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Taste may change as well. Many women notice they become more sensitive to bitter flavours during pregnancy. They might also experience a metallic taste in their mouth. This is likely due to hormonal changes in saliva production. Sight and hearing may also become more sensitive for some women, though this tends to be less common. These changes are temporary and fade after childbirth. They’re part of the body’s natural way of adjusting to protect the growing baby.
Why Senses Get Sharper During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about a range of physiological and hormonal changes. These changes can enhance sensory perception. Many individuals report a heightened sense of smell and taste. Some also experience increased sensitivity to light, sound and touch. Sensory changes often start in the first trimester due to sudden hormonal shifts. They peak during the second trimester and subside by the end of the third trimester. The level of sensitivity can differ based on the person and the sense affected. In most cases, these changes settle within a few weeks after birth as hormone levels return to normal.Take a look at how senses are affected during this time:Smell
Hyperosmia, or an increased sense of smell, is quite common in pregnancy. Rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone enhance the function of the olfactory bulb, which helps the brain detect and process smells. As a result, you may become more sensitive to certain odours, even mild ones. The heightened sense of smell during pregnancy is believed to have an evolutionary role. It helps you detect and avoid harmful substances like toxins or environmental hazards that could threaten the foetus. The amygdala is part of the brain responsible for processing emotional reactions to smells. In pregnant women, it shows increased activity, heightening sensitivity to certain odours.Touch
Higher levels of oestrogen and oxytocin during pregnancy increase skin sensitivity and neural responsiveness. Due to this, you may experience a heightened sense of touch. This could help you bond with your newborn through skin-to-skin contact, as increased tactile sensitivity strengthens your emotional and physical reactions to touch. You might also notice increased sensitivity to textures, temperature, or pressure.Taste
Dysgeusia refers to a change or distortion in the sense of taste. This condition is commonly experienced during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the increase in oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones alter the sensitivity of taste buds and disrupt neural signals in the gustatory cortex. As a result, you could experience a lingering bitter, metallic, or sour taste in your mouth. Dysgeusia can also lead to an increased sensitivity to certain flavours. You may experience a strong dislike for caffeine or alcohol. Cravings for sweet or salty foods might also develop.Hearing
Tinnitus, or the ringing sensation in the ears, is something many women experience during pregnancy. Around one in three pregnant women is affected by it. Hormonal changes can cause fluid retention in the inner ear, which may impact hearing sensitivity. Pregnant women often report that loud sounds feel more jarring and intense.Vision
During pregnancy, some women notice changes in their vision, such as becoming more nearsighted. The exact reasons for these changes are currently unknown. After childbirth, most women’s vision returns to its pre-pregnancy state. It’s also common to experience blurry vision or discomfort with contact lenses.Are Heightened Senses During Pregnancy Harmful?
Heightened senses during pregnancy are not harmful. They are simply a natural response to hormonal changes. While they can be overwhelming at times, they are temporary and usually fade after childbirth.Can a Heightened Sense of Smell be Prevented?
No, a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy can't really be prevented. It's mainly caused by hormonal changes, which are out of your control. Try to stay in well-ventilated areas and avoid strong smells to help reduce the intensity.Complications of Heightened Sense of Smell
A heightened sense of smell or hyperosmia can cause a few discomforts:- Nausea and vomiting: Strong odours can trigger or worsen morning sickness. This may lead to dehydration or nutritional deficiencies if severe.
- Food aversions: Sensitivity to the smells of certain foods can lead to food aversions. This may reduce food choices and affect overall nutrition.
- Headaches or migraines: Strong smells can cause headaches or migraines.
- Social discomfort: Some odours may become overpowering, which can lead to discomfort in social situations.
- Emotional distress: Constant exposure to unpleasant smells can make irritability, anxiety, or mood swings worse.
How to Manage Hyperosmia Triggers
Managing a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy involves avoiding triggers. Below are some practical tips to help:- Control cooking odours: Cook bland or low-odour foods like steamed rice or boiled potatoes. Remember to use a kitchen exhaust fan and open windows.
- Identify and avoid triggers: Keep a journal to pinpoint specific smells that cause discomfort. Try to avoid crowded places and strong-smelling foods.
- Use unscented products: Switch to fragrance-free soaps, shampoos, lotions, and laundry detergents.
- Neutralise odours: Carry a mild scent with you like lemon, peppermint, or lavender, to mask unpleasant odours.
- Improve ventilation: Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air in your home.
- Manage nausea: Eat small, frequent meals that are bland to help stabilise your stomach and reduce nausea. Sipping ginger tea can help reduce nausea, too.
- Stay hydrated: Take adequate rest and drink plenty of water, as fatigue can heighten sensitivity to smells.
When to Talk to a Doctor
Consult a doctor if a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy leads to:- Severe nausea and vomiting: If nausea or vomiting triggered by odours prevents you from eating, causes dehydration, or leads to weight loss, it could be a sign of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
- Nutritional deficiencies: If food aversions caused by smells seriously limit your diet, it could put you or the baby at risk of not getting enough nutrition.
- Emotional distress: If sensitivity to smells leads to serious anxiety, irritability, or depression that impacts your mental health.
FAQs
- Why do my senses become heightened during pregnancy?This occurs due to the increase in oestrogen and hCG during pregnancy. These hormones affect how the brain processes sensory signals. This can lead to greater sensitivity to smell and taste.
- Are sensory changes during pregnancy long-term?No, these sensory changes are not long-term. They are a normal part of pregnancy and fade after childbirth.