As much as 66% of women experience a change in their sense of smell during pregnancy. This heightened sense of smell can also present itself in more than one way. While some women find themselves unexpectedly drawn to certain smells, others are suddenly repulsed by a range of aromas, including ones they deemed pleasant prior to the pregnancy. As frustrating as your new heightened sense of smell may be, all hope is not lost, and there are a number of things you can do to make your pregnancy more enjoyable.

Surround yourself with pleasant smells

One of the most effective ways to compensate for your heightened sense of smell is to actively surround yourself with smells you enjoy. If the smell of freshly-brewed coffee makes you feel good, ensure you have a pot brewing in your kitchen. You can also try and experiment with various scents such as lemon, ginger and mint, which are known to not only be well-tolerated by pregnant women, but can help ease morning sickness as well. Scented candles can also be used to fill your home with a wonderful aroma that does not leave you feeling queasy. Spoil yourself with a vanilla or coffee-scented woodwick candle, which will not only help settle your stomach but help you relax, as it mimics the sound of a crackling fire while it burns.

Clean out your fridge

One of the biggest smell-related triggers for pregnant women is food. When cooking, try to keep the kitchen ventilated, and consider wearing a face mask if you are particularly sensitive. Strong-smelling foods like onion, cauliflower, cabbage, fish, and some cheeses can activate an unpleasant physical reaction, and might best be avoided until the smell sensitivity subsides. It may also be a good idea to make sure that your fridge is as odor-free as possible at all times. Seal any food items with a strong odor in air-tight packaging, and dispose of anything reaching its sell-by date immediately. Clean your fridge on a regular basis, and place a cup of baking soda in it to help neutralize any unpleasant odors.

Ensure that your house is well ventilated

The easiest way to rid your home of any smells that may make you feel ill or uncomfortable is by opening the windows. Fresh air is great at banishing unwanted smells, and will also leave your indoor air considerably cleaner. Even if it is cold outside, try to open your windows for at least half an hour a day to allow fresh air to circulate. This is particularly important when you are busy cooking or using any product with a strong smell, such as cleaning detergents or beauty products. It may, of course, also be a good idea to steer clear of any strong-smelling products completely, and opt for more natural alternatives.

A heightened sense of smell affects many pregnant women. Thankfully, following a few basic guidelines can make it a lot easier to handle any sensory overloads you may experience while you’re expecting.