Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
Gustatory and olfactory function in the first trimester of pregnancy
N Kölble1, T Hummel, R von Mering
1Unit of Perinatal Physiology, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital, Frauenklinikstr. 10, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland. nicole.koelble@fhk.usz.ch
Objective:
To investigate gustatory and olfactory sensitivity in the first trimester of pregnancy using validated test kits.
Design:
Prospective study.
Setting:
Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
Population:
Total 53 pregnant women and 59 controls in a known phase of the menstrual cycle.
Method:
Gustatory sensitivity was assessed by requiring subjects to discriminate between four basic-taste tablets ('sweet', 'salty', 'sour', and 'bitter'). Olfactory testing was performed using the 'Sniffin' sticks' kit. Subjects rated the intensity and hedonic tone of the four tastants and of 10 common odors.
Results:
Pregnant women had significantly lower overall gustatory sensitivity scores. There were no differences in olfactory sensitivity. However, pregnant women rated the odors 'rum', 'cigarette' and 'coffee' as more aversive than did non-pregnant women.
Conclusion:
Our data do not support the hypothesis of a generalized increase in chemosensitivity in early pregnancy. In terms of adaptive changes of the olfactory system may act as a sentinel to potentially harmful chemicals. In contrast, the gustatory system appears to retreat to allow a greater intake of electrolytes and a more widely sourced diet.
Related Concept Videos
Taste Buds and Receptors
Taste During Infancy
Gustation
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...
The Physiology of Taste
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...

