How Does Pregnancy Affect the Senses of Smell and Taste?

Elevated Senses of Smell and Taste

Pregnant women often report an abnormal sensitivity to smells and tastes. Specifically, an elevated sensitivity to bitter tastes and pungent smells is often experienced. This increased sensitivity is most often attributed to the body's natural attempts to protect the fetus by keeping the pregnant woman from ingesting or inhaling harmful substances.

Hormones Play a Role

When a woman becomes pregnant, the level of estrogen in her body increases. This causes morning sickness, a condition that is often triggered by a heightened sensitivity to smells and tastes. The abnormal sensitivity can be at least partially blamed on the morning sickness, as constant, violent nausea can bring on side effects such as an elevated sense of taste and smell. The extra estrogen also causes the woman to be hyperaware of bitter, strong smells.

An Early Problem

Heightened sensations of smell and taste are usually problems that are confined to the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. As the morning sickness fades and the baby grows, the body begins to produce more mucus in the nose and mouth. This mucus dulls the pregnant woman's senses of smell and taste in many instances. Until this effect kicks in, it's best for pregnant women who have heightened senses of smell and taste to avoid any triggers and keep their homes well-ventilated by opening windows.

Resources

• "Quantitative Assessment of Olfactory Experience During Pregnancy"