How Pregnancy Affects The Senses

Pregnancy is a real transformation on all levels. In general, the most visible changes are those in the silhouette that women often worry about. But the senses also change, especially during the first months. If this is your first pregnancy, some of these changes may put you off. You may be wondering  if they are normal and when will they stop. So having the right information is the best way to keep calm and enjoy your pregnancy from start to finish. In this article we will therefore tell you everything you need to know about how pregnancy affects the senses.

How Pregnancy Affects the Senses

Sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste are our ‘5 powers’ that enable us to receive information from the world around us. Through these senses we identify opportunities and dangers in the environment and we make decisions about our actions.

During pregnancy affect changes in the hormone these perceptions and create some of the most typical and common symptoms in pregnant women.

Below we show you the most relevant changes, sense by sense.

To smell

This is one of the senses that changes the most during pregnancy. And because this change manifests early, she usually warns women about the possibility that they are pregnant.

The main olfactory characteristic of pregnant women is hyperosmia, an aggravation of the sense of smell, due to which all smells are perceived much more clearly and intensely.

This phenomenon occurs due to the increase in estrogens and progesterone typical of early pregnancy and also due to the increased blood flow to the nasal membranes.

Hyperosmia not only makes unpleasant odors more bothersome than usual,  but also causes an aversion to frequent and pleasant odors, such as that of a woman’s favorite perfume.
As a result, another typical symptom of pregnancy arises: nausea. And in a sense, this hyperosmia is a defense mechanism of the mother’s body to protect the baby from potentially toxic or harmful substances.

Paradoxically, some women experience the opposite phenomenon: anosmia or loss of sense of smell. This happens due to a large blockage of the nasal mucosa. It is much less common, but also leads to a reduction in the sense of taste.

How Pregnancy Affects the Senses: Taste

Have you noticed that food tastes different to you since you were pregnant ? Do you crave foods you never ate and reject foods that were a regular part of your diet? Do not worry! It is something completely natural and responds to three processes of pregnancy:

• The decrease in the secretion of hydrochloric acid from the stomach (a substance that aids digestion): This causes a metallic taste in the mouth, which changes the perception of taste. Interestingly, to make up for this deficiency, the body ‘asks’ to consume acidic products, such as lemons or pickles.
• Increased levels of chorionic gonadotropin: This also alters flavors and leads to cravings.
• The drop in blood sugar: In response to this phenomenon, it is normal for the craving for sweet foods to increase, even in women who usually do not eat them.

To feel

Tactile disorders are also common in pregnancy. Many women suffer from tender or painful breasts in the first few months, due to the action of estrogens and progesterone. But it is also common to feel itching or stinging  (Spanish link) in the rest of the body , as well as increased heat and sweating.

These changes are a result of the increased blood flow to the skin that occurs during pregnancy. To avoid these symptoms, it’s a good idea to wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics. At the same time, pregnant women should ensure that they moisturize the skin and practice skin hygiene on a daily basis.

hearing

While these changes are not very intense, they are still common in pregnant women. An increased perception of sound can exacerbate fatigue and discomfort and cause restlessness. Therefore, you should avoid loud and shrill noises, as they can disturb the fetus and increase its heart rate.

view

Unlike the previous senses, vision does not increase with pregnancy. On the contrary, it tends to decrease or deteriorate (Spanish link). More specifically, by the action of the hormones relaxin and progesterone, which promote the retention of fluid in the eye. This affects the cornea and lens and causes a decrease in acuity and visual acuity.

Variations in vision are usually temporary and gradually disappear after delivery. Still, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor to avoid possible complications.

Conclusions on How Pregnancy Affects the Senses

As you can see, your senses can be noticeably changed during pregnancy and some of these changes may accompany you until the baby is born.

Now that you know what to expect, you can enjoy your pregnancy more easily. Feel do not have to consult your doctor if any of your symptoms your worries.