Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation—physically, emotionally, and yes, even sensorially. Many expectant mums are surprised to discover that their five senses become heightened, altered, or even completely unpredictable during pregnancy. You might suddenly sniff out a sausage roll two blocks away… or find that your favourite perfume now makes you gag.
In this article, we’ll explore how senses change in pregnancy, why it happens, which senses are most affected, what to look out for, and how to manage the discomfort with a little planning and a lot of kindness to yourself.
Why Do the Senses Change During Pregnancy?
Blame it (mostly) on hormones. During pregnancy, your body undergoes a massive hormonal surge—particularly in oestrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These chemical changes are essential for nurturing a growing baby, but they also influence your brain and nervous system in surprising ways.
Researchers believe these shifts serve an evolutionary purpose: to protect both mum and baby from potential dangers, like spoiled food or toxic substances. While this hypersensitivity might have helped our ancestors survive, it can make modern-day pregnancy a bit tricky to navigate at times.
The Most Common Sensory Changes in Pregnancy
1. Smell: The Super Sniffer Awakens
Heightened smell (also known as hyperosmia) is one of the earliest—and most intense—sensory shifts. You might suddenly pick up on the faintest whiff of onions, cleaning products, or body odour from across the room.
According to Verywell Health, while some scents may seem more pleasant, many are downright overwhelming. It’s also a major contributor to pregnancy nausea.
Things to look out for:
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Sudden nausea from everyday smells like coffee or petrol
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Aversions to your usual soaps, perfumes, or even your partner’s deodorant
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Sensitivity to food smells in enclosed spaces (looking at you, public transport)
Comfort tip: Keep a small jar of something soothing—like citrus balm or peppermint oil—in your bag to sniff when a bad smell hits. And switch to fragrance-free products at home if needed.
2. Taste: Food Cravings (and Disgusts) Galore
Ever craved pickles at 3 am? Or found your once-beloved avocado toast revolting? Changes in taste are common, and often go hand-in-hand with your altered sense of smell.
Some women report a metallic taste in the mouth (called dysgeusia), especially in early pregnancy. Others find sweet things taste sickly or bitter foods become oddly appealing.
Things to look out for:
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Intense cravings for salty, sweet, or sour foods
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Sudden aversions to once-loved dishes
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A metallic or “funny” taste in your mouth
Comfort tip: Keep pregnancy-safe mints or sugar-free gum handy. Small, bland meals more often can help settle taste-related nausea.
3. Sight: Subtle Shifts and Blurry Moments
While less dramatic than smell or taste, some women notice changes in their vision. Hormones and increased fluid retention can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
Things to look out for:
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Mild blurriness, especially later in the day
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Itchy or dry eyes
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Difficulty wearing contact lenses
If vision changes are sudden, severe, or come with swelling or headaches, consult your doctor as it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia RANZCOG.
Comfort tip: Keep hydrating eye drops in your hospital bag or daily carry-all. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, wear your glasses more often.
4. Touch: Skin Sensitivity & Temperature Fluctuations
Your skin may feel more sensitive to fabrics, temperatures, or even water pressure. This can be due to increased blood flow, hormonal changes, and your body’s general sensitivity.
Things to look out for:
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Tingling or “pins and needles” in hands and feet (especially at night)
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Irritation from fabrics or tags
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More intense reactions to heat or cold
Comfort tip: Choose soft, breathable clothing like our Three-Piece Maternity Pyjamas for bedtime or travel. They’re designed to feel like a second skin (without the itch or cling).
5. Hearing: Not Common, But Not Impossible
Some women report increased sensitivity to noise or feeling more startled by loud sounds. This is less common but still well within the realm of pregnancy weirdness!
Things to look out for:
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Feeling easily overwhelmed in noisy environments
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Heightened irritation at background noise
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Needing more quiet time to decompress
Comfort tip: Don’t hesitate to say no to events or outings that feel overstimulating. Carry earplugs or noise-cancelling earbuds in your bag for moments when silence is golden.
What to Pack When Your Senses Are Changing
Whether you’re heading out for the day or going away for the weekend, having a few sensory-friendly items on hand can make all the difference:
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Fragrance-free skincare – Opt for gentle, unscented products to avoid overwhelming your nose or skin.
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Magnesium Body Cream – Our Sleepybelly Magnesium Cream is a godsend for soothing sensitive skin and easing those tense muscles (and it’s low scent!).
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Hydrating mist or eye drops – Perfect for long flights, dry rooms, or just a refresh.
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Soft, breathable layers – Sensory shifts can make you feel hot, cold or itchy. Pack clothing that moves with your body and calms your skin.
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Comfort snacks – Keep bland crackers, mints, or low-sugar lollies nearby for sudden nausea or taste weirdness.
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Aromatherapy balm or essential oils – Choose a scent you love to help counteract any yucky odours you encounter on the go.
When to Chat With Your Doctor
Most sensory changes are harmless (albeit annoying), but if anything feels extreme or worrying, it’s always best to speak with your care provider.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
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Sudden or severe changes in vision
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Persistent metallic taste or inability to eat
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Skin tingling or numbness that doesn’t go away
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Sensory symptoms paired with swelling, headaches, or high blood pressure
You know your body best—and your healthcare team is there to support you through every unexpected twist and turn.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weirdness
Pregnancy is one of the only times in life when it’s totally normal to cry over burnt toast, gag at the smell of shampoo, and crave Vegemite on ice cream—and honestly, we kind of love that for you.
Your senses are doing their job: protecting your baby, signalling changes, and nudging you to slow down and nurture yourself a little more.
So whether you’re suddenly sleeping with an eye mask, carrying eucalyptus balm in your handbag, or switching to the blandest cereal on earth—know that it’s all part of the wild, wonderful ride.
Looking for more ways to stay comfy and calm during pregnancy? Explore our Sleepybelly.com.au blog or discover our range of bump-supporting, sleep-loving essentials trusted by mums across the globe.
