be prepared for it to stick with you until your baby is born, or a little while after. Check Out Also: Main Early Pregnancy Symptoms Photos: Aqua Mechanical