The old perfume scent that you love no longer smells pleasant, and the food you usually crave for suddenly tastes different. If that’s a familiar scenario for you during pregnancy, you’re probably not alone, mama!
Changes in our senses happen a lot during pregnancy, more evident during the first trimester, when our body is adapting to the huge change that’s coming. Here’s an explanation why our senses are usually hyped during pregnancy.
Extra sensitive to smell
They often show it in movies but it happens in real life too. A woman who may not know she’s pregnant yet might get an inkling that she has a bun in the oven when she’s extra sensitive to smell.
According to a study published in an Oxford Journal article, it was noted that “trends in planned comparisons suggested that in the first trimester, odors were rated as more intense and less pleasant.” Oversensitivity to smell also usually triggers morning sickness.
Though a trying experience, this may be a biological wonder, because “increased olfactory sensitivity protects the developing embryo by reducing the likelihood that the mother will ingest toxins,” says another study. Makes sense, right? It’s your body’s way of protecting you and your baby.
Changes in taste
Some mamas may be extra sensitive to sweets while some would like something light like crackers. Again, this is likely caused by hormonal changes that come with growing a baby in your belly.
“Pregnant women had higher gustatory thresholds than non-pregnant women, with an especially marked decrease in gustatory function being noticed in the first trimester,” notes a study.
Many mamas-to-be reported an increased metallic, or salty, or rancid taste, a phenomenon that experts call dysgeusia. An OB-Gyne recommends banishing that metallic taste by consuming citrus juices like lemonade.
No wonder citrus fruits and “sweet, sour, or sharp-tasting foodstuffs,” were among pregnant mama’s top cravings, according to a journal article in ScienceDirect.
Munch on some healthy snacks when you feel that odd taste in your mouth. Check out this pineapple-flavored chip or blend some smoothie with this powder-form mango.
Not-so touchy
Your body is essentially tired more than usual. It’s not easy to grow humans, mama! This tiredness can make you feel extra sensitive to touch, and you’d understandably be irritated when people reach out to your growing belly!
You shall be blessed with a bigger bust, and you may see these changes starting the first week after conception, according to the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. As early as the 1st trimester, breasts may feel tender and swollen, nipples will begin to darken and get bigger due to hormonal changes. In preparation for breastfeeding, milk ducts will also be activated. All these will make you feel uncomfortable.
What’s that sound?
Some pregnant mamas report a persistent ringing sound in their ear, which health experts have called tinnitus. This condition roughly affects 1 in 3 women during pregnancy.
According to an article on Healthy Hearing, tinnitus during pregnancy may be a sign of elevated blood pressure.
“Even if you don't have a history of high blood pressure, pregnancy can trigger it in healthy women,” it adds.
The ringing sound may be caused by anemia, stress and sleep disturbances that usually come with pregnancy.
Pregnancy ain’t easy, so you need all the support you can get, mama! Make sure you are well-fed and well-rested to lessen all those unpleasant pregnancy experiences.
TAGS:first-trimester
