A–Z Glossary

Hyperosmia

An increased reaction to odors that can make foods seem overpowering or unpleasant during pregnancy.

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Are strong smells harmful in pregnancy

Are strong smells harmful in pregnancy

Why smells can feel overwhelming in pregnancy Some people notice smell sensitivity early in pregnancy, while others never experience a major change. The biology is still not fully settled. Reviews of the literature note that evidence is limited and inconsistent, and there is no scientific proof of a universal, pregnancy-wide hyperosmia in every patient. In […]

Can perfumes affect pregnancy myth

Can perfumes affect pregnancy myth

What people mean when they ask whether perfume affects pregnancy The question usually comes from two different fears. First, many people worry that inhaling perfume could somehow reach the fetus and cause harm. Second, some have heard that strong scents can “trigger” miscarriage, preterm labor, or congenital anomalies. Those claims are common in pregnancy folklore, […]

Appetite changes and food aversions first trimester

Appetite changes and food aversions first trimester

Why appetite can shift so early The first trimester is a period of rapid endocrine and physiologic change. Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, and progesterone are thought to contribute to nausea, altered gastric motility, and changes in smell perception. For many people, these shifts show up first as early pregnancy appetite changes rather […]