Why do pregnant women have a heightened sense of smell?

Question

Is it to have a heightened sense of danger to protect herself and her child from danger? Like in caveman days she could smell danger? Or the smell of old food makes her gag so she doesn't get food poisoning?

And what are your sources, please.

Answer 1

ooh wow i have never thougt about that but it sounds good if these are the reasons, im TTC#2  and i remember my first pregnancy was quite bad as i was really ill all the time so i dont like the person who invented it haha

Answer 2

pregnancy can make u sense weird things... like u said smelling more makes u more alert so u be more caustious

Answer 3

No one really knows why!  Some speculate that we're just more sensative to smells because of morning sickness, but I can smell everything even when I don't feel sick.  But I do like your theories about a woman using it to protect herself and unborn child.  I know if something smells off, I'm not going near it!

Answer 4

to get her ready for all the dirty diapers that will be coming soon