I couldn’t stand this smell…🤰🤢
I’ll go first, mines was the smell of my own home LOL. I am very much of a clean person but it wasn’t the smell of a dirty home but the smell of home cooked meals 🍳🥘 I could NOT stand the smell of all the condiments specially onions. Now 🧅 were definitely the smell that would make me puke!
I got to the point where I would wear a face mask while cooking or a cloth covering my nose because I just couldn’t deal with the smell. After cooking I would clean my home with pine sol, Clorox wipes, and finish it up with febreeze but for some odd reason I would pick up the smell while laying in bed. I was so miserable 😫 the first trimester has always been the hardest for me.
Oh my goodness, I totally get where you're coming from! Pregnancy smell aversions are no joke, and they can turn even your favorite scents into your worst nightmares. It's truly one of the most bizarre and often overlooked symptoms of early pregnancy. I remember thinking, 'Is this even real?' when certain smells suddenly became unbearable. For many of us *pregnant women*, especially in the *first trimester*, our sense of smell goes into overdrive, making us hyper-sensitive to everything. Doctors say it's likely due to the surge in hormones, particularly estrogen, which can make even faint odors seem incredibly strong and repulsive. What used to be a comforting aroma could instantly send you running for the bathroom! Like you, I couldn't stand the smell of certain foods cooking. For me, it was anything with garlic or frying meat – instant nausea! It felt like my kitchen had turned into a torture chamber. So, how do you cope when your own home smells like a no-go zone? Here are a few things I tried that might help other moms dealing with these intense *pregnancy smells*: Fresh Air is Your Best Friend: Open windows whenever possible, even if it's chilly. A good cross-breeze can do wonders to dispel lingering food odors. Scent Swaps: While some smells are terrible, others can be soothing. I found that fresh citrus scents like sliced lemons or oranges, or even a few drops of essential oils (like peppermint or ginger, always check with your doctor first!), could help to mask offensive odors or simply give my nose a break. Carrying a lemon wedge or a small cotton ball with a soothing scent in a plastic bag was a lifesaver for me when out and about. Delegate or Take-Out: If cooking is the trigger, and you have a partner or family member, consider asking them to handle the cooking, especially dishes with strong aromas. Don't be afraid to order take-out or stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods during this sensitive period. Cold Foods: Often, cold foods have less strong odors than hot ones. Think salads, sandwiches, or even just plain yogurt and fruit. These became staples for me when the thought of anything cooked was too much. Identify Triggers: Keep a mental note (or even a physical one!) of the specific smells that bother you most. Once you know your triggers, you can try to avoid them or minimize exposure. Masking Scents Safely: Like you mentioned wearing a mask, sometimes that's the only way to get through a necessary task! A bandana over your nose and mouth, or even dabbing a tiny bit of Vicks VapoRub (again, check with your doctor) under your nose, can create a barrier. Hydration: Sometimes, nausea from smells can be exacerbated by dehydration. Sipping on water or ginger ale might help settle your stomach. Remember, these intense smell aversions early pregnancy experiences are usually temporary and tend to ease up as you move into your second trimester. It's a tough phase, but you're not alone in feeling miserable! Share your own coping mechanisms – what smells made you want to run for the hills, and how did you deal with them? Connecting with other moms who understand can make all the difference.
I could not stand the smell of fried chicken and fried fish. But they were my favorite meals to eat 😂😂