In this article:
The Role of Hormones
The change in hormone levels is one of the main reasons for your sensitivity to scents during pregnancy- Oestrogen: An increase in this hormone leads to more smell sensitivity.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): A rise in this hormone can trigger nausea and vomiting by making the brain more responsive to certain smells, a reaction commonly known as morning sickness.
Why Do Crowded Places Feel More Intense?
When you're pregnant, your nose and brain become more sensitive to scents, which can make you feel weary or confused at times. To deal with this, stay away from places that are busy or smell bad.- Packed spaces: Places with poor ventilation
- Different smells: Different perfumes, foods, and body odours can combine into a strong scent
- Stress and anxiety: Being around many people may make you feel tense, which can make smells bother you more
Link Between Smell Sensitivity and Nausea
Strong smells can trigger discomfort because the part of your brain that processes scents is closely linked to the area that controls nausea and vomiting.When you breathe in a bad or strong smell, your body could react by:
- Making you nauseous in the morning
- Making you feel sick or dizzy
- Making you sick or causing headaches
Protective Mechanisms of Your Body
Interestingly, being more sensitive to smells is a way to protect yourself. This is a defence mechanism of your body to keep you away from doing activities that could hurt you.For example:
- If food smells bad, you might not want to eat it
- Smoke or chemical odours may encourage you to move away from unhealthy environments
Most Common Smells That May Feel Overwhelming
Some odours are hard to deal with. Some of the most common ones are:- Body odour: This is more noticeable in crowded locations like marketplaces or public transportation
- Food: Street snacks or spices can be too intense for you
- Odours: Strong smells like cigarettes, incense, and automobile emissions can all contribute to making the air uncomfortable and can make you feel like you can't breathe.
How to Manage Smell Sensitivity in Crowded Spaces
You might not be able to get rid of smell sensitivity altogether, but there are simple ways to deal with it:- Carry a scarf: Whenever you feel a strong smell, lightly spray it with a light scent like lavender or lemon and hold your scarf close to your nose.
- Schedule your visits: Planning outings or visits before will allow you to manage your sensitivity.
- Maintain Hydration: Keep sipping water to avoid nausea caused by the strong fragrance.
- Choose well-ventilated spaces: If possible, sit or stand near windows or open areas.
- Snack Regularly: Keeping light snacks handy (like dry crackers) can help ease nausea from strong smells.
It is essential to understand that you are not alone in this phase; becoming sensitive to strong smells in busy places is a common sign during pregnancy.
This sensitivity is quite common, especially when hormone changes sharpen your sense of smell. Less ventilated spaces lead to mixing of multiple odours, which can make the experience terrible, leading to nausea or discomfort. Although it may feel frustrating, this change is also your body’s natural way of protecting you. Small steps, like carrying a scarf, staying close to fresh air, and keeping stress low, can make daily life feel a little easier.
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FAQs on Why Pregnant Women May Feel More Sensitive to Smells in Crowded Places
- Will smell sensitivity go away after pregnancy?
Yes. Most women notice that their sense of smell returns to normal after childbirth, as hormone levels gradually settle. For some, sensitivity decreases in the later stages of pregnancy as well. - Is it harmful to my baby if I feel nauseous from smells often?
Not really; it is just a normal phase, and it won't be harmful to you or your baby. But it would always be best to have a consultation with the doctor if you are feeling really uncomfortable, throwing up a lot, or can't drink enough, because dehydration may cause nutritional issues. In that case, you must seek your doctor's advice. - Can I take medicines to reduce smell sensitivity during pregnancy?
Ideally, in most cases, doctors don't recommend any medicine because of their scent sensitivity to strong odours. Instead, doctors might propose adjustments to your lifestyle or, in really severe cases, recommend a safe drug for nausea. But before taking any medicine or any adjustments, it is highly recommended to always consult your doctor first for effective management in pregnancy.