What Happens When a Pregnant Woman Smells Perfume?
Studies have shown that linalool, a component rich in perfumes or other fragrances, can induce depression, dismay, and even life-threatening conditions. If pregnant women continuously breathe "secondhand scent", they have a nearly twice higher chance of developing depression than other pregnant women. Therefore, it is best for pregnant women to avoid smelling perfumes.
Generally, the stimulating perfume smell that comes from somewhere else on the body or in the surrounding environment is called "secondhand scent". Many people, especially in enclosed environments, may experience allergic reactions to "secondhand scent". The strong and stimulating odor can easily cause symptoms such as dizziness, tears, and throat pain for both the person spraying the perfume and the person inhaling the secondhand scent. Prolonged exposure to such an environment is not conducive to the health of pregnant women and their fetuses. During pregnancy, having a good living environment is beneficial for the growth and development of the fetus. It is best to avoid environments with noise, unpleasant odors, etc., to prevent discomfort symptoms.
The reason why pregnant women should not use perfumes is not due to the presence of alcohol in the perfume but because most perfumes contain musk. Musk can directly lead to miscarriage in severe cases, and long-term exposure to a musk-filled environment can easily lead to fetal malformations.
During the late stages of pregnancy, expectant mothers may sometimes experience lower abdominal pain due to false contractions during nighttime rest. This pain usually lasts only for a few seconds with intervals of several hours and is not accompanied by a feeling of falling. The symptoms usually ease during the day. However, if an expectant mother suddenly feels persistent severe lower abdominal pain, it could be a sign of premature birth or uterine rupture. In such cases, immediate medical attention is recommended, and delaying seeking treatment is not advisable.
Near the end of pregnancy, as the fetus moves further into the pelvic cavity, the sense of pressure on the gastrointestinal tract decreases, and appetite may increase again. Expectant mothers in the late stages of pregnancy should increase their intake of protein, trying to consume more animal protein and soy-based foods. They should also consume an appropriate amount of essential fatty acids and eat some animal liver to supplement iron.