Body odor during pregnancy is a rather unpleasant surprise for many pregnant women. With the increase of hormones and other physical changes, a sudden smelly body can be an upsetting thing.
Dealing with body odor during pregnancy
Have you noticed a strange smell coming from your body lately? Or maybe you're just noticing that you don't smell like yourself.
As your baby grows, he or she will be taking up more space in your uterus, and this can cause it to expand. This expansion can lead to fluid retention, which can also make your body feel fuller and heavier. As a result, smells that were normally masked by other odors will now start to stand out.
Common body odor during pregnancy
Body odor during pregnancy is a normal occurrence. As your body changes and your hormones fluctuate, you may start to notice a change in the way you smell. It can be difficult, especially with morning sickness, fatigue, or other symptoms.
Here are some of the commonly experienced types of body odor during pregnancy:
- Vaginal odor
- Bad breath
- Foul tummy gas
- Stinky hair
What are the causes of body odor during pregnancy?
The changes that come with pregnancy can be a hard pill to swallow. Many pregnant women experience bad body odor as early as the first 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Body odor is a normal thing when someone starts to change. It's easier to understand than you might think at first. Believe it or not, there are five sources of smelly smells that are not related to hygiene habits.
1. Hormonal changes
When you're pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes. One of the most common (and least talked-about) changes is an increase in sweat production. It's because of hormones, which make your body temperature rise and sweat increase.
While this increased sweating can be annoying, it can also lead to body odor. The combination of sweat and bacteria on the skin causes it too. The extra work it takes to grow a baby can lead to an increase in sweating.
All this extra sweat can lead to body odor during pregnancy if it isn't managed well.
2. Increased blood flow and heart rate
When you are anxious, your heart rate and blood flow increase. sweat can build up in your armpits and feet. This can lead to foot odor and body odor in other parts of your body as well.
The extra blood flow means that your body temperature is higher, which can make you sweat more. The increased heart rate also means that your body is working harder. This might lead to an increase in your body's sweat, which can cause you to smell bad.
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3. Food you eat
4. Changes in medications
5. Stress and anxiety
How can you prevent or reduce body odor during pregnancy?
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with breathable fabrics.
- Change your clothes more often.
- Make sure your deodorant or antiperspirant is safe for pregnant women.
- Shower after you exercise.
- Wash once a day with antibacterial soap.
- Apply a cream or powder to absorb sweat in problem areas.
- Speak with your healthcare provider.
Body odor during pregnancy: When should you be concerned?
How to reduce body odor after pregnancy
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore
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