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Changes in olfactory function in pregnancy and postpartum.

N Ochsenbein-Kölble1, R von Mering, R Zimmermann

  • 1Obstetric Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. nicole.ochsenbein@usz.ch <nicole.ochsenbein@usz.ch>

International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
|March 6, 2007
PubMed
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Pregnancy alters olfactory function, with pregnant women showing a decreased odor threshold later in pregnancy and postpartum. Subjective sensitivity increased, but objective measures revealed changes in odor perception.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Human Physiology
  • Sensory Science

Background:

  • Olfactory perception plays a crucial role in human behavior and physiology.
  • Pregnancy involves significant hormonal and physiological changes that may impact sensory processing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate longitudinal changes in olfactory performance during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
  • To compare objective olfactory function and subjective sensitivity between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study design involving 38 pregnant women and 46 non-pregnant controls.
  • Olfactory function assessed at multiple time points during pregnancy (12, 21, 36 weeks) and postpartum (7 weeks).
  • Evaluation of odor threshold, discrimination, identification, intensity, and hedonic tone.

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Main Results:

  • A decreased odor threshold was observed in pregnant women by 36 weeks of gestation, persisting postpartum.
  • No significant differences in odor discrimination or identification capacity were found.
  • Pregnant women reported higher subjective olfactory sensitivity than controls, despite objective decreases in odor threshold.

Conclusions:

  • Pregnancy is associated with significant alterations in olfactory performance, particularly a reduced odor threshold.
  • Changes in hedonic odor ratings suggest a potential embryo-protective mechanism.
  • Discrepancies between subjective and objective olfactory function may stem from altered cognitive processing of chemosensory information during pregnancy.