🌸My Pregnancy Experience with Smells: The Struggle & What Worked For Me

Pregnancy is such a beautiful experience—but it comes with stealthy challenges that nobody ever quite prepares you for. For me, one of the hardest things wasn't the body changes or fatigue. It was something nobody ever ever talks about: my sensitivity to odors.

From around 3–6 months of pregnancy, I couldn't handle practically any odor. Perfume, moisturizer, shower gel, even soap—whatever, it just felt too much. 😣 Going anywhere or seeing friends and family was too much. When a person walked into a room smelling of perfume or scented moisturizer lotion, I literally couldn't breathe—no joke! It made attending social gatherings, parties, even just making drop-by visits really stressful.

I mentioned it to my doctor, but since it was a hormonal transition, there wasn't much of an answer—except not to use scents so much as I was able. Nature is truly wonderful, and especially during pregnancy, but then at that particular time it was more of a struggle than a miracle.

🌿 Goodbye Scents, Hello Unfragranced Products

To cope, I completely switched out all the products in my house to fragrance-free ones. Even my husband switched up his shower gel and deodorant (lol, he was such a great sport!).

These are the fragrance-free products that got me through those tough months:

• Aveeno Fragrance-Free Body Lotion

• Seaweed Bath Co. Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Conditioner

• Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Bar Soap (Baby Unscented)

• Dr. Bronner's Unscented Castile Soap (for hand soap + household cleaning)

• Seventh Generation Liquid Dishwasher Detergent (Unscented)

• ECOS Free & Clear Laundry Detergent

• All Free & Clear Laundry Detergent (yes, we still use this today too!)

• Native Deodorant (I was using the light essential-oil-based one back then, but now they even have a 100% unscented one 🙌)

Switching to fragrance-free products gave me so much relief. It didn't solve all problems—I still struggled with being around people who used perfume—but at least my home became my haven. 🏡✨

💡 What I Learned

Looking back, I realize that the hardest part wasn't the smells—it was not admitting out loud my struggle. I did not want to tell friends and family because I did not want them to be offended if I asked them not to wear perfume or scented lotion around me. Instead, I avoided invitations and social gatherings whenever possible.

If I may leave one thing to mamas passing through this: tell the truth about what you require. 💖 Your loved ones understand, and it's much less hurtful than suffering silently.

Pregnancy is enchanting, but at times, it can be challenging. You owe it to yourself to make this journey a little less hurtful.

🤰 Insights for Mamas

If you're struggling with odors during pregnancy, let's get this straight: you are not alone, mama. 💕🌸 I changed to fragrance-free everything, and it was a game-changer for me. Being honest with loved ones and friends can help make the journey much easier.

Pregnancy will be difficult, but with support, understanding, and some preparation, you can still enjoy yourself this time of year. You've got this! 💪✨

📚 Resources Helpful for Moms

• American Pregnancy Association: Coping with Pregnancy Symptoms

• March of Dimes: Common Pregnancy Symptoms