It is common for individuals to notice a change in their body odor, particularly in the vaginal area, during pregnancy. This experience often causes concern, but it is usually a normal physiological symptom of gestation. The body undergoes dramatic shifts in chemistry and function to support the developing fetus. Understanding the biological reasons behind these smells helps determine if they are normal or indicate an underlying issue.
Physiological Changes That Alter Scent Perception
The perception of odor during pregnancy involves both a change in the body’s natural aromas and a notable shift in the individual’s sense of smell. Hormonal fluctuations are a primary driver of physical changes, with elevated estrogen and progesterone influencing the reproductive tract. These hormones increase blood flow to the pelvic region, which can intensify the body’s natural scents, making them more noticeable.
The volume of normal vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea, increases significantly during pregnancy. This thin, milky-white fluid is a protective mechanism, helping to prevent infections from traveling up the vagina toward the uterus. While this discharge is typically mild-smelling or neutral, the increased quantity means a more constant presence of moisture and odor on underwear and the vulva.
A phenomenon known as hyperosmia involves a heightened sense of smell in the pregnant person’s own olfactory system. About two-thirds of pregnant women report this increased sensitivity, often finding previously neutral odors overwhelming or unpleasant. This means a person may perceive their normal, mild body odor as much stronger than they did before pregnancy. This heightened sensitivity is often linked to the surge in estrogen and typically begins in the first trimester.
Infections That Cause Strong or Unpleasant Odors
While many scent changes relate to normal physiology, a strong or unpleasant odor often signals a change in the vaginal microbiome that requires attention. Pregnancy naturally shifts the vaginal environment, making it more susceptible to imbalances in bacteria and yeast. This makes infections like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections more common, particularly in the second trimester.
Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, leading to an imbalance in the vaginal flora. The most common symptom is a thin, grayish-white discharge accompanied by a distinctly “fishy” odor. This smell often becomes more pronounced after sexual intercourse. BV affects an estimated 10% to 30% of pregnant individuals and is associated with risks like preterm labor if left unaddressed.
Yeast infections, or candidiasis, are frequent during pregnancy because elevated estrogen increases the sugar content in vaginal secretions, providing a favorable environment for yeast. The discharge from a yeast infection is thick, white, and often described as having a cottage cheese-like consistency. The odor is usually distinct from BV, sometimes described as yeasty or bread-like, and is accompanied by itching, irritation, and burning.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms and Seeking Medical Advice
It is important to differentiate between the normal scent changes of pregnancy and those that indicate an infection requiring medical treatment. Any odor that is persistent, strong, or accompanied by other symptoms warrants a call to a healthcare provider. The presence of pain, burning, or itching in the genital area suggests inflammation or infection, not just a hormonal change.
Changes in discharge appearance are also a sign to seek consultation. Normal leukorrhea is thin and milky white, so any discharge that is green, gray, or yellow is considered abnormal. Similarly, a sudden increase in discharge, or a persistent fishy smell, requires a clinical evaluation, as BV and other infections need diagnosis and treatment. Practicing gentle hygiene, such as wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding harsh soaps, can support a healthy vaginal environment, but this does not replace the need for medical advice.