Pregnancy and changes in smell: fragrance-free cosmetics

The first trimester of pregnancy represents a turning point in a woman’s life, as well as being the moment when the first symptoms of gestation appear, such as the common and annoying nausea, caused by a possible alteration of the sense of smell.

This change can in fact cause an intolerance towards a wide range of fragrances or a temporary alteration of personal tastes, making what until that moment was considered “pleasant scents” no longer so, or even perceived as annoying.

Hypersensitivity to odors during pregnancy

The medical term for olfactory sensitivity during pregnancy is pregnancy-related hyperosmia, and it is a consequence of the increase in hormone levels, in particular estrogen.

Pregnancy-related hyperosmia is considered a natural biological phenomenon, one of the most common symptoms experienced during pregnancy, which however makes the mother’s relationship with food and other substances, such as detergents or cosmetics, more complicated.

Researchers believe that at the origin of this condition there is a dual purpose:

1. protective.

The woman instinctively distances herself from things that could be harmful and dangerous for her and her baby.

2. Evolutionary.

The heightened sense of smell is a natural and biological adaptation that generally occurs among all mammals, to allow olfactory recognition between the mother and the newborn baby.

Among the odors that are identified as the most intolerable we find:

• fish;
• meat;
• eggs;
• smoke;
• coffee;
• intense perfumes;
• chemical substances.

But these are only examples, the result of statistical findings; the development of altered smell during pregnancy is obviously extremely subjective and can involve the most varied scents.

In any case, not only foods are a source of discomfort during pregnancy, but the smell of some perfumes or cosmetics can also become unpleasant and worsen the condition of nausea and discomfort of the expectant mother.

Fragrance-free cosmetics

The onset of pregnancy-related hyperosmia must not however become an obstacle for women, who must of course continue to take care of their own body and their health and beauty.

The Unique Form has thought of these women by creating fragrance-free cosmetics, which can be used without repercussions on the olfactory and psychological well-being of new mothers.*

Taking care of the body as it changes throughout pregnancy is important to prevent and alleviate issues such as swollen legs, caused by water retention and which causes pain and heaviness, or dry skin, which can cause stretch marks and imperfections.

Fragrance-free cosmetics can therefore be the solution to problems of olfactory sensitivity, allowing pregnant women to care for their bodies without giving up the nutrients and well-being of specific creams, but also for those who have extremely delicate skin or who are looking for hypoallergenic solutions, to avoid allergies or irritations.

* Check for each individual product whether or not it is suitable for use during pregnancy.

Eg. ✅ Pregnancy or ❌ Pregnancy

Also read the article on the importance of proteins during pregnancy and on how to solve the problem of swollen legs