The smell of your favorite perfume or favorite food that pregnant women used to like may now smell more pungent and feel disturbing. nowDon't worry, there are various ways to keep pregnant women comfortable even though they are sensitive to smells.
Being very sensitive to smells or hyperosmia is one of the early signs of pregnancy. This condition can usually trigger headaches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy.
So that pregnant women can move smoothly, it is important to know how to stay comfortable even though their sense of smell becomes more sensitive.
Causes of smell to be more sensitive during pregnancy
Medically, the exact reason pregnant women are more sensitive to odors has so far not been found. However, the main trigger for this symptom is thought to be related to the following 2 things:
Changes in hormone levels
Not only nausea and vomiting, changes in estrogen and hormone levels human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the first trimester is thought to also affect the nerves responsible for transmitting odor signals to the brain.
This condition makes the smell of pregnant women more sensitive to certain odors.
The natural ability of pregnant women
Apart from changes in hormone levels, a more sensitive sense of smell is also thought to be a "natural trait" for a mother-to-be to protect her fetus, which is still weak in the first trimester of pregnancy.
This theory is reinforced by research which states that the smell of pregnant women reacts strongly, especially to ingredients that can harm pregnancy, such as alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine.
Stay Comfortable with Sensitive Smell
One way to actually manage your sensitivity to smells is to avoid smells that can trigger nausea and vomiting or to do things that can reduce these symptoms. Examples are as follows:
1. Avoid the kitchen
If possible, avoid going into the kitchen first. Spices with strong aromas, such as garlic, may be bothersome. Pregnant women can ask someone else to cook or just cook food that doesn't smell too strong. Leave the window open to remove cooking odors.
2. Switch to unscented detergent
If the smell of detergent, fabric softener, or fragrance makes pregnant women nauseous, try to temporarily switch to using unscented detergents. In addition, pregnant women can also choose a milder scent, such as lemon or mint which may still be acceptable and help relieve nausea.
3. Use a calming scent
Drops of essential oil with a scent that pregnant women love on a handkerchief. Use this handkerchief to cover your nose when you smell a strong or uncomfortable scent. That way, nausea will be reduced when you smell the smell.
4. Eat often in small portions
To reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting when smelling certain odors, pregnant women are advised to eat a light meal before getting out of bed in the morning. For example, eating biscuits or drinking ginger tea. In addition, pregnant women are advised to eat in small amounts but more often.
Even though the pungent smell can be very annoying, don't be so annoyed, pregnant women. Sensitivity to smell usually subsides in the second trimester of pregnancy and returns to normal towards the end of pregnancy or after delivery. Also remember that this comes at the same time as the gift that the pregnant woman is carrying.
However, if being sensitive to smells is very annoying and various methods still can't help deal with nausea and vomiting or dizziness caused, you should consult a doctor so that pregnant women can get treatment.
