The definition of loss of the sense of smell when pregnant carries two possibilities, which are a partial loss of the sense of smell or a total loss. Learn more about the loss of smell during pregnancy and the factors that contribute to it by reading the article that follows.
The following is the most crucial information regarding the loss of smell during pregnancy:
Loss of sense of smell when pregnant
In addition to having an impact on a variety of bodily processes and sexual behaviour, the sense of smell also affects how feelings are produced and how the body reacts to different emotional states.
Changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels during specific physiological states in women, such as pregnancy, can have an impact on a woman's capacity to detect and identify smells. This is because these hormones protect the function of smell.
As many women suffer from a lack of sense of smell, as it often happens during pregnancy, and although loss of the sense of smell is still uncommon, it is not uncommon for women at some point during pregnancy, even if it is only for a few weeks. .
Studies on the loss of the sense of smell in pregnant women
Changes in odor perception during pregnancy are common, but a range of studies have revealed mixed results. Here are a few studies on pregnant women's diminished sense of smell:
- In one study, a 25-year-old pregnant asthmatic woman with early pregnancy complaints of a nearly total loss of her senses of smell and taste that later improved was profiled.
- Another study of 13,610 pregnant women found that compared to non-pregnant women, pregnant women's sense of smell was significantly diminished.
- In one study, no discernible differences in smell sensitivity were found between 59 non-pregnant women and 53 pregnant women.
- In a study , there was no difference in the sense of smell among women in the first trimester of pregnancy, but at about 36 weeks of gestation pregnant women experienced a decrease in their sense of smell compared to non-pregnant women, and this decrease was still present after delivery.
- According to a study, the ability to smell declines after birth and for the first 6 to 12 weeks before fully recovering in the weeks that follow.
The reason for these studies' contradictory findings is unclear, but it could be due to the special characteristics of olfaction in general and olfaction during pregnancy in particular.
Reasons for losing the sense of smell when pregnant
The causes of loss of the sense of smell in pregnant women vary, as some are related to physiological changes during pregnancy, and others are related to other factors. The following is a list of the causes of pregnant women losing their sense of smell:
1. Factors contributing to physiological changes
The following are a few of the physiological changes associated with pregnancy that can lead to a pregnant person losing their sense of smell:
- Pregnancy alters hormone levels, but additional research is required to confirm or refute this.
- Nasal congestion during pregnancy.
- the existence of possible defence mechanisms for the foetus.
- altered olfactory information cognitive perception in the brain.
2. Other factors
The following are some additional factors that may contribute to the loss of smell during pregnancy:
- allergy.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Nasal polyps.
- Take some prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, and pain relievers.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Cocaine abuse .
- being infected with a virus, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Treatment of loss of sense of smell when pregnant
There is no specific treatment for the loss of the sense of smell when pregnant, as the treatment depends primarily on the cause, and may not require treatment most of the time, but it should be noted that it is necessary to see a doctor when losing the sense of smell during pregnancy to ensure that it is not something serious.
For example, loss of smell due to colds, allergies, or sinusitis usually goes away on its own after a few days. It may not be necessary to treat a loss of smell brought on by physiological changes during pregnancy, and it may get better over time.