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- Title
Changes in olfactory function in pregnancy and postpartum
- Authors
Ochsenbein-Kölble, N.; von Mering, R.; Zimmermann, R.; Hummel, T.; Ochsenbein-Kölble, N
- Abstract
Abstract: Objective: To track changes in olfactory performance during pregnancy and the postpartum. Methods: In a prospective study the olfactory function of 38 pregnant women was assessed at about 12, 21, and 36 weeks of pregnancy and 7 weeks after delivery. A control group of 46 nonpregnant women were also asked to rate the intensity and hedonic tone of 10 “natural” odors. Results: There was no difference in olfactory performance between the women in the first trimester of pregnancy and the controls, but at approximately 36 weeks of pregnancy the pregnant women experienced a decreased odor threshold compared with the nonpregnant controls, and this decrease was still present after delivery. There was no significant difference between the groups in capacity for odor discrimination or odor identification. “Objective” decreases were observed even though pregnant women rated their olfactory sensitivity significantly higher than the controls. Although the 2 groups did not differ with regard to intensity ratings of the 10 “natural” odors, there were differences with regard to the hedonic ratings. Conclusion: Pregnancy is accompanied by changes in olfactory performance. Changes in hedonic odor ratings indicate a potential embryo-protective mechanism. The discrepancy between “objective” and “subjective” olfactory function may relate to changes in the cognitive processing of chemosensory information during pregnancy.
- Subjects
SMELL disorders; PUERPERAL disorders; PREGNANT women; PREGNANCY; LONGITUDINAL method; DURATION of pregnancy; PUERPERIUM; SMELL
- Publication
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2007, Vol 97, Issue 1, p10
- ISSN
0020-7292
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1016/j.ijgo.2006.12.009