Published 07/26/2024
Updated 11/19/2024
5-minutes read!
Pregnant women often experience a heightened sense of smell, a condition known as hyperosmia, due to hormonal changes, particularly an increase in estrogen. This sensitivity can make even pill odor overwhelming. Aromatherapy and pregnancy can go hand-in-hand, with certain scents being well-tolerated and even preferred to help ease unpleasant smells.
Anecdotal reports and questionnaire studies indicate that the majority of pregnant women report increased olfactory sensitivity. Research by Nordin et al. (2004) and Cameron (2014) supports this, although scientific literature on the topic remains limited and inconclusive.
The heightened sense of smell during pregnancy is thought to be a trigger for nausea and vomiting, possibly as an evolutionary mechanism to protect the developing embryo by reducing the likelihood of ingesting toxins. Highlighting the link between pregnancy and odor, Cantoni et al. (1999) reported that 58% of 500 women surveyed experienced nausea triggered by specific odors.
The sense of smell is vital for environmental hazard detection (Stevenson, 2010) and, along with taste and other senses influences eating behavior and nutrition. Olfaction may help mothers avoid harmful substances, such as spoiled food containing pathogens or toxins, and focus on calorie-dense nourishment needed for the increasing metabolic demands of pregnancy. Therefore, changes in olfactory perception during pregnancy may affect the health of the mother and fetus (Boesveldt & Parma, 2021).
Aromatherapy, which utilizes essential oils during pregnancy to enhance both physical and emotional well-being, holds particular promise for pregnant women. Changes in olfactory sensitivity and smell preferences during pregnancy can make aromatherapy with pregnancy-safe essential oils a valuable tool in promoting relaxation and overall wellness.
While aromatherapy can be a tempting option for pregnancy discomforts, navigating essential oils during this time requires caution. Many oils can be harmful to a developing fetus. It is crucial to consult a doctor before using any essential oils, even those generally considered safe. However, some options may be suitable with medical guidance. These include lavender oil, known for its calming properties, which may help promote relaxation during pregnancy. Ginger oil can potentially ease nausea, a common first-trimester complaint.
Remember, even these require dilution with a carrier oil and proper inhalation methods. It is important to listen to your body and discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Always prioritize consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice on essential oil use during pregnancy.
While some essential oils may not be recommended during pregnancy, calming scents like lavender oil can be a helpful option when used with caution. Inhaling lavender oil for pregnancy can significantly lower anxiety and stress levels by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.
This natural approach not only supports emotional balance but also enhances overall relaxation during pregnancy. Research suggests that essential oils containing compounds like linalyl acetate and linalool can improve mood states and enhance parasympathetic nerve activity, potentially offering benefits for maternal mental health.
Citrus aurantium essential oil has shown promising results in enhancing sleep quality for pregnant women experiencing sleep disturbances. By inhaling this oil regularly, pregnant women can potentially alleviate insomnia and enhance their rest, contributing to better maternal health and well-being.
Aromatherapy using oils like peppermint and ginger has been effective in mitigating pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Inhaling these oils can help manage these common discomforts, providing relief that supports maternal comfort and daily functioning.
Orange blossom aromatherapy provides pregnant women with natural mood enhancement and stress reduction. Inhaling its calming scent promotes emotional balance and resilience, which is particularly beneficial during the third trimester. This non-pharmacological approach offers a safe, cost-effective, and noninvasive method to manage mood, aligning with the preferences for complementary therapies among expectant mothers.
Understanding the preferences and sensitivities to scents, especially during pregnancy with its heightened sense of smell, can significantly enhance the well-being and comfort of expecting mothers. While individual preferences vary widely, certain scents like citrus, lavender, and vanilla are generally well-received for their calming and soothing effects. Partners, caregivers, and healthcare providers can be mindful of these preferences, as scents play a crucial role in alleviating nausea, reducing stress, and promoting a positive sensory experience. This is especially important during the first trimester when many women experience hyperosmia, a heightened sense of smell. As hormonal levels stabilize postpartum, these sensitivities often diminish. By adapting to these changing sensitivities and preferences, we can support maternal health and ensure a more enjoyable pregnancy journey for all.
Dr. Preethi is the Head of Research and Development at Vitabae India Labs Pvt. Ltd. and Different Hair Pvt. Ltd., Chennai. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Anna University, specializing in bio template-assisted doped mesoporous Titania, and has both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
At Vitabae, Dr. Preethi advances high-quality, plant-based supplements, leveraging her expertise in chemical processes to ensure safety, efficacy, and superior quality.
Previously, she was an Assistant Professor at S.D.N.B. Vaishnav College, where she conducted extensive research on nanomaterials and bio-waste materials, publishing numerous papers. Her leadership as President of the Institution's Innovation Council and her role as an Innovation Ambassador at the Ministry of Education, India, underline her commitment to innovation.
Dr. Preethi has received multiple awards for her work and is recognized as a research supervisor by Madras University. Her leadership at Vitabae ensures the highest standards in product quality and efficacy, enhancing maternal health through scientifically backed solutions.
Cameron, E. L. (2014). Pregnancy and olfaction: a review [Review]. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00067
Nordin, S. (2004). A longitudinal descriptive study of self-reported abnormal smell and taste perception in pregnant women. Chemical Senses, 29(5), 391–402. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjh040
Stevenson, R. J. (2009). An initial evaluation of the functions of human olfaction. Chemical Senses, 35(1), 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjp083
Boesveldt, S., & Parma, V. (2021). The importance of the olfactory system in human well-being, through nutrition and social behavior. Cell & Tissue Research/Cell and Tissue Research, 383(1), 559–567. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-020-03367-7
Mohammadi, F., Moradi, M., Niazi, A., & Jamali, J. (2022). The Impact of Aromatherapy with Citrus Aurantium Essential Oil on Sleep Quality in Pregnant Women with Sleep Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), 10(3), 160–171. https://doi.org/10.30476/ijcbnm.2022.92696.1900
Killgore, W. D. S. (1999). The Visual Analogue mood scale: Can a Single-Item scale accurately classify depressive mood state? Psychological Reports, 85(3_suppl), 1238–1243. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1999.85.3f.1238
Hajibagheri, F., Fahami, F., & Valiani, M. (2024). The effects of aromatherapy on the mood state and resilience of pregnant women: A clinical trial. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1794_22
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