Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: nudephil on 19/08/2020 14:54:27

Title: Why could I not stand the smell of food while pregnant?
Post by: nudephil on 19/08/2020 14:54:27

Sarah sends us this:

Throughout my pregnancy I was unable to enter a room if someone was cooking. On a number of occasions I was able to cook food whilst trying not to smell it; if I did smell it then it had to go in the bin and I couldn’t eat it. Why?

Can anyone answer?

Title: Re: Why could I not stand the smell of food while pregnant?
Post by: Kryptid on 19/08/2020 16:00:30

I recall reading somewhere that certain chemicals in some foods that are harmless to adults can actually be dangerous to a fetus. The aversion to certain food scents is therefore likely an adaptation to prevent such chemicals from harming fetal development.

Title: Re: Why could I not stand the smell of food while pregnant?
Post by: evan_au on 19/08/2020 22:59:22

The other side of this is "food cravings" - an overwhelming desire to eat unusual foods when pregnant.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_craving#Pregnancy