When you’re pregnant, you can anticipate numerous changes to your vagina, but some of the changes are quite subtle. You may have noticed increased discharge or swelling already, but does your vagina smell differently while pregnant? As it turns out, you are not imagining a new fragrance emanating from your nether regions.
It seems like a cosmic joke that a heightened sense of smell, along with a change in the scent of your vagina, is a pregnancy symptom, but there you go. “Pregnant women appear to have a more acute sense of smell. Numerous things, from foods to toiletries to body odor, smell differently or more strongly during pregnancy, “Obstetrics and Gynecology Your Doctors Online’s Kate Killoran, M.D., tells Romper. “Although scientific evidence is sparse, it is hypothesized that an enhanced sense of smell during pregnancy would be an evolutionary advantage. It would assist the pregnant woman and her fetus in avoiding potentially harmful substances such as spoiled food.” Additionally, it appears to assist you in noticing a change in the way your vagina smells.
Other hypotheses have been tested, such as whether the hormone estrogen — which increases during pregnancy — could be a factor in this enhanced sense of smell. A 2018 study published in the World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology debunked that notion with a simple fact: Hormone levels continue to rise throughout pregnancy, and thus the sense of smell becomes more acute, not less, as pregnancy progresses. Hormones, on the other hand, are responsible for the change in smell down below.
“Hormones regulate so many aspects of our bodily experiences — from our temperature to our mood, and yes, even our odor,” OB-GYN Dr. Mary Jacobson tells Romper. “When women notice a difference in the smell of their vagina during pregnancy, it is frequently due to the woman’s own sense of smell. For example, the smell and taste of certain foods can change dramatically during pregnancy.”
While a distinct scent is normal, excessive itching, burning, redness, or strange discharge are not and may indicate a yeast infection. “If the smell is accompanied by itching, burning, or unusual redness or texture, this is a sign that something is wrong with the patient’s health. Consult your physician regarding the possibility of infection “According to Jacobson. Unfortunately, as the Mayo Clinic notes, yeast infections are more prevalent during pregnancy than at any other point in your life, owing to the increased estrogen levels, so be extra vigilant.
If you notice a distinct vaginal odor, but it is more fishy or foul in nature, you may have bacterial vaginosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, bacterial vaginosis, or vaginal inflammation, can be treated with medication prescribed by your doctor and is frequently caused by a change in your pH balance. (Again, thanks, pregnancy.) Whether or not you are pregnant, an unpleasant odor combined with foamy yellow or green discharge may indicate a sexually transmitted disease such as trichomoniasis or gonorrhea, Parents reports. Chlamydia can also cause a foul odor, so consult your doctor if you’re experiencing odor along with other symptoms.
However, avoid becoming overly concerned with the smell of your vagina if you are experiencing no other symptoms such as itching, redness, or painful urination. According to Killoran, it’s most likely that pregnancy is causing your vagina to smell differently. “While some women may have a vaginal infection that alters the smell of the vagina, the change in smell is more than likely due to pregnancy-related changes,” Killoran says.
And resist the urge to “fix” any new scent. You should avoid any products that claim to alter the scent or pH balance of your vagina. “I advise against douching or using scented products, as both can result in bacterial vaginosis and inflammation in an already highly sensitive area that is capable of self-cleaning. BV is associated with an increased risk of preterm labor and delivery “According to Jacobson. “As long as women prioritize basic hygienic practices such as cleaning the vaginal area with warm water and gentle soap and removing tight and/or sweaty clothing following exercise to allow the area to breathe, there is no reason to be concerned about the smell.”
Killoran concurs, telling Romper that once an infection is ruled out, he should simply allow his vagina to develop its new scent. “As long as the vaginal flora is normal, little else needs to be done.” The vaginal flora is the bacteria that live in and help maintain the health of the vagina. When everything is under control, it produces lactic acid and other substances that prevent yeast and other undesirables from taking over.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that your vagina’s pH balance is not the only factor that can affect the scent of your vagina. If you’ve been on a long walk, sweat may impart a new scent on you, or if you’re wearing too-tight underwear, it may alter your body’s aroma. However, do not be alarmed. It is perfectly normal for your vagina to smell pregnant, as long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms indicative of infection.
Experts:
- Dr. Mary Jacobson, M.D., OB-GYN and chief medical director at Alpha Medical
- Dr. Kate Killoran, OB-GYN of Your Doctors Online