Changes in olfactory function with several pregnancies?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether olfactory performance decreases as a function of the number of pregnancies, previous research having indicated that olfactory function decreases in the course of pregnancy.


METHODS
In a prospective study three groups of women were investigated (total n = 93), women who have given birth to no children (group 0), to one child (group 1), and to two or three children (group 2). Olfactory function was assessed using the "Sniffin' Sticks" kit.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in olfactory function between the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
While pregnancy is typically accompanied by changes in olfactory performance, these alterations obviously do not translate into a long-lasting change in olfactory function dependent on the number of pregnancies.
Wohlgemuth
C
C
Department of Obstetrics, Univesity Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Beinder
E
E
Ochsenbein-Kölble
N
N
Hummel
T
T
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D000857:Olfaction Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D055696:Olfactory Perception; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012903:Smell; D055815:Young Adult